Railroad Inspectors

Inspect railroad equipment, roadbed, and track to ensure safe transport of people or cargo.

Job Task

• Inspects signals and track wiring to determine continuity of electrical connections.
• Examines roadbed, switches, fishplates, rails, and ties to detect damage or wear.
• Examines locomotives and cars to detect damage or structural defects.
• Inspects and tests completed work.
• Operates switches to determine working conditions.
• Tests and synchronizes rail-flaw-detection machine, using circuit tester and hand tools, and reloads machine with paper and ink.
• Starts machine and signals worker to operate rail-detector car.
• Prepares reports on repairs made and equipment, railcars, or roadbed needing repairs.
• Tags rail cars needing immediate repair.
• Fills paint container on rail-detector car used to mark section of defective rail with paint.
• Directs crews to repair or replace defective equipment or to re-ballast roadbed.
• Places lanterns or flags in front and rear of train to signal that inspection is being performed.
• Seals leaks found during inspection that can be sealed with caulking compound.
• Replaces defective brake rod pins and tightens safety appliances.
• Notifies train dispatcher of railcar to be moved to shop for repair.
• Makes minor repairs.
• Packs brake bearings with grease.

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