When does the engineer maintain 3-Step Protection?

The correct answer is that the engineer maintains 3-Step Protection until the person who requested it releases it. In railway operations, the 3-Step Protection procedure is designed to enhance safety by ensuring that a train is stopped and cannot proceed until it is safe to do so. This protection is typically requested by a designated individual, such as a crew member or a supervisor.

Once 3-Step Protection is put into place, it remains in effect until the individual who initiated the protection decides to release it. This ensures that the engineer is operating with the most current and safe instructions. By requiring the requesting person to release the protection, it confirms that the reason for the protection is no longer valid, thus allowing the train to proceed safely.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as safety protocols in rail operations depend heavily on clear communication and authority to ensure that all procedures are followed correctly.