What action should be taken when a non-class specific defect has been in over 30 days without being repaired?

When a non-class specific defect has persisted for over 30 days without repair, the most appropriate action is to repair the defects or remove the track from service. This is crucial for maintaining safety and operational integrity in railway operations. Prolonged exposure to unsorted defects can lead to worsening conditions that may compromise the performance and safety of the railway system.

Prioritizing the repair or removal from service ensures that any potential hazards are mitigated and that the infrastructure remains safe for operation. Addressing defects promptly is fundamental in railway maintenance protocols to prevent accidents or failures that could arise from prolonged defects.

Continuing to monitor the defect without intervention would not address the underlying safety issues and could lead to more severe consequences, while simply notifying the maintenance supervisor might initiate a process but does not take immediate action. Replacing track immediately could also be resource-intensive and unnecessary if the defect can be repaired effectively. Therefore, the correct approach is to ensure that there are protocols in place for timely repairs or to safely remove any compromised sections from service.