Which term refers to a method of establishing working limits on a main track, secondary track or siding in which a roadway worker is notified by the Train Dispatcher through the Block Operator that no trains will operate within the working limits established on that track until the roadway worker reports clear of the track.

• A. Interlocking Signals
• B. Inaccessible Track
• C. Job Briefing
• D. Foul Time

Answer: (D)

Foul Time is the protection period used when roadway workers have a working limit on a track. During this time, the train dispatcher, through the Block Operator, tells trains that no movements may operate within those working limits until the roadway worker reports clear. This creates a safety window so the crew can work on the main track, a secondary track, or a siding without trains entering the area. Once the worker is clear of the track, trains may resume within the previously protected limits. Interlocking signals control movements at junctions and are not the method for establishing worker protection; Inaccessible Track refers to a track that isn’t available for movement for another reason, and Job Briefing is the safety talk before work, not the protected time window itself.