Signal and Track Switch Repairers — Tasks

Task statements

• Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.
• Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
• Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
• Test and repair track circuits.
• Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
• Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
• Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.
• Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
• Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.
• Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.
• Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.