A switch keeper manually operates the points and signals at junctions along underground haulage roads. They ensure that trips of loaded and empty mine cars are routed to the correct headings or shafts without colliding. In older operations relying on rope haulage or locomotives, this role was critical for maintaining the steady flow of extracted material.
Heard on the job
Tell the switch keeper to route the next three empty trips down the east main, we're running out of cars.
Also heard as
- pointsman