SAFETY INSPECTION OF CARS

        As a trainman, you already know that each freight car placed in a train must be inspected at the initial terminal or when added enroute.
        This safety inspection rule is outlined in Rule 1.33 of the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR).
        Cars must be checked for:

    • Leaning
    • Sagging
    • Improper position on the truck
    • Objects hanging or dragging from the car or extending from the side
    • Insecurely attached doors
    • Broken or missing safety appliances
    • Contents leaking from placarded hazardous material car
    • Insecure coupling device
    • Overheated wheel or journal
    • Broken or cracked wheel
    • Brake that fails to release
    • Any apparent hazard that could cause an accident

        Open top loads, including trailers and containers on flat cars, must be loaded safely.
        If width or height approaches clearance restrictions, movement must be cleared with the proper authority.
        A freight car with any defect that makes movement unsafe must be corrected or set out of the train.
        Be sure to report the same information to the train dispatcher who will deliver it into an automatic tracking system.
        If the car will continue movement in the train, subsequent train crews will be given information concerning the defective equipment in writing.
        The discussion of defective equipment should be part of a crew's job briefing.
        Often in performing your job, you not only need to inspect freight cars, but you must also be part of appropriate air brake tests. Inspections and air brake tests may be performed by a "Qualified Person" or by a "Qualified Mechanical Inspector".
        A "Qualified Person" refers to a trainman given fundamental training on freight car inspections and air brake tests.
        A "Qualified Mechanical Inspector" refers to a person, such as a carman, who has been given more extensive training that encompasses more detailed inspection and repairs.