How should the brakes be applied if the master controller cannot be moved to the OFF position?

When faced with a situation where the master controller cannot be moved to the OFF position, using the emergency brake handle is the appropriate action to take. The emergency brake is specifically designed for scenarios where conventional braking methods fail or when immediate stopping is necessary to ensure safety.

This approach prioritizes the safety of both the crew and passengers by providing a direct method of stopping the vehicle or train. Activating the emergency brake can quickly reduce speed or bring the system to a halt, thereby preventing potential accidents or further complications that could arise from not being able to control the main brakes efficiently.

Other alternatives, such as decreasing speed gradually, may be inadequate as they rely on the primary braking system that is already compromised. Alerting crew members and waiting for assistance might lead to delays that could jeopardize safety, especially in an emergency scenario. Attempting to force the controller to move may cause further damage to the equipment or lead to an uncontrolled situation. Therefore, utilizing the emergency brake is the safest and most effective response in this situation.