What action should be taken if the hand brake on the disabled rear car is inoperative?

If the hand brake on the disabled rear car is inoperative, repairing the hand brake before moving is crucial for safety and operational integrity. Hand brakes are essential for securing a train car when it is stationary, especially in preventing unwanted movement. If a hand brake fails, the car could roll away when uncoupled or during a movement, creating a significant hazard.

By prioritizing the repair of the hand brake, the risk of accidents and injuries is minimized. This ensures that all safety protocols are adhered to before any movement is attempted. The act of repairing signifies that you are not only complying with operational guidelines but also prioritizing the safety of crew, passengers, and infrastructure. Moving the car with a malfunctioning hand brake would violate best practices and could lead to severe consequences. It’s essential to ensure that all safety mechanisms are functional before proceeding with operations.