BNSF Conductor Final Exam Questions And Answers (Verified And Updated)
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Course
BNSF
Institution
BNSF
BNSF Conductor Final Exam Questions And Answers (Verified And Updated)
A track extending through yards and between stations
that must not be occupied without authority or
protection.
Main Track
A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs
trains entering and using that block.
B...
BNSF Conductor Final Exam Questions And
Answers (Verified And Updated)
A track extending through yards and between stations
that must not be occupied without authority or
protection.
Main Track
A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs
trains entering and using that block.
Block Signal
A notice containing track bulletin restrictions and other
conditions affecting train movement.
General Track Bulletin
A series of consecutive blocks governed by block
signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated
by a train or by certain conditions that affect the block
use.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
Two or more main tracks that are used according to the
timetable.
Multiple Main Tracks
Good Faith Challenge Rule 1.4.1A
Good Faith Challenge
A. Right to Challenge
Federal Regulations have provisions that allow an employee the right to challenge a directive which,
based upon the employee's good faith determination, would violate a railroad operating rule relating
to:
• Shoving movements.
• Leaving equipment foul of an adjacent track.
or
• Handling of hand-operated switches or fixed derails.
Good Faith Challenge Rule 1.4.1B
B. Good Faith Challenge Procedure
1. An employee may inform a supervisor issuing a directive that a good faith determination has been
made that the directive would violate a railroad operating rule relating to:
• Shoving movements.
• Leaving equipment foul of an adjacent track.
or
• Handling of hand-operated switches or fixed derails.
2. The supervisor will not require the employee to comply with the directive until the challenge is
resolved. The supervisor may:
• Require the challenging employee to perform other tasks not related to the challenge until the
challenge is resolved.
or
,• Direct an employee, other than the challenging employee, to perform the challenged task before
the challenge is resolved. Employee so directed will be informed of the challenge, and determine that
the challenged task does not violate the rules.
Good Faith Challenge Rule 1.4.1C
C. Resolving Good Faith Challenge
1. A challenge may be resolved by one of the following:
• The supervisor's acceptance of the employee's request.
• An employee's acceptance of the directive.
• An employee's agreement to a compromise solution acceptable to the person issuing the directive.
2. If the challenge cannot be resolved because the supervisor issuing the directive has determined
that the employee's challenge has not been made in good faith or there is no alternative to the direct
order, the railroad will:
• Provide immediate review by at least one manager, which must not be conducted bythe supervisor
issuing the challenged directive or that supervisor's subordinate.
• Resolve the challenge using the same options available for resolving the challenge as the initial
supervisor.
3. If the manager making the final decision concludes that the challenged directive would not cause
the employee to violate any requirement of the involved rules, the reviewing manager's decision shall
be final and not subject to further immediate review.
• The manager will inform the employee that Federal law may protect the employee from retaliation,
if the employee's refusal to do the work is a lawful, good faith act.
• The employee making the challenge will be afforded an opportunity to document, in writing or
electronically, any protest to the manager making the final decision before the employee's tour of
duty is complete. The employee will be afforded the opportunity to retain a copy of the protest.
Good Faith Challenge Rule 1.4.1D
D. Request for Review and Verification of Decision
Upon written request, at the time of the challenge, the employee has the right for further review by
the "Designated Review Manager". Within 30 days after the expiration of the month during which the
challenge occurred, the "Designated Review Manager" will verify the proper application of the rule in
question. The verification decision shall be made in writing to the employee.
Duties of Crew Members Rule 1.47
The conductor and the engineer are responsible for the safety and protection of their train and
observance of the rules. They must ensure that their subordinates are familiar with their duties,
determine the extent of their experience and knowledge of the rules. They must instruct them, when
necessary, how to perform their work properly and safely. If any conditions are not covered by the
rules, they must take precautions to provide protection.
Duties of Crew Members Rule 1.47A
A. Conductor Responsibilities
1. The conductor supervises the operation and administration of the train (if trains are combined with
more than one conductor on board, the conductor with the most seniority takes charge). All
persons employed on the train must obey the conductor's instructions, unless the instructions
endanger the train's safety or violate the rules. If any doubts arise concerning the authority
for proceeding or safety, the conductor must consult with the engineer who will be equally
responsible for the safety and proper handling of the train.
2. The conductor must advise the engineer and train dispatcher of any restriction placed on
equipment being handled.
3. The conductor must remind the engineer that the train is approaching an area restricted by:
• Limits of authority.
• Track warrant.
,• Track bulletin.
or
• Radio speed restriction.
The conductor must inform the engineer after the train passes the last station, but at least 2 miles
from the restriction.
4. When the conductor is not present, other crew members must obey the instructions of the
engineer concerning rules, safety, and protection of the train.
5. Freight conductors are responsible for the freight carried by their train. They are also responsible
for ensuring that the freight is delivered with any accompanying documents to its destination or
terminals. Freight conductors must maintain any required records.
Duties of Crew Members Rule 1.47B
B. Engineer Responsibilities
1. The engineer is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the engine. Crew members must
obey the engineer's instructions that concern operating the engine. A student engineer or other
qualified employee may operate the engine under close supervision of the engineer. Any employee
that operates an engine must have a current certificate in their possession.
2. The engineer must check with the conductor to determine if any cars or units in the train require
special handling.
Duties of Crew Members Rule 1.47C
C. All Crew Members' Responsibilities
1. To ensure the train is operated safely and rules are observed, all crew members must act
responsibly to prevent accidents or rule violations. Crew members in the engine control compartment
must communicate to each other any restrictions or other known conditions that affect the safe
operation of their train sufficiently in advance of such condition to allow the engineer to take proper
action. If proper action is not being taken, crew members must remind engineer of such condition and
required action.
2. Crew members in the engine control compartment must be alert for signals. As soon as signals
become visible or audible, crew members must communicate clearly to each other the name of
signals affecting their train. They must continue to observe signals and announce any change of
aspect until the train passes the signal. If the signal is not complied with promptly, crew members
must remind the engineer and/or conductor of the rule requirement. If crew members do not agree
on the signal indication, regard the signal as the most restrictive indication observed.
BNSF Amendment—The following is added:
Crew members must not use binoculars or similar devices to determine the position, aspect, or
indication displayed by a fixed signal.
3. When the engineer and/or conductor fail to comply with a signal indication or take proper action to
comply with a restriction or rule, crew members must immediately take action to ensure safety,
using the emergency brake valve to stop the train, if necessary.
Rule 2.14 Transmission of Mandatory Directives
When transmitted by radio, mandatory directives must conform to applicable operating rules and the
following:
• The train dispatcher must state which mandatory directive will be transmitted.
• The employee must inform the train dispatcher when ready to copy stating the employee's
occupation (ex. conductor, engineer, foreman, maintainer), name and location on the main track or
where the main track will be entered. An employee operating the controls of a moving engine may
not copy mandatory
directives. In addition, mandatory directives must not be transmitted to the crew of a moving train if
the conductor, engineer or train dispatcher feels that the transmission could adversely affect the safe
operation of the train.
• The employee receiving a mandatory directive must copy it in writing using the format outlined in
the operating rules.
, • Before a mandatory directive is acted upon, the conductor and engineer must each have a written
copy and each crew member must read and understand it.
Rule 6.11 Mandatory Directive
Mandatory directives are written, printed, or displayed authorities or speed restrictions issued by the
train dispatcher or control operator. Mandatory directives are:
• Track warrants.
• Track bulletins.
• DTC authority.
• Track and time.
• Track permits.
• Radio speed restrictions.
A mandatory directive restricting a train's movement will not be issued near a point where the
restriction applies until the engineer or conductor confirms that the train can comply with the
restriction.
Indicate "VOID" on mandatory directive form when:
• Employee reports clear of authority limits,
or
• Mandatory directive is made void
Crew must retain mandatory directives for continuous tour of duty.
5.4.2A Display of Yellow Flag
A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow flags warn trains to restrict movement because of track
conditions or structures. To make sure train movement is restricted at the right location, employees
must display a yellow flag 2 miles before the restricted area.
Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area or if restriction is on a siding,
employees will display
the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in
the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
5.4.2A Display of Yellow Flag (Less than 2 miles Amendment)
Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area or if restriction is on a siding,
employees will display
the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in
the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
Once the Train Reaches the Restricted Area. The speed specified by track warrant, track bulletin,
general order, or radio speed restriction must not be exceeded until the rear of the train clears the
restricted area.
5.4.2B Display of Yellow Flag
B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track bulletin, track warrant, or
general order, once the train is 2 miles beyond the yellow flag, crew members
must:
1. Continue moving the train but at a speed not exceeding 10 MPH.
2. Resume speed only after the rear of the train has:
a. Passed a green flag.
or
b. Traveled 4 miles beyond the yellow flag and the train dispatcher has verified that no track bulletin
or track warrant is in effect specifying a temporary speed restriction at that location.
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