Profession train driver

Train drivers operate trains providing passenger or cargo transport services. They are responsible for driving the locomotive in safe manner, respecting all relevant safety, operational and communication regulations, and have full responsibility for the safety of passengers and cargo. The task involves cooperation and communication with the relevant staff under the infrastructure manager, as well as with staff on board the train.

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Train operating procedures

  The different practices, routines, and procedures regarding the safe operation of trains in order to prevent collisions, derailments, or unplanned exceeding of speed limits.

• Passenger transport regulations

  Have knowledge of passenger transport conventions and regulations.

• Track geometry

  Understand the 3D-geometry used for track layouts, and in the design and construction of railway infrastructure.

• Locomotive brake applications

  Understand the dynamics of locomotive brake applications.

• Physical characteristics of railways

  Familiar with all physical aspects of the railway, including train stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits.

Skills

• Shunt rolling stock in marshalling yards

  Shunt rolling stock to form trains in marshalling yards.

• Handle stressful situations

  Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.

• Communicate with customers

  Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.

• Shunt inbound loads

  Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains.

• Teach train driving principles

  Provide on-site trainings to trainees on how to operate and drive trains. Instruct them in theories and techniques on matters such as control panels, security signs, security measures, and procedures in train stations.

• Prepare freight shipment reports

  Compose and submit freight shipment reports. Include detailed information on freight conditions and freight handling; report problems if necessary.

• Focus on passengers

  Transport passengers to their destination in a safe and timely fashion. Provide appropriate customer service; inform passengers in the event of unexpected situations or other incidents.

• Mark differences in colours

  Identify differences between colours, such as shades of colour.

• Monitor train schedules

  Ensure train schedules are followed; trains should not leave the station too late or too early. Monitor and regulate train dispatch and arrival in order to avoid trains arriving either too late or too early.

• Ensure maintenance of trains

  Oversee train equipment maintenance and rail security.

• Shunt outbound loads

  Shunt outbound freight loads to and from inbound and outbound trains.

• Ensure safe arrival of trains

  Ensure safe arrival of trains at their destinations. Utilise practical knowledge to signal trains on the railway network in order to ensure operations run smoothly.

• Adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles

  Adapt weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles. Oversee the maximum load capacity of the vehicle in question and the weight of each individual crate in the shipment.

• Check train engines

  Ensure that train engines comply with regulations before commencing a journey.

• Stay alert

  Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.

• Follow signalling instructions

  Follow signalling instructions throughout the journey. Comprehend the technical language used by signallers and adhere to instructions given by them.

• Ensure trains run to schedule

  Ensure the timely arrival of trains at their destinations in compliance with railway schedules.

• Tolerate sitting for long periods

  Have the patience to remain seated for long periods of time; maintain an appropriate and ergonomic posture while sitting.

• Maintain concentration for long periods

  Stay concentrated over a long period of time in order to make correct judgements and appropriate decisions.

• Have a high level of safety awareness

  Ensure high levels of safety awareness; use personal protection equipment; communicate with staff members and provide advice on health and safety issues.

• Control train movement

  Control acceleration, braking, and overall operation of train in motion.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB