If you must be near railroad tracks, what should you do to avoid the sweep of a passing train?

• A. Park far enough away to clear the sweep
• B. Park as close as possible to the track for quick access
• C. Stand near the rails but behind the vehicle
• D. Move the hose to the other side of the track while the train passes

Answer: (A)

When a train passes, it creates a strong air blast and sudden pressure changes that can grab you or push objects toward or onto the tracks. The “sweep” is the area the train’s end can reach as it moves past, so being far enough away to clear that effect protects you from being struck or pulled into the rails. Parking at a distance keeps you out of the train’s gusts and prevents the vehicle or equipment from being endangered by the passing train. Standing near the tracks or behind the vehicle doesn’t shield you from the air flow, and moving the hose to the other side of the track doesn’t remove the danger of the train’s blast and can create other hazards. So, the safest choice is to park far enough away to clear the sweep.