Checking of Effectiveness of Hand Brakes of Locomotives

Technical

Circular Number: EL/OP/102

Southern Railway – Hand Brake Safety Instructions

HQ – Loco Operating Instructions No. 22/2026 | Date: 16.09.2026
Objective

To ensure that hand brakes provided on locomotives remain effective at all times, enabling safe securing of locomotives during stabling, particularly on gradients, and preventing unintended movement due to defective or ineffective hand brakes.

Action Required

While taking over charge of locomotives from loco sheds and trip sheds, LP/LP Shunter shall check the effectiveness of the hand brake as per the prescribed procedure.

Hand Brake Effectiveness – Common Procedure
1 Keep the locomotive on level track.
2 Apply SA-9 and ensure the specified brake-cylinder pressure on the BC gauge.
3 Isolate the specified truck/TMs as applicable to the locomotive type.
4 Apply the hand brake fully to the maximum possible rotations.
5 Release SA-9 and ensure the required BC pressure is 0 kg/cm², except where the specified procedure requires otherwise.
6 Conduct the traction test. The locomotive should not move under the specified test condition.
7 Ensure the brake-cylinder piston is in the applied condition at the hand-brake location and physically check brake-block gripping against the wheel.
Key Test Requirements
Loco Type BC Pressure Hand Brake Effectiveness Check
Three Phase Electric 3.5 kg/cm² Fully applied Should not move till 20 kN TE
Conventional Electric 3.5 kg/cm² Approx. 18–23 rotations Should not move on 1st notch
ALCO Diesel 3.5 kg/cm² Approx. 20–26 rotations Should not move on 1st notch
HHP Diesel 5.2 kg/cm² Approx. 55–65 rotations Should not move on 1st notch
Important Safety Check

After the test, physically verify that the brake block is gripping the wheel by shaking the brake block and confirming the brake-cylinder piston is in the applied condition at the hand-brake location.

Target Groups
  • LPs / ALPs / LP(Shg.) / CLIs: Counsel crews and physically demonstrate/witness the procedure on the locomotive.
  • Compliance shall be recorded in CMS.
  • SSE/Loco Shed & SSE/JE Trip Shed: Ensure locomotives are turned out meeting the prescribed requirements.
Responsibility

Sr.DEE/Ops, DEE/Ops and ADEE/Ops are responsible for compliance, along with the concerned officers of electric and diesel sheds.

Sub: Checking of Effectiveness of Hand Brakes of Locomotives

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