Railroad inspectors ensure safe train operation by checking equipment, tracks, and communication devices. They may specialize in power and equipment or track inspection, and may require certification and post-secondary education. Inspectors investigate accidents and must be willing to travel.
Before a train can safely operate on any rail system, a railroad inspector will need to ensure that all equipment is working properly, all tracks are clear, all communication devices are being used efficiently, and all other operations are in good working order. are within safety guidelines or regulations. The railroad inspector must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of railroad procedures as well as any applicable laws. This official is usually employed by a government agency that regulates transport, although in some countries these agencies may not exist.
There may be more than one type of railroad inspector. A power and equipment inspector, for example, might focus exclusively on inspecting train engines and equipment on locomotives for compliance with local laws and regulations. A track inspector, on the other hand, will be responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of all tracks, signals, transfer devices and other components along a railway line. Both railway inspector positions focus on the safe operation of trains, but each inspector may be trained in different areas to ensure a thorough understanding of that specific task.
In many cases, no specific level of education is required to become a railroad inspector, but applicants with at least a high school education are generally preferred. Higher-level positions will require a candidate to have a college degree or some post-secondary training, and a job candidate may become a more valuable option if they have experience in some form of engineering. Work often focuses on mechanical processes and components, so a basic understanding of how these systems work can be especially valuable. Certification may be required to become a railroad inspector, although the specific requirements a candidate must meet vary by region.
When accidents do occur, it is likely that a railway inspector will be responsible for investigating the accident and writing a report summarizing any changes that need to be made. The inspector must be prepared to travel frequently and sometimes very far to inspect the tracks and resolve any problems along the rail system. This means the inspector must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. In some cases, the inspector may be subject to credit score queries as he will likely be entrusted with a company credit card intended for travel expenses. If the inspector works for a federal agency, he or she must meet other requirements that qualify him or her for federal employment.
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