214.327—Inaccessible track.
(a)
Working limits on non-controlled track shall be established by rendering the track within working limits physically inaccessible to trains at each possible point of entry by one of the following features:
(1)
A flagman with instructions and capability to hold all trains and equipment clear of the working limits;
(2)
A switch or derail aligned to prevent access to the working limits and secured with an effective securing device by the roadway worker in charge of the working limits;
(3)
A discontinuity in the rail that precludes passage of trains or engines into the working limits;
(4)
Working limits on controlled track that connects directly with the inaccessible track, established by the roadway worker in charge of the working limits on the inaccessible track; or
(5)
A remotely controlled switch aligned to prevent access to the working limits and secured by the control operator of such remotely controlled switch by application of a locking or blocking device to the control of that switch, when:
(i)
The control operator has secured the remotely controlled switch by applying a locking or blocking device to the control of the switch, and
(ii)
The control operator has notified the roadway worker who has established the working limits that the requested protection has been provided, and
(iii)
The control operator is not permitted to remove the locking or blocking device from the control of the switch until receiving permission to do so from the roadway worker who established the working limits.
(b)
Trains and roadway maintenance machines within working limits established by means of inaccessible track shall move only under the direction of the roadway worker in charge of the working limits, and shall move at restricted speed.
(c)
No operable locomotives or other items of on-track equipment, except those present or moving under the direction of the roadway worker in charge of the working limits, shall be located within working limits established by means of inaccessible track.