After coupling to equipment you must always .

• A. Turn on the headlights
• B. Apply the handbrake
• C. Stretch the slack
• D. Report to supervisor

Answer: (C)

Taking up slack after coupling is about ensuring the connection is secure and ready for movement. Stretching the slack tightens the draft gear, seats the coupling knuckles, and removes play between the units. This verification step helps confirm the coupling is fully engaged and that the brake system will respond uniformly when brakes are applied, reducing the risk of movement surprises or a miscoupling. The other actions aren’t universal requirements right after coupling: headlights are a visibility measure as needed, the handbrake is not normally left applied once you’re ready to move, and you wouldn’t routinely report to a supervisor as a mandatory post-coupling step.