Critical Communications Flashcards

A worker receives a mandatory directive (MD) from the dispatcher. What must the worker do?

Answer: Record the MD number and read back the key contents for verification

Mandatory directives require the worker to record the MD number and read back key information to confirm accuracy before acting on the directive.

Which communication method has the LOWEST reliability for track safety warnings and should not be used as the sole means of protection?

Answer: Verbal shouts between workers

Verbal shouting is unreliable due to ambient noise from equipment, wind, and train sound, and must not serve as the sole warning method.

What action should a gang foreman take if radio contact with the dispatcher is lost during active track work?

Answer: Immediately suspend work and move workers clear of the track

Loss of communication with the dispatcher during active track work requires immediate work stoppage and track clearance until communications are restored.

What information must a roadway worker provide when calling the dispatcher to establish track and time authority?

Answer: Location (milepost/subdivision), number of workers, equipment, and requested limits of authority

When requesting authority, workers must provide their location, the number of personnel and equipment, and the requested track limits so the dispatcher can grant precise protection.

Under what circumstance may a roadway worker share their track authority with another worker?

Answer: Authority may not be shared; each protected zone requires its own authority

Track authority is granted to a specific individual or gang and cannot be shared with others who must obtain their own separate authority for protection.

A worker believes they heard a train approach warning but is uncertain. What is the correct response?

Answer: Immediately clear the track and confirm with the lookout or dispatcher

When in doubt, workers must treat any possible warning as real, clear the track immediately, and then verify — never remain on track while investigating.

What is the correct phonetic pronunciation used in railroad radio communications for the number zero to avoid confusion?

Answer: Digits are spoken individually, with zero pronounced 'zero' to distinguish from the letter O

Railroad radio protocol requires reading numbers digit-by-digit and pronouncing zero as 'zero' (not 'oh') to prevent confusion with the letter O.