Each employee who operates a hand-operated switch or fixed derail is:

• A. Must contact the dispatcher before each operation
• B. May leave the switch in any position after use
• C. Is responsible for its use, and must confirm switches and derails are in proper position before, during, and after use
• D. Only supervises others during switching operations

Answer: (C)

When you operate a hand-operated switch or fixed derail, you are personally responsible for that device and must verify its position for the movement you intend. Before starting, you check that the switch or derail is set for the intended route and that it will not inadvertently change position as you proceed. While the movement is in progress, you continue to confirm that the device remains in the correct position, and after the movement, you re-check and leave it in the proper position for the next operation. This careful, ongoing verification helps prevent misroutes, unexpected derailments, and injuries by ensuring the track is safely aligned for the next train or crew.

Leaving the switch or derail in any position after use is unsafe, and simple supervision of others during switching does not address the responsibility you hold for the device itself. Contacting the dispatcher before every operation is not the core requirement for this task.