Who is authorized to break seals on interlocking appliances?

The correct answer indicates that breaking seals on interlocking appliances is a task reserved for employees who have explicit authorization. This is crucial for maintaining safety and security within railroad operations. Authorized employees have received the necessary training and are deemed competent to understand the implications of breaking such seals, which could affect the control and safety systems of the railway signaling.

The necessity for specific authorization minimizes risks and ensures that only qualified personnel handle operations that could impact train movements or safety protocols. This rule helps prevent unauthorized access or actions that may jeopardize the integrity of interlocking systems.

In contrast, allowing any employee on duty to break seals could lead to dangerous situations if they are not properly trained or informed about the specific systems in place. Similarly, while employees with specific training might possess some knowledge, without explicit authorization, they may still be held accountable for actions that could contravene established safety protocols. Therefore, the emphasis is on the need for explicit authorization to ensure accountability and operational integrity.