Locomotive Mechanical & Safety Inspections Flashcards

Under FRA regulations, how often must a locomotive receive a Class IA inspection?

Answer: Every 92 days

FRA regulations require a Class IA inspection every 92 days for locomotives in service.

Which component must be tested before each locomotive departure to ensure safe brake application?

Answer: Automatic air brake system

A brake test of the automatic air brake system is required before each departure to confirm proper operation.

What is the minimum brake cylinder piston travel limit before corrective action is required on most freight locomotives?

Answer: 7 inches

FRA regulations specify that brake cylinder piston travel should not exceed 7 inches without corrective maintenance.

When inspecting locomotive wheels, a flat spot exceeding what length requires the unit to be removed from service?

Answer: 2½ inches

A wheel flat spot exceeding 2½ inches in length requires the locomotive to be removed from service per FRA rules.

What does a 'blue flag' displayed on a locomotive indicate?

Answer: Workers are on or under the equipment — do not move

A blue flag or blue light indicates that workers are on, under, or between equipment, and the locomotive must not be moved.

Which FRA regulation part specifically governs locomotive safety standards?

Answer: 49 CFR Part 229

49 CFR Part 229 establishes the railroad locomotive safety standards enforced by the FRA.

What action must an engineer take upon discovering a non-complying condition on a locomotive at an away-from-home terminal?

Answer: Report it and wait for authorization to operate or have the defect repaired

The engineer must report the defect and either wait for authorized permission to continue or have the defect corrected before proceeding.

A locomotive's dynamic brake is found inoperative. Under FRA rules, what restriction typically applies?

Answer: The locomotive may still operate but must be reported and handled per carrier rules

An inoperative dynamic brake must be reported, and the carrier's operating rules determine whether restricted operation is permitted.

What is the purpose of the locomotive's Sanders system during an inspection?

Answer: To deposit sand on rails for improved traction

The Sanders system deposits sand between the wheels and rail to increase adhesion during wheel slip or slippery rail conditions.

During a pre-departure inspection, a cracked front windshield is found on the engineer's side. What must happen?

Answer: The locomotive must be taken out of service or the windshield replaced before departure

FRA regulations require that safety-critical glazing on the engineer's side be free of cracks that impair vision; the unit must be removed from service or repaired.

Which gauge is used to measure locomotive wheel flange height during inspection?

Answer: Wheel flange gauge

A wheel flange gauge is the standard tool used to measure flange height and thickness to ensure wheels are within FRA limits.

What is the maximum allowable flange height for a standard freight locomotive wheel under FRA regulations?

Answer: 1½ inches

FRA regulations specify a maximum flange height of 1½ inches for standard freight locomotive wheels.

An engineer notices the locomotive's number one traction motor is cutting out intermittently. What is the correct procedure?

Answer: Report the defect in the locomotive book and notify the carrier for disposition

Any defect must be documented in the locomotive defect book and reported to the carrier for proper disposition per FRA rules.

What does 'bad order' status mean for a locomotive?

Answer: The locomotive is removed from service due to a defect requiring repair

A 'bad order' locomotive has been removed from service because it has a defect that must be repaired before it can return to revenue service.

Which component of the brake system is inspected to verify proper brake pipe leakage rate during a Class I brake test?

Answer: Brake pipe air flow meter

The brake pipe air flow meter (end-of-train or flow meter) is used to verify that brake pipe leakage does not exceed allowable limits during a Class I test.

How is a 'locomotive defect' defined under 49 CFR Part 229?

Answer: Any condition that does not comply with the requirements of Part 229

Under 49 CFR Part 229, a defect is any condition on the locomotive that fails to meet the regulatory requirements, regardless of operational impact.

What is the required minimum air pressure in the main reservoir before a locomotive departs on a freight train?

Answer: 130 psi

The main reservoir must be charged to at least 130 psi before departure to ensure adequate air supply for brake operations.

During inspection, an engineer finds the locomotive's alerter (dead man device) is non-functional. What must occur?

Answer: The locomotive must be removed from service or operated with a second crewmember per carrier rules

A non-functional alerter requires removal from service or specific operational restrictions such as requiring a second qualified crewmember.

What must be checked on locomotive fuel tanks during a safety inspection to prevent environmental violations?

Answer: For leaks, proper venting, and secure fittings

Fuel tanks must be inspected for leaks, proper venting, and secure fittings to prevent fuel spills that violate environmental and safety regulations.

Which lighting component is required to be operational on a locomotive during nighttime operations per FRA rules?

Answer: Front headlight, number lights, and cab lighting

FRA requires the front headlight, number lights, and sufficient cab lighting to be operational for safe nighttime locomotive operation.