Rail Yard Engineer how-to

How to Apply Three-Step Protection

Three-step protects crew between cars.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Three-step protects crew between cars. In short: stop; apply; center, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Stop the train.

  2. Apply brakes.

  3. Center the reverser.

  4. Confirm with the crew.

  5. Hold until clear.

  6. Resume on signal.

Safety reminders for rail yard engineers

  • Use three-step protection
  • Keep radio contact
  • Follow speed limits in yards
  • Wear PPE

Switching · Cut of cars · Shove · Coupling · Hump yard · Hostler: see the full rail yard engineer glossary.

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