Rule 26 — Blue Signal Protection

1. (a)A blue flag by day, and in addition a blue light by night or when day signals cannot be plainly seen, displayed at one or both ends of equipment indicates that workmen are in the vicinity of such equipment. On a track which permits entry of a movement from one end only, a blue signal displayed between the equipment and the switch permitting entry indicates that workmen are in the vicinity of such equipment. When such signals are displayed the equipment must not be coupled to or moved. The removal of the signal from one or both ends of equipment indicates that no workmen are in the vicinity of the equipment and such equipment may be coupled to or moved. EXCEPTION: When repairs must be undertaken on a manned movement, the locomotive engineer must be notified before repair work is commenced. When so notified, the movement must not be moved nor the brakes applied or released until the workmen have advised that they are in the clear.
2. (b)Other equipment must not be placed on the same track which will block a clear view of the blue signal(s) without first notifying the workmen. When equipment is placed on the same track, the movement placing such equipment must remain on that track until the workmen have relocated the blue signal(s) to include the additional equipment.
3. (c)Each class of workmen will display the blue signal(s) and the same class of workmen only are authorized to remove them.
4. (d)Special instructions will govern the use of other approved methods of protecting workmen performing equipment repairs or inspections.
5. (e)When protection is required on a track where the kicking of equipment is permitted per Rule 113.5(a):

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