Bell Signals

Question 1

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Answer 1

Message: Stop immediately

Action: Stop the train.

If given by guard and driver doesn’t stop immediately, the guard must operate the emergency brake tap.

If given by the driver, the guard must operate the emergency brake tap, apply the park brakes, and then talk with the driver.

Question 2

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Answer 2

Message: Set back or propel

Action: Commence proppeling or setting back movement

Question 3

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Answer 3

Message: Draw forward slowly, prepared to stop

Action: The Driver is to move the train forward at restricted speed.

Question 4

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Answer 4

Message: Train Crew member leaving or returning to the crew compartment

Action:

• before leaving the crew compartment or drivers cab, or
• after returning to the crew compartment or drivers cab, give this signal before any other.
If relieved after giving this signal, tell the relief that the signal was given.

Answer 5

Message: Disturbance on the train, or
Go to the drivers cab

Action: If given by Guard, the Driver must arrange for police assistance.
If given by the Driver, the Guard, must go to the drivers cab.

Question 6

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Answer 6

Message: Fire on the train or in the Rail Corridor

Action: Use if there is a fire on the train or in the Rail Corridor.

Question 7

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Answer 7

Message: Is the Train Crew member able to continue?
Contact other crew member

Action: Used by a Train Crew member if they are concerned about the other Train Crew member’s ability to continue.
Contact the other crew member by intercom

Question 8

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Answer 8

Message: Apply power

Action: Apply power

Question 9

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Answer 9

Message: Cut off power

Action: Cut off power

Question 10

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Answer 10

Message: Apply park brakes/hand brakes.

Action: The Guard must apply park brakes/hand brakes, and tell the Driver when this is completed.

Question 11

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Answer 11

Message: Release handbrakes

Action: The Guard must release park brakes/handbrakes, and tell the Driver when this is completed.

Question 12

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Answer 12

Message: immediately protect the rear of the train

Action: The guard must protect the rear of the train.

Question 13

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Answer 13

Message: Immediately protect all lines that might be obstructed

Action: The Guard must place protection on obstructed adjacent lines.

Question 14

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Answer 14

Message: Train is about to pass a signal at STOP.

Action: Tells the Guard that the train is about to pass a signal at STOP.

Question 15

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Answer 15

Message: Conduct a continuity test

Action:
Tells the Guard that:
• a continuity test is to be conducted, or
• a traction interlocking continuity test is to be conducted

Question 16

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Answer 16

Message: All right

Driver to Guard
Action: The train is ready to depart a yard or Maintenance Centre.

Guard to driver
Action: The Guard considers that it is safe to move, and:
• the train is ready to leave a station or depart a yard or Maintenance Centre, or
• a signal clears and any portion of a train is standing at a station, or
• brake pipe (BP) pressure is restored after a trip valve has been activated, or
• the train has cleared a worksite, or
• the Guard is directing movements from the leading crew compartment and the Driver is driving from the rear crew compartment. Signal is repeated every 5 seconds. If the signal stops, the Driver must stop the train.

Question 17

o o o o -

Answer 17

Message: Relay Driver on board

Action: A Relay Driver has joined the train and is in position to cut the controls in.

Question 18

If you do not understand a bell signal?

Answer 18

• Treat it as a STOP signal

- Immediately communicate with the other Train Crew member

Question 19

When using Bell signals:

Answer 19

• give them slowly and distinctly

- acknowledge signals other than the ALL Right or STOP signal, by repeating the same signal back.