Railroad Switch Operator how-to
How to Give Car Counts by Radio
Counts keep shoves safe.
Quick answer
Counts keep shoves safe. In short: identify; give; count, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Identify yourself.
Give direction.
Count down cars.
Speak clearly.
Say stop clearly.
Confirm.
Safety reminders for railroad switch operators
- Never step between moving cars
- Use three-step protection
- Wear PPE
- Watch footing
Key terms
Switch · Lining a switch · Coupling · Knuckle · Air hose · Hand brake: see the full railroad switch operator glossary.