What must crew members do before moving equipment laid up over automatic safety switches?

Crew members must check the switches to ensure they are in the proper position before moving equipment laid up over automatic safety switches. This action is crucial to verify that the switches are correctly set to prevent any unintended movements or accidents that could result from the equipment being moved over them.

By confirming the position of the switches, crew members ensure that the safety interlocks are engaged appropriately, minimizing the risk of derailments or equipment malfunctions that could arise from a misconfigured switch. This precaution reflects the principles of safety and adherence to operational protocols that are enforced to protect both crew members and equipment.

While clearing the area of personnel, notifying the dispatch center, and inspecting the equipment for damage are also important safety practices, they do not directly address the immediate concern related to the safe operation of switches before moving any equipment. The focus on switch position is critical to prevent accidental operations that could compromise safety on the rail system.