Cardinal Rules
A speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision.
What is Restricted Speed?
A movement approaching a switch from the front of the Switch Points.
What is a Facing Point Movement?
Often referred to as the brain of the air brake system.
What is the car control valve?
Walking around the end of standing equipment.
Maximum coupling speed.
What is 2 MPH?
Breaking the plane of rail cars or within 25' of either working ends of the train.
What is Red Zone?
2 hands + 1 foot or 1 hand and 2 feet + eye contact.
What is three points of contact?
Normal operating position of the air retainer valve.
What is the "EX" or Exhaust Position?
Performing a safety stop before a derail in the derailing position or the end of a stub track.
What is 150 feet?
The maximum amount of time a road crossing is permitted to be blocked.
What is 10 minutes?
Applying a sufficient number of hand brakes.
What is secured equipment?
Used at specific locations on the track to provide protection.
What is a derail?
Sill steps, Hand holds, Crossover platform are examples of these.
What are Safety Appliances?
Walking between two pieces of equipment.
What is 100 feet?
A fully charged brake pipe is at this PSI.
What is 90?
Equipment not left clear of two tracks converging point.
What is Fouling Tracks?
Used to notify switchmen that a rail car is being loaded or unloaded.
What is a blue flag?
The end of the railroad car,
which has the manual
hand brake.
What is the "B" end?
Working on a knuckle, drawbar or coupler.
What is 100 feet?
Maximum authorized operating speed.
What is 10 MPH?
Being in position to visually confirm clear track.
What is point protection?
Direction, Distance and Intent
What is D.D.I.?
Used to disconnect rail cars from one another.
What is the uncoupling lever?
Crossing in front of a train moving towards you.
What is 300 feet?
The only time a team member places both feet firmly on the ground inside the gauge.
What is adjusting a drawbar?