Are employees allowed to break seals on interlocking appliances or other equipment without authorization?

Are employees allowed to break seals on interlocking appliances or other equipment without authorization?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Only when the dispatcher is present
• D. Only at night

Answer: (A)

Seals on interlocking appliances and other safeguarding equipment are there to prevent unapproved access and to protect the integrity of signals, routes, and track occupancy. You are not allowed to break those seals without proper authorization. If you encounter a situation where a seal is broken or a device needs attention, you must obtain authorized authorization through the proper chain of command—typically the supervisor or dispatcher—and follow the prescribed procedures for maintenance, testing, or operation. The fact that someone is present or that it’s a certain time of day does not change the rule; authorization must come from the proper authority before any seal is broken or equipment is tampered with. This ensures safe, coordinated actions and prevents unsafe conditions that could lead to miscommunication or accidents.

Seals on interlocking appliances and other safeguarding equipment are there to prevent unapproved access and to protect the integrity of signals, routes, and track occupancy. You are not allowed to break those seals without proper authorization.

If you encounter a situation where a seal is broken or a device needs attention, you must obtain authorized authorization through the proper chain of command—typically the supervisor or dispatcher—and follow the prescribed procedures for maintenance, testing, or operation. The fact that someone is present or that it’s a certain time of day does not change the rule; authorization must come from the proper authority before any seal is broken or equipment is tampered with. This ensures safe, coordinated actions and prevents unsafe conditions that could lead to miscommunication or accidents.