What is the preferred action regarding Stop Arms in the direction of traffic when dealing with Hand Cranking Switches?

The preferred action regarding Stop Arms when dealing with Hand Cranking Switches is to hook them down only when necessary. This practice is important because Stop Arms are intended to signal approaching traffic to stop, ensuring safety for all. When hooked down, they are no longer serving this critical function, so it should be done with caution and only when the situation requires it, such as during maintenance or in specific operational procedures where safety protocols allow for it.

Maintaining the Stop Arms in their operational position helps ensure that drivers are clearly notified of any hazards and the presence of work being conducted on or near the tracks. Excessively hooking them down could lead to confusion or accidents in traffic, as vehicles might be unsure of the signals and their implications. Thus, the approach of hooking the Stop Arms down only when necessary balances safety and operational efficiency.