What must be considered if the position of a switch cannot be determined?

If the position of a switch cannot be determined, it is critical to inspect the route before proceeding. This action ensures safety and minimizes the risk of mishaps or accidents that could arise from assuming the switch is set correctly. By physically checking the position of the switch, personnel can confirm that the track is clear and that the switch is aligned as needed for the movement of trains.

While proceeding with caution until reaching the next signal is an option in some circumstances, it does not address the immediate risk associated with an unknown switch position. Assuming the switch is in the correct position can lead to dangerous situations if it is, in fact, not set properly. Waiting for confirmation from a colleague may not be feasible or timely in critical situations where immediate action is necessary, and it also does not resolve the uncertainty of the switch's position.

Inspecting the route before proceeding is the safest course of action, as it mitigates the risks involved by providing a clear understanding of the track layout and switch settings.