COMMS Flashcards
WWhat is h What is Safety Critical Communication? at are the highest priority Calls?
REC calls (priority 0)
What is Safety Critical Communication?
Metro considers safety critical communication to be any spoken communication between the parties’ involving:
- Sending/receiving emergency messages
- Sending/receiving written Safeworking directions
- Driving or operating rail traffic movements
- Controlling and/or signalling rail traffic movements
- Reporting the state of equipment, infrastructure, or people (e.g. faults, trespassers) that might impact safety
If at anytime a message is incorrect, incomplete, unclear, ambiguous, or not understood, it must be…
Challenged, corrected or clarified.
What are some barriers to effective communication?
- Loud environment
- Poor connection (static, or cutting in and out)
- Ambigous wording
- Making assumptions
- Speaking to someone with a strong accent
What are the Primary and Secondary forms of communication?
- Primary - Fixed DTRS and Portable
- Secondary- Driver issued mobile
If a TDN cannot be eneterd into the radio system (both fixed and portable), the Driver must…
contact TC and provide their mobile number
Auto answer function on fixed and portable radio happen after how long?
- Fixed- 4 secs.
- Portable- 2secs.
Driver must only respond to calls…
When safe to do so
When DTRS fixed radio is powering up, the screen will display
- Initialising
- Powering up/resting
- Testing
- Test complete
Fixed and portable do self-test on start up
THe fixed cab radio is connected to the network when the name ? appears in the display
Metro
Top Left on screen
Radio test facility number?
84 98 01
The TD number entered into the cab or portable radio will time out and automatically deregister after how long?
4 Hrs
Drivers must immediately report a lost or stolen portable radio to…
Duty manager
The portable radoi will automaically lock after?
The screen will turn off after?
Lock: 90 seconds
Screen off: 60 secs
Portable radio shortcuts
1,
3,
9,
- Train Controller
- Area Controller
- TEC Emergency call
How do you deregister a TD number on a portable radio?
Press the yellow buttoin 3 times
Wha is active listening?
This is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, try to understand the complete message being sent.
What are some exacmples of REC usages?
Use when affects other lines/trains
- train derailment or collision
- a line that is obstructed
- train fires
- collision with a person
REC calls can be initiated and receiced by?
- Drivers
- Metrol Train Controllers
- Area Controllers and Signallers
What are the second highest priority calls?
TEC calls
When must phonetic alphabet be used?
Always use the phonetic alphabet when giving signal, stanchion or train numbers.
What are the steps for transmitting a REC or TEC call?
“Emergency emergency emergency”
TDN, origin/destination, location
Nature of emergency
Required response
ID any hazards
What does the Term
Emergency ,Emergency rgecy Emergency mean
This is an emergency call
What is one of the most important parts of communication?
You must ensure that the message is repeated back to you and that the repeated message is correct.
What does the term Negative mean?
No. Not correct.
What do the 4 digits of a TDN represent?
First digit - destination/service type
Second digit - city loop or direct
Third and fourth digit - up or down
What does the term ‘out’ mean?
My transmission is complete.
What does the term ‘over’ mean?
I have finished speaking, I am waiting for a reply
What does an odd numbered TDN mean?
Train is a down service
What does the term ‘Receicing’ mean?
I acknowledge your call. Proceed with the message
What does the term ‘Roger’ mean?
All your last statement is received and understood
What does the term ‘stand-by’ mean?
Wait. I’ll be ack soon.
What does an even numbered TDN mean?
Train is an up service
When do you use the phonetic alphabet?
- Reporting your position, signal number or train number
- Spelling out words that are difficult to understand
- Transmission quality is poor
How do you operate signal post telephones?
Unlock and open the case door
Raise the handset
Wait for controller/signaller to answer
What does the 5 in an internal phone number become for external calls?
9610
What does the first digit 1 in an internal phone number become in an external phone number?
9619
Where are the Flinders Street Operation Telephones?
At each end of every flinders street platform
What does the blue light mean for a platform telephone?
The phone should be answered by any on duty driver when possible
How do you use a Flinders Street Operation Telephone?
Unlock the cabinet with 5P key
Lift handset
Press appropriate button (metrol or Flinders st control room)
What is a MURL Telephone?
Melbourne Underground Rail Loop phone
Where are MURL phones located?
Every 150m in the MURL tunnels
What does a blue light flashing in the MURL mean?
Metrol needs to contact the driver
What are the steps after seeing a blue flashing light in the MURL?
Bring the train to a stand using normal braking
Contact signal control panel via DTRS or signal post phone
What is the primary communication form in the cab?
Fixed/portable DTRS
Are non metro trains connected to the DTRS?
No
What should be done if an SMS is received by the DTRS?
Report it to train control
What is the secondary form of communication in the cab?
Work mobile phone
What is the auto answer time for a fixed DTRS?
4 seconds
What is the auto answer time for a portable DTRS?
2 seconds
What is the number for testing of radios?
849 801
How do you make a REC call on the fixed & portable DTRS?
FIXED - Hold REC button for 0.5 seconds
PORTABLE - hold Top Red button for 2 seconds, press PTT to confirm
How do you make a TEC call on the radio?
FIXED - press the TEC button for 0.5 seconds
PORTABLE - press 9, then send
What is the shortcut input for the train controller on fixed and portable DTRS?
FIXED - “ T ”
PORTABLE - 1, then send
How do you register a TDN on the fixed DTRS?
TD button
Clear previous TD (if required)
Insert TDN
☑️ button
How do you register a TDN on the portable radio?
Green button twice
Enter TDN
“ OK “
How do you deregister a TDN on the fixed radio?
“TD” button
☑️ button
How do you deregister a TDN on the portable radio?
Yellow button 3 times
How can you call emergency services via the radio?
90,000
What must you do on receiving a REC call?
- Stop immediately using normal braking
- Listen to the REC transmission, do not speak unless directed
- Act on instructions given by train controller
4.remain stationary if instructed/you become aware of danger ahead
If no response is received after a REC call, what is the procedure?
After a minute, train may proceed to next station/signal at stop, then await further instructions
What is the LTR? What is it used for?
Local Train Radio
Used to communicate with non-MTM trains
When is a TEC call used?
When an emergency is only affecting your train
When is a REC call used?
When an emergency affects other trains or lines
What is a group call used for?
CAN notices
General updates on operations
Advising drivers to return to normal running after REC
What is a local call used for?
When a driver wishes to contact another train in their area
What should you do if your DTRS fails/becomes unavailable?
Contact Train Controller via work Mobile or other means when safe to do so
What should you do when your cab radio fails?
Report as fault via FMP (fault maintenance protocol)
Use portable radio as primary radio
What should you do if your portable radio fails?
Report fault to your duty manager
Provide work mobile if required
Obtain replacement portable ASAP
Do the fixed and portable DTRS perform tests after starting up?
Yes
Where is the TDN displayed on the DTRS?
Top right corner
When do you test your DTRS?
During cab preparations
During a fault
After fault has been fixed
How long does it take for a REC call to auto answer?
5 seconds
What are the bell codes for cab to cab communication?
1- attention
2- proceed
3- reverse
4- bring other competent worker to cab
Multiple- emergency
What is #3 a shortcut for on the portable DTRS?
Area Controller
What does ABC mean?
A - Accurate
B - Brief
C - Clear
How can you make sure your message is clear?
Think about how you speak.
Speak slower and louder, concentrate on what you are trying to say and speak clearly.
Use phonetic alphabet if necessary
What is active listening?
Making a conscious effort to hear not just the words but the overall message. Pay attention very carefully.
What does PPPP stand for and why is it important?
Planning Prevents Poor Performance
Helps keep your message accurate and brief.
What does ‘out’ mean?
My transmission is complete
What does ‘over’ mean?
I have finished speaking, I am waiting for a reply
What does ‘receiving’ mean?
I acknowledge your call, proceed with message.
What does ‘roger’ mean?
All your last statement is received and understood
What does ‘stand by’ mean?
Wait, I will be back soon
Why is the phonetic alphabet special?
No two words sound alike and only two words have one syllable.
How do you answer a MURL telephone?
Unlock box
Open and lift phone
Press the big red button underneath box
What should you never assume with communication?
Never assume the person has received the message clearly
How can you make sure your message was received correctly?
Have the receiver repeat the message back
What must you ensure your message is free from?
Stress or frustration
If at any time the message is incorrect/incomplete/unclear/ambiguous or not understood, what must be done?
Correct, clarify and/or challenge
What are 5 barriers to effective communication?
- Loud environment
- Poor connection
- Ambiguous wording
- Making assumptions
- Strong accent
Who is never the lead communicator?
The driver
