AWS

Question 1

Name the AWS in cab equipment?

Answer 1

Audible indicator
Visual indicator
AWS reset button

Question 2

Name the AWS on track equipment and where it is located?

Answer 2

AWS ramp or magnet
Positioned in the 4 foot
Normally 180 metres from the signal which it applies

Question 3

Explain the AWS operation for a restrictive aspect?

Answer 3

the on train receiver receives a signal from the magnet.
A warning horn will sound in cab.
The visual indicator will display a yellow and black status.
AWS reset button must be pressed within 2.4 seconds otherwise the brakes will be automatically applied.

Question 4

Explain the AWS operation for a clear aspect?

Answer 4

AWS will display a grey and black status
A ping will be given
No reset is required on the AWS reset button

Question 5

When is AWS provided?

Answer 5

On approach to
A signal 
Permanent speed restriction
Temporary speed restriction
Emergency speed restriction
AOCL and ABCL crossings 
Test magnets when exiting shunt yards

Question 6

AWS sign - white circle with a red cross?

Answer 6

Start of AWS gap in the right direction.

Question 7

AWS sign - AWS in white square?

Answer 7

End of AWS gap in the right direction

Question 8

AWS sign - white diamond with AWS?

Answer 8

End of AWS gap in the wrong direction

Question 9

AWS sign - white diamond with AWS and red cross?

Answer 9

Start of AWS gap in the wrong direction.

Question 10

AWS Sign - AWS cancelling indicator where permanent AWS magnet is installed?

Answer 10

St Andrews flag

Question 11

AWS Sign - AWS cancelling indicator where TSR or ESR restrictions?

Answer 11

Yellow square with a black diagonal cross

Question 12

Explain why you will report a wrong side failure and your subsequent actions?

Answer 12

When an AWS warning horn should have been received however instead have received an incorrect indication (ping) or no indication at all.
Stop train immediately
Inform signaller immediately
Immediately complete RT3185 form

Question 13

Right side failure, explain when you will need to report and subsequent actions?

Answer 13

When a AWS clear indication (ping) should have been received however instead have received a warning horn or no indication at all.

Signaller must be told at first opportunity however do not need to stop specifically to do this. Complete RT3185 form

Question 14

What faults could develop which requires the AWS to be isolated?

Answer 14

The horn does not stop sounding
Brakes are still applied when warning indication is cancelled
Successive or intermediate failures occur.

Question 15

If AWS becomes defective, what should your actions be?

Answer 15

Stop train immediately
Inform signaller
Do not move train until instructed to do so

Question 16

When can you isolate AWS?

Answer 16

Cancelling the warning indication does not stop horn
Successive or intermittent failures suggesting AWS equipment is defective
Train stops directly over the track, if isolate must make operative again as soon as train is moved. (Can move 2 foot without before contacting signaller on permissive working).

Question 17

What systems are affected when AWS is isolated?

Answer 17

AWS
TPWS
2 very important safety systems
Must have competent person (driver with route, signal traction knowledge) if moving train.

Question 18

If signals cannot be seen or imperfectly shown, what r your actions?

Answer 18

Consider stop signal to be at danger
Distant signal to be at caution
Position light or shunting signal to be at normal.
If signal applies to you, stop and call signaller immediately.
If signal is on the other side of the railway contact signaller at earliest opportunity

Question 19

What other applications can the AWS be used for?

Answer 19

Warning for AOCL or ABCL level crossings
Drop of permissable speed
Warning board, cancelling indicator or emergency indicator for a speed restriction
Cancelling indicator for a train travelling in the wrong direction
AWS test indicator