Employees may only ride on the platform of a tank car when which condition is met?

• A. When it's the trailing platform on the trailing car of the cut and they are pulling the track out.
• B. When it's the leading platform on the leading car.
• C. Any platform is allowed during track work.
• D. Only if not moving.

Answer: (D)

Riding on a tank car platform is allowed only when the car is stationary. Moving platforms present serious risks: you can lose footing, be struck by shifting doors or fittings, or be thrown off balance if the car accelerates or stops suddenly. On a tank car, there’s also the hazard of the cargo and operating gear—valves, hoses, or fittings—that can move or leak if the car is in motion. So the safest and correct rule is to ride only when the car is not moving. The other scenarios imply riding while moving or during track work, which isn’t allowed because of the high risk of injury.