When is the primary RCO relieved of the requirement to establish red zone protection to open a knuckle?

The primary RCO is relieved of the requirement to establish red zone protection to open a knuckle while engaged in humping and kicking operations. In this context, "humping" refers to the manual handling or repositioning of rail cars, often requiring quick and agile movements. During these specific operations, the focus is on ensuring the safety of personnel directly involved with the task rather than establishing the standard red zone protection protocol, which is generally more comprehensive in covered operational scenarios.

This approach acknowledges the urgency and nature of the tasks being performed, allowing for more flexibility in safety measures as long as the personnel remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. It's critical to balance operational efficiency with safety protocols, and the exception made during humping and kicking operations reflects the need for swift actions in specific circumstances while still prioritizing the overall safety of all personnel involved.