When Electric Equipment is derailed what action must crew members take?

• A. Crew members may assist passengers to disembark.
• B. Crew members must not permit passengers and employees from boarding or exiting the equipment until the Pantographs are lowered and the overhead wire is de-energized, tested de-energized and grounded. Crew members must not exit the electrical equipment in a manner which permits simultaneous contact with the equipment and earth, and must prevent anyone else from doing so.
• C. Crew members should evacuate immediately.
• D. Crew members should resume service after a brief safety check.

Answer: (B)

Electric derailment presents a serious electrocution hazard from the overhead contact system. The priority is to prevent anyone from contacting live parts, so access around the derailed equipment is controlled until the line is confirmed safe.

Lowering the pantographs, de-energizing the overhead wire, testing that it is de-energized, and grounding the system remove the voltage and establish a safe reference to earth. With these steps completed, there is no potential difference that could drive current through a person who touches the equipment or the ground, drastically reducing the risk of shock or arc flash.

Because of that risk, crew members must not let passengers or staff board or exit until these safety steps are done, and they must ensure no one exits in a way that could create a path from the equipment to earth. Only when the electrical system is proven safe can orderly boarding or disembarking be guided.

Other options fail because they either move people before safety is assured, evacuate into a potentially live environment, or resume service without confirming the absence of voltage.