All signs carrying a cross-board should have the board placed at right angles to the track. Highway crossing signs should be placed parallel to the rails, so that they may be distinctly read by persons approaching the track. All posts carrying signs should be vertical, and securely set in the ground, and so placed as not to come in contact with either trains or vehicles. The track should never be so used as to obstruct a regular train, nor should any work be undertaken which can not be finished, and the track made safe, fully 15 minutes before the train is due. In case of a delayed passenger train, the track must be kept constantly safe and clear, and if repairs must be made, a responsible man, preferably the. foreman himself, should remain out with signals until the track is safe and clear.
Some foremen have a habit of leaving the hand or push car on the track while repairs are being made.
This is a dangerous practice, and contrary to the rules of any well-managed railroad. The hand car should not only be kept clear of the track when not in use, but should not be left in the way of road or farm crossings. Tool houses must be far enough from the track to prevent obstructing the view of passing trains. An empty hand car or push car should always be carried from one track to another, and, if carrying a light load, it can be handled without throwing a switch. Most foremen carry a switch key, but it should be used with proper discretion and never in the absence of the foreman.