Diesel Loco Driver

Job overview
Diesel locomotive drivers in the heavy industries are mainly responsible for driving a diesel loco transporting refuse products, material and components between sections.

What do people do in this job?
The diesel loco drivers described here should not be confused with diesel train drivers on the national railway network.

In heavy industry raw materials, components and other articles must be transported between sections on the production line.

The various sections or departments in an industry are often spread over a large area and an effective transport system is necessary for maximum production.

It is here where diesel loco drivers play a very important role.

After they have received their instructions by radio or according to schedule, the drivers make sure that their tasks are completed within time.

At the end of each shift they write reports on the work they have done.

Diesel loco drivers must keep their locomotive in good working order.

Compared to steam loco drivers, diesel loco drivers work in relatively clean conditions.

Although most of their work is done outdoors, they are not exposed to too much change in temperature, dust and gas, as is the case with the other production workers.

Usually they work shifts during a 48-hour week.

In mines for instance, most diesel loco drivers work during the day, but it may also be expected of them to work at night.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Diesel loco drivers must be mature, responsible and reliable workers, who can make the right decisions quickly.

If something goes wrong, they must be wide awake and continually on guard.

Good eyesight and eye-hand co-ordination are prerequisites.

Because diesel loco drivers are in charge of shunters they must be able to communicate well.

To determine whether applicants have the necessary aptitude, they undergo psychometric tests before appointment.

Physical strength is not important, but they must be able to work long shifts.

They must abide by transport regulations and give priority to their own and other's?' ?safety.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no specific paper qualifications, although a general aptitude for and experience in mechanical work are advantages.