dangers of marshalling activity
The dangers and difficulties that accompany marshalling activity, including noise, dust, ingestions or vehicle collisions.
Shunters move shunting units with or without wagons or groups of wagons in order to build trains. They manage the driving of locomotives and are involved in switching wagons, making or splitting up trains in shunting yards or sidings. They operate according to the technical features, such as controlling movement via a remote control device.
Competences and skills
39 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 7 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
5 competencesphysical characteristics of railways
Familiar with all physical aspects of the railway, including train stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits.
rail infrastructure
Thoroughly understand the characteristics of railway infrastructure: rail technologies, track gauges, rail signalling, rail junctions, etc.
railway framework legislation
The legislative framework governing the different aspects of railway transport, including licensing of railway undertakings, railway infrastructure capacity, railway safety and the legislation that applies to the field of cross-border freight transit.
train operating procedures
The different practices, routines, and procedures regarding the safe operation of trains in order to prevent collisions, derailments, or unplanned exceeding of speed limits.
Cross-sector
2 competencesmechanics of trains
The mechanical aspects and principles of the mechanics involved in trains.
principles of mechanical engineering
The principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.
Essential skills and competences 26 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesperform wagon coupling
Performs wagon coupling in marshalling yards. Use coupler mechanisms to connect rolling stock in trains.
test the braking force of trains
Test that the breaking force of trains functions as required after coupling.
use hand signal for transport procedures
Use hand signals for transport procedures such as shunting loads and trains in long curves.
Sector-specific
19 competencesassess railway operations
Review and study existing railroad equipment, facilities, systems and processes in order to improve railway safety and efficiency, increase quality, and reduce costs.
check train engines
Ensure that train engines comply with regulations before commencing a journey.
comply with railway safety standards
Ensure compliance with minimum safety standards for freight cars operated by railway companies subject to European legislation.
control train movement
Control acceleration, braking, and overall operation of train in motion.
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.
follow switching instructions in rail operations
Read and comprehend the instructions on switching rail cars and wagons, and perform switching operations accordingly.
operate railway communication systems
Operate railway communication systems. Make announcements over the public address system or communicate with central train administration.
operate railway control panels
Operate various types of railway control panels such as Individual Function Switch (IFS), One Control Switch (OCS) or Entrance Exit (NX).
digital
operate railway switches
Operate railroad switches to control the direction of trains in order to route them to their destinations.
operate railway warning systems
Operate and maintain grade crossing warning systems, signals and railroad signal equipment such as hot box detectors and interlocks.
operate switching locomotives
Operate locomotives for switching, coupling and uncoupling rail cars for loading and unloading freight.
oversee operational safety on trains
Oversee all operations in a defined area, as part of a team that manages operational safety and train services for a specific geographical location.
perform maintenance on locomotives
Perform general maintenance of locomotive parts such as wheels, springs and brake rigging traction motors. Test and repair safety appliances, air compressors, safety valves, fuel systems, shutters and radiators. Install, assemble, disassemble, repair or replace locomotive diesel engine components.
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.
perform routine maintenance on railway engines
Perform routine tasks to maintain railway engines, such as replacing oil and lubricating engines.
read railway circuit plans
Read and comprehend circuit plans during initial construction, during troubleshooting, maintenance, and testing activities and while repairing or replacing components.
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.
shunt outbound loads
Shunt outbound freight loads to and from inbound and outbound trains.
shunt rolling stock in marshalling yards
Shunt rolling stock to form trains in marshalling yards.
Cross-sector
4 competencesdeal with challenging work conditions
Deal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.
drive vehicles
Be able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.
operate radio equipment
Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.
digital
operate railway vehicles
Drive railroad vehicles or other railway equipment in a competent and safe manner.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
2 competenceselectrical engineering
The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
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.
Optional skills and competences 4 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencecompare shipment contents with waybill
Compare contents of shipments (loaded or unloaded) with listing on waybill or other shipping records; ensure that every shipment is routed to the correct destination.
Sector-specific
2 competencesassist in the movement of heavy loads
Provide assistance in the relocation of heavy loads; set up and operate a rigging system of ropes and cables in order to move heavy cargo.
keep written records of cargo
Keep written records of the quantity of goods loaded or unloaded. Track times, dates and tasks completed.
Cross-sector
1 competenceload animals for transportation
Load and unload animals safely into containers or cages for transportation. Make sure they are secure and safely established in the transport vehicle.