Rail track maintenance workers inspect, maintain and repair railway lines and associated services.
Their work includes inspecting tracks, bridges, cuttings, embankments, fences and level crossings. They also look out for obstacles, worn areas or anything which could interfere with the smooth running of a train service. In bad weather they clear snow or fallen objects which are blocking the line. If they find a problem they must report it so that it can be put right as quickly as possible.
They may be involved in:
Many of a maintenance worker’s tasks involve using their hands. They also use tools such as picks, spades and pneumatic drills, together with specialist tools for securing rails. They may work with levelling, lining and tamping machines for settling ballast and they may have to mix and lay concrete.
Some rail track maintenance workers go out, usually in a gang, to work on the track on a regular basis. They may patrol the route carrying out visual checks to make sure everything is in order.
More senior maintenance workers have extra responsibilities:
Working on railway tracks requires a high level of concentration and the observance of strict safety measures. Rail track maintenance workers have to be prepared to learn these and apply them in their daily work.
Rail track maintenance workers work on a shift system. This means starting work early in the morning or finishing late at night. They should also be prepared to do paid overtime.
Quite a lot of work on tracks is done at weekends or at night to minimise inconvenience to travellers. This means working irregular hours. Rail track workers may work away from home at times and they may have to be on call, ready to go out and deal with emergencies.
The work is done outside in all weathers, usually with a small group of other workers. Protective clothing, including hard hats, overalls and high-visibility jackets, is provided by employers
Skills And Personal Qualities Needed
A rail track worker needs to:
Your Long Term Prospects
With experience, rail track workers may progress to a skilled or supervisory role such as leading trackperson or machine operator. They can also apply for a job as a track inspector, supervisor or team leader, and some go on to become managers.
Some workers eventually become track or overhead line inspectors who check for faults and approve tracks or overhead lines for use.
Others may study for maintenance engineering technician qualifications, which may lead to promotion or to a career change.
Source: inputyouth
