Who is authorized to establish or have control over working limits for on-track safety?

The authority to establish or have control over working limits for on-track safety lies exclusively with a roadway worker who has been designated as an employee in charge (EIC). This is crucial because the EIC has the specific training and qualifications necessary to ensure proper safety protocols are followed within the work zone. The EIC is responsible for assessing conditions, making safety decisions, and overseeing all activities within the working limits, thus ensuring that all employees are protected from on-track hazards.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned, such as yard employees, train dispatchers, and qualified locomotive engineers, do not have the same level of authority or responsibility when it comes to the establishment of working limits. Yard employees may have knowledge of operations but are not trained to manage on-track safety limits. Similarly, while a train dispatcher plays a key role in train movements and communication, they are not directly involved in the on-track safety management of roadway workers. Qualified locomotive engineers, although skilled in operating trains, also do not have the authority to set or control working limits in a way that an EIC does. Therefore, relying solely on an EIC for this responsibility helps maintain a high standard of safety within rail operations.