When must adjacent tracks be protected?

Adjacent tracks must be protected when a roadway work group has employees working on the ground or using on-track equipment. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of workers who are in close proximity to operating trains on adjacent tracks. When workers are actively engaged in tasks that may put them at risk of being struck by moving trains—whether they are working directly on the tracks or using equipment that can extend onto adjacent tracks—appropriate protective measures must be employed to mitigate those risks.

This protective measure helps to establish a safe working environment, recognizing that even if work is not being done directly on adjacent tracks, the presence of work groups can create vulnerabilities that require precautionary actions, such as flagging, signaling, or utilizing safety zones. It ensures adherence to safety protocols that are critical in the rail industry, thus preventing potential accidents and injuries.