What is required before lining a switch when there is equipment on the track?

Lining a switch while there is equipment on the track requires that the equipment must clear the track first. This is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, having equipment on the track while attempting to change the position of a switch presents a significant safety hazard. It could lead to collisions or derailments if a train or piece of equipment were to inadvertently move onto the track while the switch is being lined.

Ensuring that the equipment clears the track maintains a safe operating environment for both personnel and equipment. This practice aligns with safety protocols that prioritize the avoidance of accidents and ensures that all movements on the rail yard or mainline track are conducted without danger to equipment or train crews involved.

The other choices, while potentially important aspects of rail yard operations, do not address the immediate requirement for safely managing a switch in the presence of equipment. For example, holding signals may be relevant to controlling train movements but do not apply directly to the danger presented when equipment occupies the track during switch operation.