A conductor notices a joint bar with a visible crack on a continuous welded rail territory. Under FRA track standards (49 CFR Part 213), this defect should be:

1. Monitored on the next scheduled track inspection cycle
2. Reported immediately to the railroad's track department for urgent action
3. Noted in the train journal and reported at the end of the trip
4. Flagged only if the crack exceeds 6 inches in length