LEC Safety Procedures and Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FRA hours of service laws, what is the maximum number of consecutive hours a freight train crew member may be on duty?
- 10 hours
- 12 hours (Correct answer)
- 14 hours
- 16 hours
Correct answer: 12 hours
The Federal Hours of Service Act limits freight train crews to 12 consecutive hours on duty before mandatory rest.
Question 2: A locomotive engineer must report which of the following conditions to the proper authority before operating the locomotive?
- A minor cosmetic scratch on the cab exterior
- Any physical or mental condition that may impair safe operation (Correct answer)
- A request for a different locomotive assignment
- A disagreement with crew scheduling
Correct answer: Any physical or mental condition that may impair safe operation
FRA regulations require engineers to self-disclose any physical or mental impairment that could affect safe locomotive operation.
Question 3: When two trains approach a railroad crossing from opposite directions, which train has the right of way?
- The heavier train
- The train traveling at higher speed
- The train specified by the timetable or dispatcher's authority (Correct answer)
- The train with the highest class designation always
Correct answer: The train specified by the timetable or dispatcher's authority
Right of way is determined by the operating authority (timetable, train order, or dispatcher instruction), not by train weight or speed.
Question 4: Under FRA regulations, which of the following is a mandatory brake test before a train departs on a trip?
- Dynamic brake test
- Initial terminal air brake test (Correct answer)
- Retainer valve setting test
- Locomotive cab signal test
Correct answer: Initial terminal air brake test
A full initial terminal air brake test is required before a train departs a terminal to verify that the brake system is properly functioning.
Question 5: If an engineer receives conflicting signals from a fixed block signal and an electronic cab signal, the engineer should:
- Obey the more restrictive indication (Correct answer)
- Obey the fixed wayside signal only
- Stop the train and contact dispatch
- Obey the cab signal only
Correct answer: Obey the more restrictive indication
When signals conflict, the engineer must always comply with the most restrictive indication to ensure maximum safety.
Question 6: A locomotive engineer observes a yellow flag displayed by a flagman ahead. This indicates:
- Stop immediately, do not pass
- Approach at reduced speed, be prepared to stop (Correct answer)
- Proceed at normal speed, flagman is just marking a crossing
- Sound horn and proceed without slowing
Correct answer: Approach at reduced speed, be prepared to stop
A yellow flag (caution) means reduce speed and be prepared to stop short of any obstruction ahead.
Question 7: What action is required when a locomotive engineer finds a switch in an unexpected position during a movement?
- Line the switch and continue
- Stop and verify the switch is properly lined and locked before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn and proceed slowly over the switch
- Report it after completing the movement
Correct answer: Stop and verify the switch is properly lined and locked before proceeding
An improperly positioned switch is a serious safety hazard; the engineer must stop and ensure the switch is correctly lined and locked before proceeding.
LEC Safety Procedures and Regulations 3
Under FRA hours of service laws, what is the maximum number of consecutive hours a freight train crew member may be on duty?