BNSF MAINTENANCE OF WAY OPERATING RULES
COMPLETE -QUESTION EXAM BANK LATEST UPDATE -
THIS YEAR
1. What is the maximum distance a hy-rail vehicle can be operated
from its assigned on-track equipment for maintenance purposes?
Answer: Not specified in the rules; hy-rail vehicles must remain within
visual contact and communication range of the work group
Rationale: The rules require that hy-rail vehicles used for maintenance must
maintain communication and visual contact with the work group they are
supporting, though a specific maximum distance is not prescribed .
2. What must an employee do before operating a hy-rail vehicle on a
main track?
Answer: Ensure the hy-rail vehicle is equipped with operating lights
and that the operator is qualified
Rationale: Hy-rail operators must be qualified and ensure their vehicle meets
all safety requirements before entering main track territory .
3. True or False: On-track equipment may be operated at track speed
over a self-guarded frog.
Answer: False
,Rationale: Hy-rail vehicles must stop before traveling through a self-guarded
frog when making a facing point move. If another employee is available, they
should remain on the ground and guard against derailment .
4. When performing work within yard limits, who has authority over
train movements?
Answer: The yardmaster or designated employee in charge
Rationale: Within yard limits, the yardmaster or designated employee
controls all movements, and MW employees must comply with their
instructions .
5. What is the minimum distance on-track equipment must stop
behind a moving or stationary train?
Answer: 300 feet
Rationale: On-track equipment must maintain a minimum distance of 300
feet behind a moving or stationary train to ensure adequate stopping
distance .
6. What does the term "adjacent tracks" mean in the context of BNSF
rules?
Answer: Two or more tracks with track centers spaced less than 25 feet
apart
,Rationale: Adjacent tracks are defined as tracks whose centers are spaced less
than 25 feet apart, requiring special precautions when working near them .
7. When may an employee cross adjacent tracks solely for the purpose
of inspecting a passing train?
Answer: Never; do not cross adjacent tracks solely for the purpose of
inspecting a passing train
Rationale: Employees must inspect passing trains from the ground only if
there is a safe location, and they must not cross adjacent tracks specifically
for inspection purposes .
8. What is the required response when a roadway worker receives a
track warrant with a "joint" designation?
Answer: Track warrants cannot be issued "joint" - they are exclusive
authority
Rationale: Under BNSF rules, Foul Time and track warrants cannot be issued
"joint" as they are exclusive protections for the requesting party .
9. What must a roadway worker do if they cannot clear the OCS limits
before the authority expires and cannot contact the train dispatcher?
Answer: Authority is automatically extended until the train dispatcher
can be contacted
, Rationale: When an employee cannot clear OCS limits before expiration and
cannot contact the dispatcher, the authority is automatically extended for
safety .
10. What is the definition of "Incidental Fouling" under MWOR 11.3?
Answer: A roadway worker walking across a main track without
performing maintenance
Rationale: Incidental fouling is the act of crossing the track gauge without
performing work, requiring rapid, deliberate movement to a clear position .
11. What is the maximum speed for a hy-rail vehicle crossing a hand-
operated switch?
Answer: 5 MPH
Rationale: Hand-operated switches present gaps and moving points that can
catch hy-rail wheels, requiring a maximum speed of 5 MPH .
12. True or False: Job Safety Briefings may be conducted via company-
issued electronic text messages.
Answer: False
Rationale: On-track safety briefings require strict verbal communication. Text
messages lack verifiable confirmation of comprehension and are prohibited
for safety briefings .
COMPLETE -QUESTION EXAM BANK LATEST UPDATE -
THIS YEAR
1. What is the maximum distance a hy-rail vehicle can be operated
from its assigned on-track equipment for maintenance purposes?
Answer: Not specified in the rules; hy-rail vehicles must remain within
visual contact and communication range of the work group
Rationale: The rules require that hy-rail vehicles used for maintenance must
maintain communication and visual contact with the work group they are
supporting, though a specific maximum distance is not prescribed .
2. What must an employee do before operating a hy-rail vehicle on a
main track?
Answer: Ensure the hy-rail vehicle is equipped with operating lights
and that the operator is qualified
Rationale: Hy-rail operators must be qualified and ensure their vehicle meets
all safety requirements before entering main track territory .
3. True or False: On-track equipment may be operated at track speed
over a self-guarded frog.
Answer: False
,Rationale: Hy-rail vehicles must stop before traveling through a self-guarded
frog when making a facing point move. If another employee is available, they
should remain on the ground and guard against derailment .
4. When performing work within yard limits, who has authority over
train movements?
Answer: The yardmaster or designated employee in charge
Rationale: Within yard limits, the yardmaster or designated employee
controls all movements, and MW employees must comply with their
instructions .
5. What is the minimum distance on-track equipment must stop
behind a moving or stationary train?
Answer: 300 feet
Rationale: On-track equipment must maintain a minimum distance of 300
feet behind a moving or stationary train to ensure adequate stopping
distance .
6. What does the term "adjacent tracks" mean in the context of BNSF
rules?
Answer: Two or more tracks with track centers spaced less than 25 feet
apart
,Rationale: Adjacent tracks are defined as tracks whose centers are spaced less
than 25 feet apart, requiring special precautions when working near them .
7. When may an employee cross adjacent tracks solely for the purpose
of inspecting a passing train?
Answer: Never; do not cross adjacent tracks solely for the purpose of
inspecting a passing train
Rationale: Employees must inspect passing trains from the ground only if
there is a safe location, and they must not cross adjacent tracks specifically
for inspection purposes .
8. What is the required response when a roadway worker receives a
track warrant with a "joint" designation?
Answer: Track warrants cannot be issued "joint" - they are exclusive
authority
Rationale: Under BNSF rules, Foul Time and track warrants cannot be issued
"joint" as they are exclusive protections for the requesting party .
9. What must a roadway worker do if they cannot clear the OCS limits
before the authority expires and cannot contact the train dispatcher?
Answer: Authority is automatically extended until the train dispatcher
can be contacted
, Rationale: When an employee cannot clear OCS limits before expiration and
cannot contact the dispatcher, the authority is automatically extended for
safety .
10. What is the definition of "Incidental Fouling" under MWOR 11.3?
Answer: A roadway worker walking across a main track without
performing maintenance
Rationale: Incidental fouling is the act of crossing the track gauge without
performing work, requiring rapid, deliberate movement to a clear position .
11. What is the maximum speed for a hy-rail vehicle crossing a hand-
operated switch?
Answer: 5 MPH
Rationale: Hand-operated switches present gaps and moving points that can
catch hy-rail wheels, requiring a maximum speed of 5 MPH .
12. True or False: Job Safety Briefings may be conducted via company-
issued electronic text messages.
Answer: False
Rationale: On-track safety briefings require strict verbal communication. Text
messages lack verifiable confirmation of comprehension and are prohibited
for safety briefings .
