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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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73311.02 – Brakemen

Brakemen check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run, and assist railway conductors in activities en route.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Brakeman/woman
  • Tail-end brakeman/woman

Core competencies

  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to monitor machinery and equipment operations by conducting routine inspections, identifying and reporting irregularities and ensuring safety compliance
  • Operation and Control to operate various controls and equipment related to the brakes and other systems on the train, which involves an understanding of how to apply brakes effectively and adjust them as necessary
  • Rate Control and Reaction Time to efficiently regulate train speed and quickly respond to signals or unexpected situations during train operations
  • Far Vision to spot potential issues or abnormalities from a distance, such as damaged equipment, loose connections or obstacles on the tracks
  • Attention to Detail to carefully check and ensure proper functioning of train brakes, signals and equipment, promptly identifying any irregularities
  • Knowledge in Public Safety and Security to understand basic safety regulations, emergency protocols and hazard identification related to train operations

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Check train systems and equipment such as air conditioning and heating systems, brakes and brake hoses prior to train run
  • Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to aid in the movement and operation of train
  • Receive orders from traffic controllers, observe signals and track conditions and open and close track switches
  • Set and release hand brakes and connect air brake hoses to couple and switch passenger or freight cars, making minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and wheel-bearing boxes as required
  • Assist in collecting fares and helping passengers on and off train.

Additional information

  • With experience, brakemen/women may progress to railway conductors.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Supervisors, railway transport operations (72023)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

73 – General trades

Sub-major group

733 – Transportation occupations

Minor group

7331 – Train crew operating occupations

Unit group

73311 – Railway conductors and brakemen/women

Occupational profile

73311.02 – Brakemen

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.