The employee handling a switch or derail is responsible for the position of it and must

• A. Be certified to operate all equipment.
• B. Be qualified on the operating rules pertaining to handling switches and derails.
• C. Wear protective equipment at all times.
• D. Report only after movement completes.

Answer: (B)

Positioning a switch or derail safely hinges on knowing and following the proper operating rules for those devices. The employee who handles a switch or derail must be qualified on the operating rules that govern how switches and derails are used, including when and how to set, lock or tag, and communicate the status to train crews. This qualification ensures they understand the exact procedures, signaling, and safety checks required before allowing a move, so the track can be protected and derailments or collisions prevented.

Being certified to operate all equipment isn’t necessary here because the requirement is about the specific rules for switches and derails, not universal equipment certifications. Wearing protective equipment is important for safety, but it doesn’t address the core duty of ensuring the correct position through proper rules knowledge. Reporting only after movement completes would miss the critical need to confirm and communicate the switch/derail status during the movement, which is essential for safety.