Job Description:

• 1) Inspects railroad cars for structural defects and tests mechanical equipment, such as brakes, airhoses, and couplings to ensure that they are in operating condition: Observes cars from elevated platform or from ground as cars roll by, or climbs aboard train to test equipment and to locate defects.

• 2) Examines car roofs, ice hatches, brake beams, doors, and floors for structural defects and obstructions.

• 3) Turns handwheel to test brakes and ascertain that they are in operating condition.

• 4) Inspects and tests airhoses for leakage.

• 5) Inspects wheel trucks for dragging equipment.

• 6) Opens journal boxes to determine that they are filled with grease.

• 7) Prepares reports on findings, indicating number of car and type of repair required.

• 8) May inspect electrical circuitry and recommend improvements or repairs to electrical operations.

• 9) May tag cars in need of immediate repairs.

• 10) May place lanterns or flags in front and rear of train to warn other workers that inspection is being performed.

• 11) May inspect locomotives.

• 12) May be designated according to type of car inspected as Passenger-Car Inspector.