Automatic Signalling Rules Flashcards
What is the object of Automatic Signalling?
The object is to facilitate the regular movements of trains by dividing the line into sections and automatically maintaining a safe space interval between following trains
This is accomplished by controlling the signal governing the entrance to a section using track circuits or axle counters so that when a train enters a section the signal is automatically held at “Stop” until the train is under the protection of the signal next in advance.
What is the purpose of Automatic Signalling?
To Detect the presence of rail traffic
Prevent following and
Opposing rail traffic entries into occupied sections of track; and
Provide advance Warning of the status of the next signal.
by using continuous track circuiting and/or axle counters
What are the Key features of an Automatic Signalling Area?
Block Section
Intermediate Section
Interlocked Station
Interlocked Junction
Switch Lock Siding
What can cause interference with the Track Circuits?
- A train or vehicle;
- Any metallic or other conducting substance so placed as to form a connection between the rails.
- A broken or displaced rail;
- Any bond wire becoming detached or broken;
- Points not correctly set;
- Switch lock and releasing switch doors not closed
- A vehicle in a siding fouling the track circuit.
What does an Intermediate Signal Control?
It is provided where necessary in ASR areas to divide the line into shorter sections and to control the entry of trains into such sections.
What does a Home Signal Control?
This signal controls and authorises the entry into a Station
What does an Outer Home Signal Control?
This signal controls between the intermediate and home signal and is to provide advanced warning of the route set ahead
What does a Directing Signal control?
Used in Station yards for the purpose of directing trains to the various platforms/sidings.
To Protect the lines to which they apply.
What does a Starting Signal Control?
Controls the entry into a Block Section where movements are in one direction only
What does a Departure Signal Control?
Controls the entry into a Block Section where movements are signalled in both directions
What is a written authority?
An Authority that is issued via a pro-forma form known as a Safe Working Authority
What is a verbal authority?
An authority that is issued verbally
What is a Self Authorisation?
This authority can be made by the Operator after completing the prescribed actions.
They must STOP.
Wait 10 seconds then proceed at restricted speed
What is the authority to Pass a Starting Signal at STOP?
(Multi Line One Directional)
Verbal Authority
What is the authority to Pass a Starting Signal when WRONG line running at STOP?
(Multi Line One Directional)
Written - SWA
What is the authority to Pass a Departure at STOP?
(Multi Line BiDirectional)
Written - SWA
What is the authority to Pass an Absolute Intermediate Signal NOT fitted with an A light at STOP?
Verbal Authority
What is the authority to Pass a Absolute Intermediate Signal fitted with an A light but NOT illuminated at STOP?
Verbal Authority
What is the authority to Pass a Permissive Intermediate Signal at STOP?
Self Authorisation
What is the authority to Pass a HOME at STOP?
Verbal Authority
What is the authority to Pass an Outer Home at STOP?
Verbal Authority
What is the authority to Pass a Directing Signal at STOP?
Verbal Authority
What is the authority to Pass a Station Entry Board at STOP?
Verbal Authority
What is the authority to Pass a Block Entry Board at STOP?
Written
What is the authority to Pass an Absolute Signal with an A Light illuminated at STOP?
Self Authrorisation
What is Wrong Line Running?
Train Movements running in the opposite direction in a Block Section where the Automatic Signalling system is designed to allow trains to move in ONE direction only
To enter the Block Section with the INTENTION of Wrong Line running, and the Operator is required to pass a Starting Signal at Stop, what is required?
Requires a written authority from Train Control in the form of a SWA
What is Setting Back?
A train movement that causes the rear most vehicle to move in the reverse direction to that which the train would normally travel
Eg: A locomotive on the front of the train provides power to push all of the attached vehicles in the reverse direction
If a setback is required with in a BLOCK section, what is required?
Written authorization in the form of a SWA 01
If a setback is required within STATION LIMITS what is required?
As long as the movements have no completely cleared the station limits… Verbal Permission is required
What is the authorization required when a Switch Lock is unable to be released
Verbal Authorization
If a train doesn’t fully enter the Switch lock siding, what must happen before continuing
The Switch Lock must be left in Release until shunting is completed and the locomotive has returned to the main line
The operator must then set the points in normal positions for the mainline, restore the Switch Lock to be locked and close and padlock the door.
What is a SPAD?
Signal Passed At Danger. A signal passed at STOP or a block Entry or Station entry board. If this occurs the Operator must advise Train Control immediately
What is the Authority required to continue at a starting signal passed at STOP?
(SPAD)
After the prescribed checks:
Verbally authorize the movement to continue
Arrange for the movement to be piloted back within the signal to allow the movement to depart on a PROCEED indication
What is the Authority required to continue at Departure signal passed at STOP?
(SPAD)
Train Control to:
Issue a SWA (Written)
Arrange for the movement to be piloted back with in the signal to allow the movement to depart on a proceed indication
What is the Authority required to continue at a Block Entry Board that’s been over run?
(SPAD)
SWA-01 authority from Train Control for movement to continue
What is the Authority required to continue at a intermediate signal passed at STOP?
(SPAD)
After the prescribed checks
Verbally authorize the movement to continue
What is the Authority required to continue at any signal or Station entry Board with in an interlocked station passed at STOP?
(SPAD)
After completing the prescribed checks, Train Control may either VERBALLY authorise the movement to Continue
Be Piloted back with in the signal to enable the movement to proceed on a PROCEED indication.
