Rail Car Repairer how-to
How to Inspect a Freight Car Before Departure
Inspections prevent derailments.
Quick answer
Inspections prevent derailments. In short: check; check; check, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Check wheels for flat spots and cracks.
Check brake shoes.
Check couplers and draft gear.
Check safety appliances.
Check bearings.
Tag defects.
Safety reminders for rail car repairers
- Use blue flag protection
- Wear PPE
- Never step between moving cars
- Follow lockout rules
Key terms
Carman · Rolling stock · Coupler · Draft gear · Truck · Wheelset: see the full rail car repairer glossary.