What must the employee do before occupying the limits of a manual interlocking?

Before occupying the limits of a manual interlocking, it is essential for the employee to contact the control operator. This action is crucial because the control operator has comprehensive oversight of the interlocking's status and can provide necessary information about signal aspects, track conditions, and any other critical operational details. Engaging with the control operator ensures that the employee has proper authorization and is updated on any restrictions, movements, or conditions pertinent to safe operations in the area.

While checking signals, inspecting equipment, and reviewing the operational manual are important practices, they serve different purposes and come after or alongside contacting the control operator. For example, ensuring that signals are clear and that equipment is safe may be part of the overall safety checks, but without first confirming with the control operator, the employee may not be operating under the correct assumptions about the interlocking conditions. Thus, contacting the control operator is the vital first step in maintaining safety and operational integrity within the limits of a manual interlocking.