If you will be working in a yard or terminal for your entire shift, what is the requirement regarding your cellular phone?

• A. Your cell phone must be left in your locker or personal vehicle
• B. You may carry it in your pocket
• C. You must turn it off and leave in your office
• D. You can use it for emergencies only

Answer: (A)

In yard or terminal work, staying fully focused is essential because you’re moving around engines, equipment, and switches with trains and coworkers nearby. A personal cell phone can easily become a distraction, pull your attention away from signals and radio instructions, and even create a safety hazard if you’re reaching for it or taking notes while on or near tracks. For this reason, the rule is to leave your phone in your locker or in your personal vehicle so you’re not carrying it during your shift. If you need to contact someone or handle an urgent situation, use the designated, official communication channels provided for yard operations, such as the yard radio or supervisor contact. The other options would still introduce distraction or rely on a tool not approved for use right in the yard, which is why they’re not the correct approach.