Anybody know what the vision test consists of for BNSF? I just took an online assessment for BN and know this will b coming if I get that far . I'm wondering what that's like . Are they using the book with the brown and green dots or ?
[sticky]
General Conductor Discussion
(428 posts) (101 voices)-
Hoggdoggler
MemberPosted 3 months ago # -
trmn8r
MemberBook with the brown red green blue colors, my eyetest was standing in a dimly lit hall trying to read the chart on the wall, TERRIBLE conditions at my physical. Not all are like that I know, most places probably have the nice little machine you look into for the vision and color blindness test. I was not so lucky, guess it don't matter I passed it so it's all good.
Posted 3 months ago # -
bbronov
MemberMy vision test was conducted a clinic contracted by all kinds of folks for all kinds of screenings...in other words, they were very good/efficient at what they did. My vision test was on a multi-function machine that tested near/distant vision as well as peripheral and depth perception. The color vision test was the standard book of numbers/designs in the color blindness combinations. I even got a full-up audiogram, and urinalysis...all in less than an hour. This actually mirrored my annual flight physical given by the Air Force...just much, much faster. Paying attention Air Force?
Posted 3 months ago # -
Stephen4785
Member@Hoggdoggler
They use the ishimura color test. To properly give the test the lighting needs to be as close to direct sunlight as possible. What I suggest is to try and read the plates when they give them to you. If you have any trouble tell them their lighting is a problem and request to go outside. Their will be one plate that people who arent color blind are not supposed to see so dont freak out if you get to one and cant see anything. Just say you cant see anything.Posted 3 months ago # -
Phoenix595
MemberAnyone that is in doubt, check out the test at this site: http://colorvisiontesting.com/ishihara.htm
P.S - Hope that's okay Sean?!
Posted 3 months ago # -
Palerider957
MemberCan someone describe the role of the "Terminal Manager"? What is this position relative to the Train Master?
Posted 3 months ago # -
@ Palerider957.... Take this with a grain of salt, but I believe a Terminal Manager is in charge of intermodal operations. A Trainmaster is in charge of the Terminal Manager. It may differ from each railroad.
Posted 3 months ago # -
Grendie
MemberTrainmaster is entry level management position and basically is a crew manager, and conducts operations testing.. Terminal Manager is the next step up the management ladder, basically in charge of coordinating the trains in and out of the terminal. usually will be in the tower will final the trains into the terminal and order crews when needed to keep the flow of trains in and out of the terminals.
Posted 3 months ago # -
trmn8r
MemberI'm sure some medications can prohibit your holding those jobs. A guy that works where I work now, used to work for BNSF, he was a conductor and said he had already been trained as an engineer. His blood pressure medicine was so stong it made him drowsy and he was medically disqualified.
Posted 3 months ago # -
gmonty
MemberAlpha..i passed my drug test taking a mix of anxiety drugs...as long as its not alprazolam family (zanax)
I was given welbutrin to quit smoking..bad idea, had to start taking prozac to counter the effects lol.
Theres alot of people on anti depressants /anxiety these daysPosted 3 months ago # -
Palerider957
MemberThanks to the above posters for the Terminal Manager posts.
As for the drug issues, there is a white paper produced by the FRA on drug testing that can be downloaded as a PDF. It seems the majority of drugs tested for are illegal drugs, not normal prescription drugs.
I'm wiling to bet the conductors union has a medical rep that can answer medical questions related to prescription drugs.
Posted 3 months ago # -
Phoenix595
MemberThe piss test is just looking for marijuana. No need to worry about OTC stuff.
Posted 3 months ago # -
ALB
ModeratorWord of WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not just about being clean at hiring, it's about being clean full stop. Got to work yesterday and the DOT guy is there, "Blow in this then give me a sample". Now if I had just ONE glass of wine or beer, I would have been toast.
So they can and will random test frequently. My advice is if you use drugs including weed you will get caught, if you drink, and I do, do not drink within 8 hours of duty.
If you are on an extra board and you get the call it's better to layoff than go in with ANY alcohol in your systemPosted 3 months ago # -
Phoenix595
MemberComplete agreement with ALB! Plus you don't want to be on the yard if you don't feel 100%, too much going on...
Posted 3 months ago # -
Excellent advice!
Posted 3 months ago # -
Jsabe07
MemberPardon me if this isn't posted in the correct forum, but one of the issues I'm facing in the Air Force recently is that I've been failing the fitness test because of my size. I have a 38.5 inch waist and I'm not an excellent runner so I end up failing due to not being fast enough or thin enough. However I can do 60 pushups and situps though. Is this something I should disclose at an interview or not?
Posted 3 months ago # -
Phoenix595
Member@Jsabe07,
I don't think you need to worry. Each railroad has it's requirements for strength and fitness. Check the forum here and the info on the railroad's website you apply to. As far as I am aware, running is a big no-no in this job anyway!
Posted 3 months ago # -
Jsabe07... It is not how much you can lift on the the strength test. It is about endurance and injuries to joints. I would not disclose anything unless asked.
Posted 3 months ago # -
Great advise ALB, better to keep your brothers and sisters safe including yourself at all times. I must add too folks, when you hire out your sleep pattern will be out of wack. If you add drugs into the mix, just imagine how you will perform. Great example, stay up two days and then take a 5 hour energy to stay up 16 hours after you have taken the 5 hour energy drink. That is how you will work most days without drugs or alchohol.
Posted 3 months ago # -
ALB
Moderatormshaffer3371 - You are right as usual. I can't stress how important it is to be drug and alcohol free. Sleep dep is a big part of this job and you need to have your wits about you. Last week I worked nights on the Hump, we send deadly silent cars south, anyone not with the program is history.
Posted 3 months ago # -
@ bbronov... The hump kicks cars inline for their next line up on getting out of the yard. If you work the hump, you will be a RCO (remote control operator) run the engine and release the lever to allow the cars to roll down to their line up. Very stressfull in my opinion. Railroad cars rolling are very quite and anyone working with or around them always should look around at all times. They are the silent killers.
@ ALB.... I commend you for your job, you make it easy for us road conductors and thank you.Posted 3 months ago #
Reply »
You must log in to post.