After receiving authority for foul time, what is the first action required by the Maintenance Worker (MW)?

When a Maintenance Worker (MW) receives authority for foul time, the first necessary action is to fasten a supplemental shunting device (SSD) on the tracks. This step is crucial because it serves as a safety measure to protect both the maintenance worker and any rail traffic in the vicinity of the work zone. By securing an SSD, the MW creates a safe environment that prevents the inadvertent movement of trains into the area where work is being performed, effectively ensuring that the designated work area is clear of any operational trains.

Fastening an SSD is designed to signal that the tracks are occupied for maintenance and to provide an additional layer of safety by minimizing the risk of accidents. It's essential that the safety protocols, like using a shunting device, are prioritized right after authorization for foul time to maintain safe operations.

The other options involve steps that, while important in the overall process of conducting maintenance work, do not address the immediate safety needs required as the first action taken after receiving authority. Ensuring no other work is being conducted nearby and obtaining verification from the dispatcher are important, but they come after the initial step of securing the work area with an SSD. Likewise, beginning work immediately without this critical safety measure could compromise the safety of the maintenance worker and others