Skip to content
ESCO occupation

rolling stock inspector

Back to ESCO occupations

Rolling stock inspectors inspect wagons and carriages to assess their technical condition while grouped together and before they are used for transportation activities. They check technical devices, ensure complete and correct operation of the rolling stock, and prepare required technical documents and/or checklists. Depending on work organisation they are also responsible for limited ad-hoc maintenance or exchange work and the performance of brake tests.

3115.1.21 ISCO 3115 ESCO source
Competences
29
Groups
3
Essential
26
Optional
3

Competences and skills

29 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
characteristics of wheel rail interface

Thoroughly understand the forces of physics involved in the interaction between the wheels and the rail, possible rail defects, maintenance practices, and cost implications.

ESCO source
rail disruption management

Thoroughly understand the conditions, causes, and effects of rail disruption or derailment, and of degraded mode operations including tasks and tools.

ESCO source
rail infrastructure

Thoroughly understand the characteristics of railway infrastructure: rail technologies, track gauges, rail signalling, rail junctions, etc.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
electrical engineering

The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.

ESCO source
electrical wiring plans

Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

ESCO source
health and safety measures in transportation

The body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.

ESCO source
hydraulics

The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
write railway investigation reports

On completion of an investigation, the railway investigator, in consultation with industry stakeholders, safety authorities, individuals and any other parties involved in the investigation, composes a report summarising the finding for those in need of recommendations.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

14 competences
carry out railway accident investigations

Carry out investigations of railway accidents. Take into consideration the specific circumstances of the accident, and the actual or potential consequences. Investigate whether the accident is part of a series, and examine the potential for recurrence. Strive to improve safety.

ESCO source
check for defects in railcars

Ensure that freight cars are free of all safety defects that could lead to derailing or loss of freight while in transit. Ensure that freight cars meet transportation requirements.

ESCO source
detect flaws in rails

Detect internal flaws in rails in order to prevent derailments.

ESCO source
enforce railway safety regulations

Promote and enforce safety procedures and EU regulations to ensure that railway safety is generally maintained and continuously improved, taking into consideration the development of European legislation.

ESCO source
ensure maintenance of railway machinery

Keep rolling stock in functional condition and maintain railway machinery.

ESCO source
ensure safety of mobile electrical systems

Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.

Scope note
This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
ESCO source
keep up-to-date on manufacturer's policies

Stay up-to-date on manufacturer warranty and policy procedures; communicate with factory representatives.

ESCO source
operate hydraulic jack lift

Operate hydraulic jack lift or truck to move goods before or after bundling.

ESCO source
operate rail-flaw-detection machine

Operate electric, diesel or steam locomotives to detect and identify rail flaws.

ESCO source
operate railway freight monitoring technologies

Operate monitoring and inspection technologies that can be used to check crucial parameters of freight transportation conditions or vehicle-track systems. Identify and warn of the potential threats posed by the freight, the route, and the train.

ESCO source
perform rail track inspections

Plan and implement regular inspections and investigations of the rail track system in order to provide optimal coverage of the railway network in a given area. Inspect aspects such as track alignment, features of the terrain, and existence of ditches, embankments, and loose rock debris on the network.

ESCO source
shunt inbound loads

Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains. If requested, ensure train stability after freight has been loaded onto the railcars.

ESCO source
test the rail-flaw-detection machine

Perform tests of the rail-flaw-detection machine using circuit testers.

ESCO source
write rail defect records

Compose documents and reports on the nature of rail defects investigated, position of defect in rail, location, etc.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
ensure finished product meet requirements

Ensure that finished products meet or exceed company specifications.

ESCO source
maintain electrical equipment

Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.

ESCO source
operate railway vehicles

Drive railroad vehicles or other railway equipment in a competent and safe manner.

ESCO source
use different communication channels

Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 3 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
perform maintenance work on rail tracks

Perform maintenance operations on rail tracks, such as removal of old or damaged ties, maintenance of track spanner machinery, and tightening or loosening of bolts at joints.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

1 competence
work in a rail transport team

Work confidently within a group in rail transport services, in which each individual has their own responsibility in working towards a common goal such as a good interaction with the customers, railway safety, and rolling stock maintenance.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

1 competence
have computer literacy

Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

digital
ESCO source