Who is allowed to remove a blue flag?

The correct choice indicates that only a member of the same craft is permitted to remove a blue flag. This is based on protocol established for safety in railway operations, where blue flags signify that equipment is under repair or that a work area is protected.

This restriction is in place to ensure that only individuals who are directly involved in the work or who are aware of the specific safety requirements of that task have the authority to remove the flag. This helps prevent accidents or injuries that might occur if someone outside of that specific team or task were to remove the flag without being aware of the circumstances, thereby ensuring that the safe working environment is maintained for all personnel involved.

In contrast, allowing any crew member, the supervisor, or just the engineer to remove a blue flag could lead to miscommunication or unintended safety violations, as they might not be fully informed about the work being done or the conditions that warrant flag protection. Thus, this protocol emphasizes the importance of clear roles and responsibilities in maintaining safety on the railway.