Before separating air hoses, you should take which action?

Before separating air hoses, you should take which action?

• A. Close the appropriate anglecock
• B. Open the anglecock
• C. Tie hoses
• D. Ignore

Answer: (A)

Isolating the air brake lines by closing the angle cock is the action used before separating air hoses. The angle cock is a shutoff valve at the end of each air hose; closing it seals off the brake pipe so air cannot escape as the hoses are disconnected. This keeps the braking system charged on the side you’re leaving and prevents a dangerous drop in brake pressure that could affect the remaining equipment. Opening the angle cock would allow air to rush out, increasing the risk of brake failure or loss of control. Tying hoses isn’t a proper isolation method, and ignoring the step is unsafe.

Isolating the air brake lines by closing the angle cock is the action used before separating air hoses. The angle cock is a shutoff valve at the end of each air hose; closing it seals off the brake pipe so air cannot escape as the hoses are disconnected. This keeps the braking system charged on the side you’re leaving and prevents a dangerous drop in brake pressure that could affect the remaining equipment. Opening the angle cock would allow air to rush out, increasing the risk of brake failure or loss of control. Tying hoses isn’t a proper isolation method, and ignoring the step is unsafe.