LEC Safety Procedures and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a locomotive engineer on duty?
- 0.08%
- 0.04% (Correct answer)
- 0.02%
- 0.00%
Correct answer: 0.04%
FRA regulations (49 CFR Part 219) prohibit locomotive engineers from performing service with a BAC at or above 0.04%.
Question 2: When a locomotive engineer observes a blue signal flag protecting workers on the track, the engineer must:
- Proceed at restricted speed
- Stop and not move the equipment until the blue signal is removed by the workers (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn twice and proceed slowly
- Contact the dispatcher for permission to pass
Correct answer: Stop and not move the equipment until the blue signal is removed by the workers
Blue signal protection means equipment must not be moved until the workers who placed the blue signal remove it.
Question 3: A locomotive engineer notices smoke coming from a journal box on a freight car. The FIRST action should be to:
- Increase speed to reduce friction
- Continue to the next siding and report
- Stop the train and inspect the defect (Correct answer)
- Notify the conductor and wait for instructions
Correct answer: Stop the train and inspect the defect
A smoking journal box indicates a potential overheated bearing that could cause a derailment, requiring an immediate stop and inspection.
Question 4: According to FRA regulations, how often must locomotive engineers undergo a periodic vision and hearing examination?
- Every 6 months (Correct answer)
- Annually
- Every 3 years
- Every 2 years
Correct answer: Every 6 months
FRA regulations (49 CFR Part 240) require locomotive engineers to pass a periodic vision and hearing examination every calendar year (at minimum every 12 months).
Question 5: If a locomotive engineer is informed that the track ahead has been flagged at Restricted Speed, the engineer must:
- Maintain normal speed until the flag is visible
- Travel at a speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed to 15 mph and sound the horn
- Stop and contact the dispatcher before proceeding
Correct answer: Travel at a speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision
Restricted Speed requires the engineer to operate at a speed that allows stopping within one-half the range of vision for people, equipment, and track conditions.
Question 6: Which document must a locomotive engineer have available on the locomotive at all times while on duty?
- Operating timetable and general code of operating rules (Correct answer)
- Personal copy of the FRA regulations manual
- Union membership card and seniority list
- Track charts for every subdivision on the railroad
Correct answer: Operating timetable and general code of operating rules
Engineers must have access to the current timetable and general code of operating rules (GCOR) or equivalent operating rulebook while on duty.
Question 7: A train is approaching a highway grade crossing with a stalled vehicle on the tracks. The engineer should FIRST:
- Apply the emergency brake immediately
- Sound the horn in a series of short blasts and apply emergency brakes (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed and wait for the vehicle to move
- Contact dispatch before taking any action
Correct answer: Sound the horn in a series of short blasts and apply emergency brakes
When an obstruction is on the tracks at a grade crossing, the engineer must sound a series of short horn blasts as an emergency warning and apply emergency brakes.
LEC Safety Procedures and Regulations 2
Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a locomotive engineer on duty?