What situations require railroad operating employees to have electronic devices turned off and out of sight?

The situation in which railroad operating employees must have electronic devices turned off and out of sight is specifically when any crew member is assisting with safety tasks. This requirement is in place to ensure that employees are fully attentive and focused on their responsibilities during critical safety operations. The emphasis on safety tasks highlights the importance of maintaining awareness and avoiding distractions that could lead to accidents or oversight in essential duties.

While other contexts, such as during operational hours or at certain locations like stations, may also have restrictions on device usage, the most crucial and specific situation is when safety is actively being managed, as it directly impacts the welfare of the crew, passengers, and overall train operations. This scenario illustrates the priority placed on safety within the railroad industry.