Friday, 21 June 2013

The Truth About Railroad Track Maintenance

By Lila Barry


Traveling by train is a transportation method that has been utilized for centuries, dating back to the early nineteenth century. Naturally, as the years pass, the technology improves and the industry as a whole evolves. These days, there are different types of trains all over the world. But one thing they all have in common is the fact that they all, at some point, require railroad track maintenance.

Maintenance on a daily basis is absolutely essential for safety and efficiency purposes. Failing this will result in an unfortunate speed restriction due to fear for public safety. This is unacceptable, especially when the trains involved are high speed trains, intended to carry people and cargo to destinations as fast as possible.

To those who remain unaware, maintenance is simply upkeep, generally in a day to day basis. Trains, like many commercial machines, need constant repair and supervision. When things go wrong or if it looks like things are falling apart, the responsibility of fixing it goes to the workers.

Repair and supervision is the job description of the workers put mildly. It is no simple or easy task to constantly inspect railways, tunnels, equipment, bridges and many more that require attention. The process of installing and renewing these things are also included in their list of duties.

Site surveys in order to identify certain needs is one vital duty. Another is the reporting of incidents and the clearing of potential obstacles that can cause delay in certain daily operations. Measuring tracks up until the check stations and defect inspections are other duties performed. A large array of tools are available and needed for the completion of these different duties.

Although it does not happen all the time, but these workers normally work within a small team. A team leader is appointed who is responsible for making the necessary decisions and for giving out commands. The leaders, in turn, work underneath a technician or an engineer.

These workers work in shifts covering certain days, working nights and even weekends in any and all types of weather conditions. In fact, most countries require by law to perform these jobs during times when the railroads are closed to the general public. One very critical aspect of the job is the safety of the workers involved. Because of its high importance, protective clothing, safety boots and helmets or hard hats are provided by the company. In order to qualify as a worker, certain entry requirements must be met. Many qualifications are generally not needed, although a few basics ring through.

Very few qualifications are needed to obtain a job in this profession, the obvious ones being a good education and maybe past experience working similar jobs. The latter is not required, but it can be a tremendous advantage, especially when it comes to job hunting. A higher degree of educational attainment is not a bad thing to have either. Acceptable levels of fitness, auditory skills and visual skills are needed and will be tested upon acceptance into a job.

These duties are difficult and are considered heavy burdens to bear. The task of railroad track maintenance should be given respect and treated with utmost seriousness. The future of the industry is bright and advancements in technology are to be expected. The standards and procedures of these tasks will likely improve as well, something that workers must learn to eventually cope with.




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