Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains

Use hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication to signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when connecting and disconnecting cars

Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains

Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to make sure they are securely fastened and working properly

Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes

Watch for signals from other crew members so work can be coordinated

Receive oral or written yardmasters instructions that indicate track assignments and cars to be switched

Pull or push track switches to reroute railroad cars