While using the primary securement procedure to secure a cut of cars, how is it verified that handbrakes applied on equipment will prevent movement?

While using the primary securement procedure to secure a cut of cars, how is it verified that handbrakes applied on equipment will prevent movement?

• A. Apply both the independent and automatic brakes.
• B. Release both brakes and hope for the best.
• C. Release the independent brakes only.
• D. Release both the independent and automatic brakes.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is to test the handbrake’s holding ability by removing all other braking actions. Once handbrakes are applied on the cars, you release both the independent and automatic brakes so that neither local nor trainline brakes are contributing to restraint. If the cars do not move after releasing those brakes, the handbrakes are sufficient to prevent movement. If movement occurs, the handbrakes aren’t holding reliably. Releasing both types of brakes isolates the handbrake’s effectiveness, which is exactly what you want to verify.

The key idea is to test the handbrake’s holding ability by removing all other braking actions. Once handbrakes are applied on the cars, you release both the independent and automatic brakes so that neither local nor trainline brakes are contributing to restraint. If the cars do not move after releasing those brakes, the handbrakes are sufficient to prevent movement. If movement occurs, the handbrakes aren’t holding reliably. Releasing both types of brakes isolates the handbrake’s effectiveness, which is exactly what you want to verify.