How must train dispatchers protect train movements when handling snowplows in snow service?

Train dispatchers must ensure absolute block protection against other train movements when handling snowplows in snow service to maintain safety and operational integrity. This is crucial because snowplows are often used to clear tracks and can be involved in hazardous conditions due to snow and ice. Absolute block protection ensures that no other trains are permitted to enter the same block or segment of track where the snowplow is operating.

This level of protection minimizes the risk of collisions and ensures that the equipment can operate effectively in winter conditions without interference. The dispatcher must communicate clearly with train crews and use established protocols to safely isolate the snowplow from other train traffic, allowing for uninterrupted snow removal operations.

Providing loose block protection, scheduling additional trains, or slowing down train speeds are not sufficient methods for ensuring the safety of train movements in this context due to the heightened risks associated with winter operations and the need for clear, dedicated access for the snowplow. The priority is to prevent potential accidents and ensure the effective removal of snow to keep the railway operational.