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RailwayFollowing the required brake test procedures

The federal brake test rules require certain tests of the train, and the engineer follows the railroad's procedures for the safe use of train and engine brakes when those tests call for them. Operating without adhering to those procedures is one of the kinds of conduct that revoke a locomotive engineer's certificate, and train handling is a subject of both certification tests.

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Scenarios

  • A train that needs a Class I, Class IA, Class II, Class III or transfer train brake test under 49 CFR Part 232.
  • A train that needs a Class I, Class IA, Class II or running brake test under 49 CFR Part 238.
  • The skills test with a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers, in the most demanding service you will be allowed to work.

The steps

  1. Identify which brake test the movement requires under Part 232 or Part 238.
  2. Adhere to the railroad's procedures for the safe use of train and engine brakes that the test requires. Critical point
  3. Apply the railroad's equipment inspection and train handling practices, both subjects of the knowledge and skills tests.
  4. If called for service that would exceed the limitations of your certificate, immediately tell the railroad that you are not qualified for it.

Safety rules that stop the station

  • Operating a locomotive or train without adhering to the brake procedures those tests require is unlawful and revokes the certificate.
  • The railroad may not require a service that exceeds the limitations of the engineer's certificate.

To pass

  • The required brake test procedures followed on every movement that needs them.
  • The knowledge test is written, objective and closed book; the skills test is at the controls of the train, or of a Type I or Type II simulator, with a Designated Supervisor.
  • One incident revokes the certificate for 30 days; two within 24 months, 180 days; three within 36 months, one year; four within 36 months, three years.
  • Only conduct in the last 36 months counts, and one incident that breaks several rules counts as a single violation.

Official source

Federal · FRA, 49 CFR 240.117, 240.125, 240.127 and 240.305

49 CFR Part 240: Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers

The eCFR publishes 49 CFR Part 240 free: 240.305 lists the conduct that is unlawful for an engineer and 240.117 how long each case costs the certificate.

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