The Duties of a Train Control and Signal Inspector

There is plenty of work to be done behind the scenes to ensure trains are able to operate correctly. One of the jobs with the most responsibility is that of a train control and signal inspector. They work hard to ensure the signals at all of the railroad crossings are working properly. This is to ensure the safety of those on the train as well as those attempting to cross in their path.

Regular maintenance and testing of all the different controls and signals for railway crossings need to be completed. Most of the time each inspector will have their own area they are responsible for. They also conduct additional testing when they receive information from the train crews, passengers in cars, or law enforcement that there may be problems with particular signals working correctly.

Train control and signal inspectors are also responsible for implementing safety training and education programs for their employees and for those who will be crossing the tracks. Many accidents involving trains can be eliminated if people have the right information about the risks involved in not paying attention to train crossings.

Since there are many intersections where there are signal lights but no rails that come down, people often try to beat the trains. The goal of these inspectors is to eliminate people taking such risks. As funding becomes available they make sure the new rails are installed at the most dangerous train crossings.

In order to base their training information on, train control and signal inspectors are often called to the scene of accidents to document their findings. All of this information is compiled to offer accurate data that can be used for intervention and prevention of future problems with train controls and signals.

As advances in technology allow, train control and signals are continually updated. An inspector in this role has to have the skills and training to keep up on this information. Most employers in the railway industry offer this ongoing training, but certification in various areas is required in order to secure such employment in the first place.

In addition, someone in this role needs to be in good physical condition. It can require long hours on the job in order to remedy potentially dangerous situations and to evaluate accident scenes. It can result in long walks along stretches of railroad tracks in the extreme heat or cold. In some areas, the train control and signal inspector will have to climb down into bridge areas to get to the mechanisms they need to test or repair.

These types of inspectors also have to be detail oriented because there is plenty of paperwork to complete on a regular basis. The demands of the job can be tough because you really never know how long a particular job is going to take. A routine inspection may turn into an all day event if things aren’t working as they should. Paying attention to the little things is very important because lives could be lost if the inspector doesn’t take the job seriously.

The role of a train control and signal inspector is very important. It allows numerous lives to be saved by ensuring the right equipment is in place and working correctly. They also offer training and education programs to make sure people are aware of the dangers of not obeying these signals. While this type of job is very challenging it also offers plenty of rewards to those who want to make trains save for everyone.

The rate of pay for a train control and signal inspector varies by location. It is generally a very high paying job though because of the amount of risk involved in being where the trains pass and being exposed to chemicals and other items during derailments or train wrecks. Most railway companies require an inspector to have a four year degree in some area of science as well as experience in the field of railroad technology.