What must be done before releasing the handbrakes on a train?

To ensure the safety and proper operation of a train, it is crucial to confirm that the train is at a complete stop before releasing the handbrakes. When the train is in motion, releasing the handbrakes without confirming that it has stopped can lead to uncontrolled movement, endangering both the crew and the equipment. The handbrakes are designed to secure the train in place when it is stationary, and their release should only occur when it is safe to do so.

While applying the brakes in an emergency or other actions might not be inherently wrong, they do not directly address the critical step of ensuring the train is fully stopped before handbrake release. It is a procedural requirement to check that the train is not in motion to prevent accidents or unintended movements.