Blocking 908 and mis60

Question 1

Rule 908 BLOCKING definition (1)

Answer 1

Blocking means holding signals at STOP or points set to prevent rail movements from entering a sections of line.

Question 2

Blocking can be used for: (5)

Answer 2

Occupancy of track on foot

Maintenance with light tools

Work that involves breaking the track

Major track work

MTMVs and Work Trains

Question 3

R908 Blocking enquiry (7)

Answer 3

Identity;
Type of protection requested;
On tracking location (at location);
In Multi Line Areas, state lines being occupied or obstructed;
Occupation area including off 
    tracking location;
Time required for work; and
Nature of work.

Question 4

R908 Blocking pre checks (5)

Answer 4

Ensure that the proposed occupancy will not conflict with rail movements (trains, Hi-Rail Vehicles, etc);
Confirm the location of conflicting rail movements;
Confirm the last train clear of on tracking location;
Record the details on the graph; and
Apply blocking to the signals and points.

Question 5

R908 Blocking authorisation (7)

Answer 5

Addressee 
‘At’ location 
Commencement time and Clearance Time 
In multi-line area state lines being occupied or obstructed 
Proceed/Work At/Work between locations 
Last train clear 
Section of track verified blocked

Question 6

Proceed authorisation (1)

Answer 6

the movement must only proceed in the direction specified. Hi-Rail Vehicles and Trolleys may set back short distances up to 100m within the limits of the proceed authority provided the movement is able to stop within half the clear visible distance and clear of any obstruction.

Question 7

Work at definition (1)

Answer 7

The authority is provided for work happening at one location only

Question 8

Work Between (1)

Answer 8

the movement may work in either direction between the locations specified

Question 9

Signalling Failure (3)

Answer 9

Should it not be possible to apply Blocking due to an Automatic Signalling or Signalling failure the following additional instructions will apply:

Train Control will advise the addressee of the occupation that blocking cannot be applied.

The addressee of the occupation will enter this onto the Mis 71 in the space provided for “other information”

Train Control must ascertain that the occupancy is clear in the Safe Place before authorising a train or MTMV to pass the signal governing entry into that section at STOP.

Question 10

Rule 24 Mis60 definition

Answer 10

A Track and Time Permit (Mis60) is a numbered
authority issued by Train Control for protection
of maintenance work on or alongside the line.

Question 11

Pre issue safety checks mis60 (5)

Answer 11

Verify the addressee’s identity & location ensuring the Mis60 is received by the correct person

Establish a Mis60 is not still in force within any part of the area the permit is about to be issued

Plot the Mis60 on the Train Control diagram & establish that there is no conflict before preparing the Mis60

Draw the limits of the Mis60 in blue pen as a block for all activities

Draw the number of the Mis60 in a blue pen circle adjacent to the permit line

Question 12

Sequence for issuing the mis60 (7)

Answer 12

Establish the exact purpose and limits of the Mis60
Carry out safety checks
Draw the area on the Train Control diagram in blue pen
Prepare the Mis60
Ensure the appropriate protection has been applied
Transmit the Mis60 to the signaller (if applicable) & obtain a correct readback
Transmit the Mis60 to the addressee & obtain a correct readback

Question 13

Reissuing the mis60 (4)

Answer 13

First obtain confirmation that the line concerned is safe & clear if the area is to be changed.
Reissue the Mis60 covering the changed area/hours with the previous permit cancelled on the reissued permit in the special conditions portion.
Cancel the previous Mis60 by entering the cancellation time as the time the reissued permit was issued.
Advise all addressees accordingly.

Question 14

Canceling the mis60 (4)

Answer 14

Acknowledge the Mis60 being cancelled with both the addressee & Train Control completing the appropriate portions of the Mis60.
The addressee will confirm by the words “that is correct” & then destroy the Mis60.
Other addressees will be advised by Train Control that the Mis60 has been cancelled & the appropriate portion of the Mis60 is to be completed.
Used Mis60’s are archived in Train Control. The Train Control Manager, or their delegate, will also carry out regular checks on Mis60 issues as part of the safety observation procedures.

Question 15

Every MTMV that is travelling will have a three-digit ID, similar to a train number, i.e. BV2 what does each digit mean (3)

Answer 15

The first letter relates to the line it is travelling on.
The second letter relates to whether the MTMV will activate track circuits or not.
The third number relates to direction up or down.

Question 16

MTMV’s Travelling as “V” (1)

Answer 16

MTMV with axle loads 10t and over with 4 or more axles may be relied upon to activate track circuits so will:
Be protected by track circuits/axle counters and detected on signal panels; and
Operate level crossing alarms

Question 17

MTMV’s Travelling as “R” (3)

Answer 17

MTMV with axle loads under 10t and or less than 4 axles:
Will not be protected by track circuits in Automatic Signaling areas;
May not activate level crossing alarms; and
May not be detected on signal panels.

Question 18

ITD can be used for: (3)

Answer 18

Moving on foot (inspections, investigations, site familiarizations);
Making minor corrections which will not interfere with the safe running of trains; and
When crossing the line at a maintenance crossing.

Question 19

The 3 steps to authorizing foul time

Answer 19

1 - Enquiry from the person wanting to work on track
2 - Pre - authorization checks
3 - Authorization process

Question 20

Safety Buffers for 60 mins or greater (1)

Answer 20

A safety buffer of 30 minutes between the clearance time and the anticipated arrival time of the train at the occupation area must be provided.

Question 21

Safety Buffers for less than 60 mins (1)

Answer 21

A safety buffer of 15 minutes between the clearance time and the anticipated arrival time of the train at the occupation area must be provided.

Question 22

Grease Truck track occupation: (2)

Answer 22

When a track occupancy request is received for a Grease Truck, the authorization must only to apply to sections of track that are completely clear of rail movements.
Grease Trucks cannot be authorized to follow trains or HRV’s as they are required to travel at 50km/h around curves.

Question 23

What can follows a Grease Truck? (2)

Answer 23

HRV’s can be authorized immediately after a grease run if:
Train Control is advised that the grease truck has deliberately not greased a planned work area (this will normally be communicated between the grease truck operator and section Ganger); or
The HRV movement is necessary for an inspection for safety purposes (such as heat or weather inspections), or urgent faults (such as broken rails).