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Career Details :: Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Description
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Experience
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks
- Tightens loose bolts, using wrench, and tests circuits and connections by opening and closing gate.
- Inspects and tests gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment, such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
- Maintains high tension lines, de-energizing lines for power company as repairs are requested.
- Cleans lenses of lamps with cloths and solvent.
- Inspects batteries to ensure that batteries are filled with battery water or to determine need for replacement.
- Lubricates moving parts on gate crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.
- Tests air lines and air cylinders on pneumatically operated gates.
- Replaces defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
- Inspects electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates to detect loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
- Installs and inspects switch-controlling mechanism on trolley wire and switch in bed of track bed, using hand tools and test equipment.
- Compiles reports indicating mileage or track inspected, repairs made, and equipment requiring replacement.
- Tests signal circuit connections, using standard electrical testing equipment.
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Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, Material
- Repairing & Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Repairing & Maintaining Electrical Equipment
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Outdoors
- Hazardous Conditions
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.