If a spring switch is spiked, what is the required action?

When a spring switch is spiked, it means that the switch has been secured in place to prevent it from moving. This situation poses a safety risk as it can impede the normal operation of trains and increase the likelihood of accidents.

The correct action is to protect the spiked spring switch. This involves taking appropriate measures to signal to train crews that the switch is not to be used or to ensure that trains are diverted away from it. It is crucial for safety protocols to be followed, which may include placing warning signs or signals to prevent accidents.

In contrast, leaving it alone, monitoring it, or using it normally would not address the potential hazards created by a spiked spring switch. Failure to protect it could lead to severe consequences, as train operators might mistakenly try to use the switch, leading to derailments or collisions. Therefore, protecting the switch is an essential safety procedure in railway operations.