When hand brakes must be used to control or prevent car movement, what must be done?

When hand brakes must be used to control or prevent car movement, it is essential to test the brakes to ensure they are operating properly. This practice is vital for maintaining safety on the railway. Properly functioning hand brakes are crucial to prevent unintended movement of rail cars, especially in instances where they may be parked or awaiting coupling.

Testing the brakes verifies their effectiveness and ensures that they can hold the weight of the train cars under various conditions. This step helps identify any malfunction or insufficient brake application before relying on them in an operational setting.

By focusing on the necessity of testing brakes, you reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall safety of rail operations. It is important to have confidence that the hand brakes will perform correctly when needed, making this procedural step an essential part of maintenance and operational practice.