If work on or adjacent to a track will create a condition interfering with the safe passage of trains, that work must not be attempted without permission of the employee in charge of the track.

• A. That work must not be attempted without permission of the employee in charge of the track
• B. Work may proceed without permission if a flagger is present
• C. Dispatcher approval is not required if the area is clear
• D. Only a supervisor can authorize

Answer: (A)

The safety concept here is that any work near or on the track that could affect train movement must be governed by the person responsible for the track. Before that work starts, you must obtain permission from the employee in charge of the track. This person is charged with evaluating the current conditions, coordinating train movements, and arranging the protection needed so trains aren’t endangered. Their authorization ensures there’s a clear plan—such as track occupancy, flagging, or other protections—so work can proceed safely without risking a train.

Why this is the right approach: permission from the employee in charge establishes the official protection and sequencing for the job. It isn’t enough to assume safety from a flagger or just because the area is currently clear. The flagger provides on-the-ground protection, but they don’t grant permission to work that could interfere with trains. Dispatcher coordination is important, but does not replace the need for the track‑authority person’s permission. And authorization isn’t strictly limited to supervisors; any designated employee in charge of the track has the authority to grant permission, depending on who is assigned that responsibility for the job site.