BNSF Conductor Final Exam
A track extending through yards and between stations Main Track
that must not be occupied without authority or
protection.
A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs Block Signal
trains entering and using that block.
A notice containing track bulletin restrictions and other General Track Bulletin
conditions affecting train movement.
A series of consecutive blocks governed by block Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated
by a train or by certain conditions that affect the block
use.
Two or more main tracks that are used according to the Multiple Main Tracks
timetable.
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.
, BNSF Conductor Final Exam
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.
, BNSF Conductor Final Exam
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 Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
Amendment) 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.
, BNSF Conductor Final Exam
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.
5.4.3 Display of Yellow-Red Flag Employees may display yellow-red flags from one hour before to one hour after a
Form B track bulletin is in effect. During that time the employee in charge may
provide a train instructions to proceed without restriction, specifying the track
bulletin number (specifying line number when necessary) and advising no red
flag is displayed.
The display of yellow-red flags as described does not extend the authorized
working time beyond the times listed on the track bulletin Form B.
5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow-red flags warn a train to be prepared
to stop because of men or equipment. To make sure the train is prepared to stop
at the right location, employees must display a yellow-red flag 2 miles before the
restricted area.
5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag (Continued) Less Than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. When the restricted area is close
to a terminal, junction, or another area, employees will display the yellow-red flag
less than 2
miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in the track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
5.4.3B Display of Yellow-Red Flag B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow-red flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order, crew members must be prepared to stop
short of a red flag 2 miles beyond the yellow-red flag. If a red flag is displayed,
proceed as outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). If no red
flag is displayed:
1. Move at restricted speed.
2. Increase speed only after:
a. A crew member has received instructions from the employee in charge.
or
b. The leading wheels of movement are 4 miles beyond the yellow-red flag, and
the train dispatcher has verified that no track bulletin or track warrant protecting
men or equipment is in effect at that location.
A track extending through yards and between stations Main Track
that must not be occupied without authority or
protection.
A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs Block Signal
trains entering and using that block.
A notice containing track bulletin restrictions and other General Track Bulletin
conditions affecting train movement.
A series of consecutive blocks governed by block Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated
by a train or by certain conditions that affect the block
use.
Two or more main tracks that are used according to the Multiple Main Tracks
timetable.
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.
, BNSF Conductor Final Exam
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.
, BNSF Conductor Final Exam
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 Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
Amendment) 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.
, BNSF Conductor Final Exam
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.
5.4.3 Display of Yellow-Red Flag Employees may display yellow-red flags from one hour before to one hour after a
Form B track bulletin is in effect. During that time the employee in charge may
provide a train instructions to proceed without restriction, specifying the track
bulletin number (specifying line number when necessary) and advising no red
flag is displayed.
The display of yellow-red flags as described does not extend the authorized
working time beyond the times listed on the track bulletin Form B.
5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow-red flags warn a train to be prepared
to stop because of men or equipment. To make sure the train is prepared to stop
at the right location, employees must display a yellow-red flag 2 miles before the
restricted area.
5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag (Continued) Less Than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. When the restricted area is close
to a terminal, junction, or another area, employees will display the yellow-red flag
less than 2
miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in the track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
5.4.3B Display of Yellow-Red Flag B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow-red flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order, crew members must be prepared to stop
short of a red flag 2 miles beyond the yellow-red flag. If a red flag is displayed,
proceed as outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). If no red
flag is displayed:
1. Move at restricted speed.
2. Increase speed only after:
a. A crew member has received instructions from the employee in charge.
or
b. The leading wheels of movement are 4 miles beyond the yellow-red flag, and
the train dispatcher has verified that no track bulletin or track warrant protecting
men or equipment is in effect at that location.
