How long should the brake handle be left in the emergency position during a stop?

When the brake handle is placed in the emergency position, it is designed to engage the brakes fully and bring the train to a stop as quickly as possible. It should remain in this position until the train stops completely to ensure that the maximum braking force is applied. This practice is critical for safety, as it prevents potential accidents by ensuring that the train does not inadvertently start moving again or remains in a state where further control is needed.

Stopping the train is the primary goal when using the emergency brake, and once the train has come to a complete halt, the operator can then assess the situation and take necessary actions. Leaving the brake handle in the emergency position until the train stops ensures that the train is held securely in place, which is particularly important in emergency situations. Other options focus on either a subjective assessment of the train's speed or arbitrary time limits, which do not guarantee that the train has come to a complete stop.