What must be confirmed when switching tracks back to the normal position?

When switching tracks back to the normal position, a visual check and confirmation of the switch's status is crucial for safety and operational integrity. This step ensures that the switch is not only functional but also set correctly to direct trains safely along the intended route.

Conducting a visual confirmation helps to prevent accidents that could occur due to misalignment or erroneous settings of the switch. It provides a direct verification that the switch is indeed in the correct position after switching it back to normal, thereby safeguarding both the trains and the personnel involved in the operation.

This procedure is a fundamental part of maintaining safety protocols in railway operations, ensuring that all components are correctly configured before allowing train movement. Other options, while they touch on aspects of switch management or operations, do not emphasize the critical need for visual confirmation that verifies the switch status as a primary safety measure.