Hand brakes of all locomotives must be checked for effective working condition during takeover. The check is to be performed by LP/LP Shunter as per the specified procedure for each locomotive type. After applying the hand brake fully, release the brake cylinder pressure and verify that the loco does not move during the traction test. Physically confirm that the brake cylinder piston is applied and brake block is gripping the wheel.

LPs are strictly instructed not to stop electric locomotives/MUs under Insulated Overlap (IOL). As per CEE/S.E.R. circular dated 25.02.2026, caution boards shall be provided at two locations before every IOL. The board warning shall read: “DANGER – DO NOT STOP ELECTRIC LOCO/MU IN INSULATED OVERLAP (IOL)” along with the applicable location number. Loco crews must observe these boards and ensure strict compliance. Existing non-conforming boards shall be replaced by the concerned Construction/Project Unit.

Intensive Training for LPs, LPS & ALPS:- It is advised to impart intensive training to LPs, LPS, and ALPS by CLIS one day every year to make them well conversant with the operation of 3-phase MEMU rakes, as well as conventional MEMU rakes.

During the LPO (BP overcharge cycle), LPs/ALPs must ensure the A-9 handle is in RUN and BP is 5.0 kg/cm² before proceeding. If the handle is mistakenly placed in MIN, BP may show 5.0 kg/cm² while the brakes remain applied, with pressure indicated on the BC gauge. In CCB locos, if CE is switched OFF/ON during the overcharge cycle and BC shows about 1 kg/cm², move A-9 to RELEASE to release BC pressure and then return it to RUN. Always verify A-9 position and BP/BC indications before operation.

For conventional locos, stop the train, secure the loco with loco brakes/hand brakes and wedges where required, build up MR pressure to the prescribed level, apply SA-9 and ensure 3.5 kg/cm² BC pressure, then isolate the cab, switch off auxiliaries, open VCB, lower pantograph, put MPJ to ‘0’, lock BL and remove keys. In the leading cab, restore the prescribed A-9/SA-9 positions, open the required COCs, unlock BL, raise pantograph, close VCB and start auxiliaries. For MU/consist units, follow the prescribed MU2B LEAD/TRAIL and BP charging cock arrangements. For 3-phase E-70/CCB 2.0 locos, stop and secure the loco, apply SA-9 and ensure 3.5 kg/cm² BC pressure (5.0 kg/cm² for WAP-5), build MR pressure to 10 kg/cm², open VCB, lower and physically verify the pantograph, operate A-9 to the prescribed position, change MODE LEAD/TRAIL as applicable, switch BL to OFF and remove the key. In the other leading cab, restore the prescribed A-9/MODE and BL positions, raise pantograph, close VCB and conduct the loco brake power test before starting.

For changing cab in Conventional MU locos, build MR pressure to 9.5 kg/cm², apply A-9/SA-9 and ensure 3.5 kg/cm² BC pressure. Secure the loco with hand brake/wooden wedges, isolate the trailing loco without disturbing pneumatic COCs, open DJ, switch off auxiliaries, lower pantograph, put MPJ to ‘0’, lock BL and remove keys. In the leading loco, apply SA-9, keep A-9 in release, open the required A-9/SA-9 COCs, set MU2B to LEAD, open BP charging COC A-8, unlock BL, raise pantograph, close DJ and start auxiliaries. Then in the rear loco set MU2B to TRAIL, close A-8 and A-9/SA-9 COCs, secure the cab and return to the leading loco. Check A-9/SA-9 operation, conduct the loco brake test and brake power test, and finally release the hand brake/remove wedges before moving.