Which of these is a common tool used in rail maintenance to assess safety?

Wear detectors and pressure gauges are critical tools utilized in rail maintenance to assess safety because they provide real-time data on the condition of various rail components. Wear detectors help monitor the degradation of rails and wheels, ensuring that any wear is identified before it compromises safety or performance. Pressure gauges are essential for assessing the pressure within braking systems and other hydraulic systems, playing a vital role in ensuring that these systems function correctly and safely.

Both of these tools contribute to proactive maintenance strategies, allowing maintenance personnel to identify potential issues early and address them before they escalate into more significant safety hazards. This focus on monitoring and assessment underlines the emphasis on preventive maintenance in rail operations, aimed at minimizing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall operational safety.

In contrast, the other options are not as directly related to ongoing safety assessments. Speedometer calibration, while important for operational efficiency, does not measure physical wear or structural integrity. Noise analysis software may assist in identifying particular operational problems but is less effective without the context provided by direct measurement tools. Passenger feedback surveys can offer useful insights into passenger experiences but do not assess the mechanical safety of rail systems directly.