When an employee determines a switch or derail is defective, what must the employee do?

When an employee determines a switch or derail is defective, what must the employee do?

• A. Not operate the device
• B. Report the device to the proper authority
• C. Not operate the device and report the device
• D. Ignore and proceed

Answer: (C)

When a switch or derail is defective, the priority is to keep everyone safe by not using the device and by getting it fixed quickly. If you operate a faulty switch or derail, you risk uncontrolled movement of cars, derailments, and serious injuries. So the first action is to refrain from operating the device. At the same time, you must inform the proper authority so the fault can be isolated from service and repair work can be scheduled. The proper authority could be your supervisor, yardmaster, dispatch, or maintenance personnel, depending on how your railroad routes reporting. In many operations, you’ll also tag or lock out the device to clearly mark it out of service until repaired. Doing only one of these actions leaves risk either because the device could still be used by others or because the defect isn’t communicated and repaired. Therefore, the best course is to both not operate and report the defect.

When a switch or derail is defective, the priority is to keep everyone safe by not using the device and by getting it fixed quickly. If you operate a faulty switch or derail, you risk uncontrolled movement of cars, derailments, and serious injuries. So the first action is to refrain from operating the device. At the same time, you must inform the proper authority so the fault can be isolated from service and repair work can be scheduled. The proper authority could be your supervisor, yardmaster, dispatch, or maintenance personnel, depending on how your railroad routes reporting. In many operations, you’ll also tag or lock out the device to clearly mark it out of service until repaired. Doing only one of these actions leaves risk either because the device could still be used by others or because the defect isn’t communicated and repaired. Therefore, the best course is to both not operate and report the defect.