What is the first step before going between rail equipment on any track according to safety guidelines?

The first step before going between rail equipment on any track is to wait for the movement to stop. This safety guideline is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of personnel working in the vicinity of moving trains or rail cars. The risk of injury increases significantly if someone attempts to go between equipment while it is in motion. Stopping the movement allows individuals to assess their environment and proceed safely.

While ensuring that equipment is clean, checking the weather, and securing tools are all important safety practices, they are secondary to the critical step of ensuring that no trains or rail cars are moving. Safety protocols prioritize stopping all movement to eliminate the risk associated with the dynamic environment of rail operations.