What is required of roadside workers before a train arrives at their workspace?

The requirement for roadside workers to move to a point of safety at least 15 seconds prior to a train's arrival is critical for ensuring their safety in the work environment. This procedure establishes a safety buffer that allows workers to fully vacate the area and reduces the risk of accidents or injuries caused by approaching trains. The 15 seconds is a guideline designed to give roadside workers sufficient time to respond to a train's approach and find a safe location, acknowledging the high speed at which trains can travel.

This proactive measure is essential in the context of railway work, where the potential for trains to arrive unexpectedly necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols. By prioritizing the movement to a safe area ahead of time, workers can effectively mitigate dangers associated with rail traffic, such as being within the train's right-of-way or in a position where they cannot react quick enough to avoid a potential hazard.