During a freight car safety inspection, what should you do if you find a car with a missing handhold?

When conducting a freight car safety inspection, encountering a car with a missing handhold is a significant safety concern. The appropriate action in this situation is to refrain from picking up the car and instead make a proper report.

The rationale behind this choice lies in the importance of safety and regulation compliance. Moving or picking up a car with a missing handhold can create hazards for personnel and exacerbate the situation. Proper reporting ensures that the issue is documented accurately and addressed according to protocol, which may include notifying maintenance personnel or scheduling the car for repairs. This procedure promotes safety and adherence to operating standards.

Repairing the handhold immediately might not be feasible on the spot, and transferring the car to a repair shop should come after ensuring that it is properly assessed and reported. Making a report instead of picking up the car helps maintain a thorough and systematic approach to ensure the safety and reliability of all freight cars in operation.