When may maintenance of way (MW) employees establish working limits using train coordination?

Maintenance of way employees may establish working limits using train coordination when the train is stopped and visible, confirming it will not release its authority. This scenario ensures safety and effective communication between track workers and train crews. When a train is stopped, it allows maintenance workers to establish a temporary work zone without the risk of the train moving unexpectedly. The visibility of the train and confirmation that it will not release its authority provides a level of assurance that work can be performed without jeopardizing the safety of the crew and the integrity of the train's operation.

In contrast, if the train were moving, it would not be safe to assume that working limits can be established, as the dynamism of the situation could lead to hazardous conditions. The presence of signals could indicate operational conditions but does not inherently provide the same level of assurance as a stopped train. Checking with the crew on board is important for communication and safety, but it is crucial that the train is already stopped and visible to establish a safe working condition effectively.