What action must be taken if the "Dead Man" or "Alertor" feature fails en route on a passenger train?

When the "Dead Man" or "Alertor" feature fails on a passenger train, it is essential for safety to have an employee positioned in the operating control compartment with the Engineer. This action is crucial because the "Dead Man" feature is a safety mechanism designed to ensure that the Engineer remains alert and capable of controlling the train. If this mechanism fails, having another qualified employee in the control compartment serves as an added safety measure. This employee can monitor the operation of the train and assist the Engineer, ensuring that the necessary actions are taken to maintain control and respond to any emergencies.

While other actions, such as initiating an emergency stop or notifying the Dispatcher, may be important in certain situations, positioning an employee in the operating control compartment directly addresses the immediate risk posed by the failure of the alerting mechanism. This ensures that there is a continuous presence of oversight in the cabin, which is vital for passenger safety during a critical operational failure.