When using equipment other than remote controls, what speed is not to be exceeded when coupling cars?

When using equipment other than remote controls, what speed is not to be exceeded when coupling cars?

• A. 2 mph
• B. 6 mph
• C. 8 mph
• D. 4 mph

Answer: (D)

Coupling cars with equipment other than remote controls must be done at a very controlled, slow speed to keep the forces from the slack action of the train manageable. Four miles per hour is the established limit because at that pace you can observe and address any misalignment or issues as the couplers engage, ensure air and electrical connections line up, and stop quickly if something isn’t right. Going faster increases the shock when the cars couple, raising the risk of equipment damage, mis-couplings, or injury to workers. Moving much slower than four mph would be unnecessarily inefficient, while speeds higher than four mph are unsafe for this task.

Coupling cars with equipment other than remote controls must be done at a very controlled, slow speed to keep the forces from the slack action of the train manageable. Four miles per hour is the established limit because at that pace you can observe and address any misalignment or issues as the couplers engage, ensure air and electrical connections line up, and stop quickly if something isn’t right. Going faster increases the shock when the cars couple, raising the risk of equipment damage, mis-couplings, or injury to workers. Moving much slower than four mph would be unnecessarily inefficient, while speeds higher than four mph are unsafe for this task.