What must roadway workers ensure before fouling any track?

The requirement that roadway workers ensure OTS (Over Time Safety) is provided at all times before fouling any track is critical for maintaining safety in rail operations. OTS serves as a system of protection that gives roadway workers the assurance that train signals and movements are controlled to prevent accidents while they are working on or near the tracks.

This ensures that no trains are approaching or will be approaching the work area, allowing workers to perform their duties without the risk of being struck by a train. It emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and communication to guarantee safety in the work environment. In contexts where workers might be near active rail lines, having OTS in place is a fundamental practice for protecting lives and ensuring safe operations.

Having proper identification is important for security and identification purposes, but does not directly relate to ensuring safe conditions before fouling a track. Knowing whether trains are scheduled is also important but does not replace the need for continuous protection provided by OTS. Similarly, being within a safe distance is a good practice, but it must be backed by a safety protocol like OTS to ensure complete protection while workers are walking on or foul the track.