When should emergency brakes be applied on a train?

Emergency brakes should be applied in case of an emergency situation where immediate stopping is necessary. This is a critical safety feature of train operations, designed to protect passengers and crew, as well as to prevent potential accidents or derailments. The primary purpose of emergency braking systems is to halt the train as quickly as possible in situations such as equipment failure, obstruction on the tracks, or any other sudden events that pose a serious risk.

Utilizing emergency brakes is different from routine braking methods, which might be more gradual and controlled, such as during routine stops or when approaching a station. Those scenarios allow for planned deceleration in a safe manner. Emergency brakes, by contrast, are reserved solely for situations that demand an urgent response to maintain safety.