What is the first action a dispatcher should take upon receiving a report of broken rail?

When a dispatcher receives a report of broken rail, the most critical immediate action is to hold all trains clear of the track. This step is essential for ensuring the safety of both the trains and their passengers or cargo. A broken rail can lead to serious accidents, including derailments, so it is imperative that no trains are allowed to approach or enter the affected area until it is deemed safe.

Holding all trains clear effectively prevents any potential accidents from occurring while the situation is being assessed and further evaluated. It establishes a safety buffer that allows the dispatcher to communicate with maintenance workers and emergency responders without the added complication of moving trains in the vicinity.

While notifying maintenance workers, applying speed restrictions, or inspecting the track are important subsequent actions, they come after ensuring the immediate safety of trains by preventing them from moving into potentially hazardous conditions. Therefore, the priority is always to stop train movement as soon as a report of broken rail is received.