What action should be taken if air brakes are found defective during inspections?

The appropriate action to take if air brakes are found defective during inspections is to cut out the brakes and proceed. This option acknowledges the critical nature of brake functionality for safe train operation. When air brakes are defective, they cannot perform their necessary function of stopping the train effectively.

By cutting out the defective brakes, it ensures that the train does not rely on faulty braking systems that could compromise safety. The procedure allows the train to maintain control by either using other operational brakes or ensuring that the train does not enter service in an unsafe condition. This action is often guided by strict safety protocols that prioritize the well-being of the crew, passengers, and the surrounding environment.

Other options do not adhere to safety protocols. Dispatching the train immediately without ensuring all systems are operational is fundamentally unsafe. Logging the issue for later action does not address the immediate safety hazard posed by defective brakes. Proceeding only with manual braking would still pose significant risks, particularly over longer distances or in emergency situations where reliable stopping power is essential.