What must a Dispatcher ensure before relieving crew members from the 5-minute waiting period at a hand-thrown switch?

A Dispatcher must ensure that no trains have been authorized to move before relieving crew members from the 5-minute waiting period at a hand-thrown switch. This is crucial for safety; the waiting period serves as a precaution for potential train movements in the area. By confirming that no trains have been authorized to move, the Dispatcher ensures that it is safe for the crew to proceed, thereby mitigating the risk of accidents due to unexpected train movements.

The other aspects, while they might play a role in broader operational procedures, do not specifically address the immediate safety requirement related to the waiting period at a hand-thrown switch. Ensuring clearance of surrounding signals, communication with other Dispatchers, or obtaining permission from the conductor are important, but they do not directly pertain to the specific requirement of confirming that no movement of trains has been authorized, which is paramount in this situation.