Who is responsible for protecting equipment that is left on the main track?

The responsibility for protecting equipment that is left on the main track falls to the train dispatcher. This is crucial because the dispatcher plays a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of train movements on the main line. When equipment is left on the track, it creates a potential hazard for approaching trains, and the dispatcher must take action to mitigate that risk. This includes communicating with train crews about the presence of the equipment and potentially coordinating signals to block tracks or reroute trains to avoid accidents.

In this context, the train dispatcher is the central figure who has the authority and the knowledge of the current state of the railway network, which allows them to implement safety measures, inform relevant personnel about the situation, and maintain overall track safety.