If the brake warning light comes on while using the dynamic brake, what is the first thing you should do?

When the brake warning light activates while using the dynamic brake, the first action should be to reduce the brake handle position and dynamic brake until the light goes out. This step is crucial because the appearance of the warning light indicates a potential issue with the dynamic braking system, which could lead to unsafe conditions if not addressed promptly.

By reducing the brake handle and dynamic brake settings, you are effectively lowering the load on the dynamic braking system and allowing for a safe assessment of the situation. This action can help prevent overheating or further complications that may arise from excessive dynamic braking.

Monitoring the warning light is essential, as it provides feedback on the system’s status. Therefore, by managing the dynamic brake settings to turn off the warning indicator, you are ensuring that the train remains within safe operational limits while also preventing possible damage to the braking system.

This approach prioritizes safety and operational integrity, whereas cutting out the dynamic brake immediately can disconnect a critical braking function without allowing for a proper understanding of the issue. Increasing dynamic brake retardation when the light is on could exacerbate the problem, and ignoring the light when the train is slowing down risks overlooking a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.