Broken Rail/Fishplates

Question 1

What must you do if you are told about a broken, distorted or damaged rail or that both fish plates are broken on the same rail? (3)

Answer 1

1. Stop trains passing over the affected line.
2. Tell operations control.
3. Arrange for RDE or RDN to examine the line or fishplates concerned.

Question 2

What must you do with trains when an RDE/RDN has examined and gives permission for trains to proceed at a specified reduced speed? (4)

Answer 2

1. Stop each train on the affected line.
2. Tell the driver what has happened.
3. Tell the driver, the location of broken rail or fish plates.
4. Instruct the driver not to exceed the specified reduced speed over the location.

Question 3

How long must you continue to instruct drivers to proceed at the speed authorised by the RDE/RDN? (3)

Answer 3

1. RDE/RDN advises the condition of the defect has got worse and trains need to be stopped.
2. Emergency speed restriction imposed over the line or lines concerned.
3. An RDE authorises that normal speed may be resumed.