Union Pacific - Switching Exam Questions with and Answers with
Verified Solutions | Latest 2026 Update
Q: Where must an employee stand if unable to go to the opposite side of the track?
Answer:
At least 20 feet from the switch stand When possible where must the employee get
off equipment when restoring a main track switch to the normal position? Get off on
opposite side from switch stand Except in switching movements, when a train is
approaching or passing, how far must employees remain from a main track switch?
No nearer than 20 feet When a train or engine that will be met or passed is on a
siding or other track, if possible, how far must the employee attending the switch be?
No nearer than 150 feet How are spring switches identified? Letter "S" or "SS",
special targets, signs, or lights How is a spring switch tested? By lining switch over
and back by hand examining the switch points to see that they fit properly. What
conditions require a crew member to test a spring switch when making a facing
movement? *1)* When block signal governing movement over switch indicates
*Stop* or Restricted Proceed*. 2)* Switch Point indicator protecting switch indicates
to Stop and Inspect switch or Switch is not protected by a block signal or switch
point indicator. What must a train or engine do when trailing through/stopping on a
spring switch? Must control slack What is required before a train can change
direction or take slack? Crew member must line switch by hand before train or
engine can change direction or take slack.
, Q: What is required when a trailing movement is made through a spring switch
during snow or ice storms or other conditions which may prevent the switch
from operating properly?
Answer:
Avoid making trailing movement through spring switch until switch has been lined
by hand for movement. What is required if a spring switch is spiked? Must be
protected What conditions allow a train in non-signaled territory to proceed when
approaching the facing points of a spring switch? Until a spring switch indicator
shows switch is properly lined or Distant Signal displays "clear". Switch Point
Aspect: Green Switch points fit properly in normal position Switch Point Aspect:
Yellow Switch points fit properly in Reverse position. Switch Point Aspect: Red or
Dark Stop and inspect switch What is the normal position of switches connecting any
track, except a main track , to a siding? Lined and locked or secured for movement
on siding What is the normal position for crossover switches? Other than crossover
movement Except at a spring switch, when is a train allowed to foul a main track or
signaled track or pass beyond an insulated joint at the clearance point? Switch
connected with movement aligned Until spiked or repaired, what must be done if a
car or engine partially runs through a switch? Cannot change direction.
Verified Solutions | Latest 2026 Update
Q: Where must an employee stand if unable to go to the opposite side of the track?
Answer:
At least 20 feet from the switch stand When possible where must the employee get
off equipment when restoring a main track switch to the normal position? Get off on
opposite side from switch stand Except in switching movements, when a train is
approaching or passing, how far must employees remain from a main track switch?
No nearer than 20 feet When a train or engine that will be met or passed is on a
siding or other track, if possible, how far must the employee attending the switch be?
No nearer than 150 feet How are spring switches identified? Letter "S" or "SS",
special targets, signs, or lights How is a spring switch tested? By lining switch over
and back by hand examining the switch points to see that they fit properly. What
conditions require a crew member to test a spring switch when making a facing
movement? *1)* When block signal governing movement over switch indicates
*Stop* or Restricted Proceed*. 2)* Switch Point indicator protecting switch indicates
to Stop and Inspect switch or Switch is not protected by a block signal or switch
point indicator. What must a train or engine do when trailing through/stopping on a
spring switch? Must control slack What is required before a train can change
direction or take slack? Crew member must line switch by hand before train or
engine can change direction or take slack.
, Q: What is required when a trailing movement is made through a spring switch
during snow or ice storms or other conditions which may prevent the switch
from operating properly?
Answer:
Avoid making trailing movement through spring switch until switch has been lined
by hand for movement. What is required if a spring switch is spiked? Must be
protected What conditions allow a train in non-signaled territory to proceed when
approaching the facing points of a spring switch? Until a spring switch indicator
shows switch is properly lined or Distant Signal displays "clear". Switch Point
Aspect: Green Switch points fit properly in normal position Switch Point Aspect:
Yellow Switch points fit properly in Reverse position. Switch Point Aspect: Red or
Dark Stop and inspect switch What is the normal position of switches connecting any
track, except a main track , to a siding? Lined and locked or secured for movement
on siding What is the normal position for crossover switches? Other than crossover
movement Except at a spring switch, when is a train allowed to foul a main track or
signaled track or pass beyond an insulated joint at the clearance point? Switch
connected with movement aligned Until spiked or repaired, what must be done if a
car or engine partially runs through a switch? Cannot change direction.
