On a grade, hand brakes must be applied to the rear of the train to prevent it from rolling backward, which is a crucial safety measure in railway operations.
The question on what part of the train hand brakes must be applied relates to railway safety protocols typically covered under transportation engineering and operational training. When a train is on a grade, which means it is situated on a sloping part of the track, hand brakes must be applied to the rear portion of the train. This is a safety measure to prevent the train from rolling backward down the slope, especially in situations where the air brakes are not fully effective or during parking on a grade.
Applying hand brakes at the rear helps in keeping the train stable and prevents any unintentional movement that could lead to accidents or derailments. To ensure proper adherence to safety protocols, railway personnel are trained in the correct procedures for securing a train, with hand brakes being an essential manual backup to the automatic braking system.
So, on a grade, hand brakes must be mandatorily applied on the rear of the train to ensure the safety of the train and its passengers.