Inspections During Operations

Inspections During Operations.

a. Locomotive Inspection and Setup. Prior to accepting a locomotive for service, the

engineer shall complete a daily operator inspection. This visual inspection shall include a walk

around the locomotive, a check of on-board components and fluid levels, and check for leaks or

other unusual conditions after locomotive engine startup. (Specific engine start requirements

such as opening test cocks on EMD engines and manually turning the engine to check for

liquid in the cylinders may be required.)

Before starting a work shift, the engineer shall ensure that the locomotive brakes are in safe and

suitable condition for service. The devices for regulating all pressures shall be properly

performing their functions, the brake valves shall work properly in all positions, and the water

shall be drained from the airbrake system.

The components listed below shall be inspected for operational worthiness. Engineers shall use

Form 1, LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION CHECKLIST. See Appendix B for an example of a

checklist that details the components to be checked. The Installation Commander may augment

this form to meet local requirements. If deficiencies are discovered, complete Form 4,

LOCOMOTIVE EXCEPT REPORT. See Appendix B. The LOCOMOTIVE

INSPECTION CHECKLIST and the LOCOMOTIVE EXCEPTION REPORT will be

turned in to the railroad supervisor. The supervisor shall report these deficiencies/defects to

maintenance.

Items 1 through 13 should be checked prior to engine start-up.

(1) Safety appliances, ladders, hand holds and fire extinguishers. During the walk-around

inspection before the engineer mounts the locomotive, the safety appliances shall be checked to

ensure that no unsafe conditions such as severely bent or missing hand holds, steps, etc., exist.

(2) Air brake hoses. Air hoses at each end of the locomotive shall be checked to ensure

they are serviceable. Missing or damaged items shall be replaced prior to using the locomotive

for service. See Figure 3-5 for examples of air hose defects and wear limits.

(3) Control hoses and (Multi-Unit) MU cables. For locomotives that will be used in MU

service, the condition of the main reservoir equalizing hose, actuating hose, and brake cylinder

equalizing hose on each end of the locomotive shall be checked. Missing or damaged hoses shall

be replaced. For locomotives that will be used in MU service, the condition of the MU

connections and cables shall be checked for any obvious defects.

(4) Locomotive engine oil level. After mounting the locomotive, but prior to locomotive

engine start-up the engine oil level shall be checked and filled if necessary. If the engine is not

equipped with a low oil shutdown system, this check is critical.

(5) Compressor oil level. The lubricating oil for the compressor shall be checked and

filled if necessary.

(6) Governor oil level. The governor oil level shall be checked and filled if necessary.

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