What must occur before permission is granted for a back-up movement?

Before permission is granted for a back-up movement, it is essential to conduct a job safety briefing between a crew member and the train dispatcher. This briefing ensures that all safety protocols are discussed, risks are identified, and the understanding of the movement procedure is clear among the involved personnel. Communication between the train crew and dispatcher is critical at this stage to ensure that everyone is aware of the circumstances surrounding the back-up movement, including any specific hazards or operational considerations that may be present. This step is integral to promoting a safe working environment and ensuring that the movements can be conducted without incident.

While factors such as assessment of track conditions and weather forecasts are important for overall safety and operational effectiveness, the direct prerequisite for granting permission for a back-up movement is the safety briefing. This briefing directly addresses the communication and alignment of all involved parties regarding the specific movement in question.