DC electrified lines Flashcards
What is an emergency switch-off?
An emergency switch-off is carried out by the electrical control operator (ECO) when it is essential to switch off the electrical supply immediately due to danger from live conductor rail equipment (CRE)
The ECO will switch off the electrical supply to the affected section and the abutting sections on either side.
What is a conductor rail permit?
A conductor rail permit is a permit signed and issued by the authorised person (AP) for a designated person (DP) to carry out work on or near the CRE, stating the isolated electrical equipment
It does not mean train movements have stopped.
Who is responsible for track safety rules in electrified areas?
All concerned must ensure they have the regular competence assessment that includes track-safety rules for lines electrified by the DC system
Table A of the Sectional Appendix shows which lines are electrified by the DC system.
What should you do if you are unsure whether the CRE is live?
You must treat it as live and dangerous to life.
What must you always treat as live?
CRE, shoe gear, and associated exposed live train-mounted equipment.
What are some actions you must not take near live CRE?
- Touch or step on CRE
- Step on guard boarding
- Allow objects to touch CRE
- Step between conductor rail and adjacent running rail
- Touch broken or displaced CRE
- Touch collector shoes
- Step into flood water in contact with CRE
- Direct water onto CRE
What should be reported to the ECO without delay?
- Damage to cables or equipment
- Flashovers or electrical explosions
- Leakage of oil
- Damage to conductor rail
- Burning or excessive flashing
- Broken or defective rail or bond
- Equipment in contact with conductor rail
- Flooding above sleeper level
- Heavy snowfalls or ice
What is the minimum distance you must keep from live CRE?
1.5 metres (5 feet) unless specific company conditions are met.
What should you do if you are working near live CRE and need to place detonators?
Attach them to the running rail furthest from the conductor rail.
What must you do if emergency services need to go near the line?
Inform the officer in charge about the presence of the conductor rail.
What precautions should be taken when moving materials near live CRE?
- Hold and move long items carefully
- Use correct insulated tools
- Prevent contact with live equipment
- Avoid carrying items over CRE
- Do not drag objects across live CRE
What must be done before evacuating passengers from a train?
The electricity must be switched off on any line where passengers may walk.
What must you do if you cannot contact the ECO?
A competent person may apply an approved short-circuiting bar to the conductor rail.
What should you do if you are the person in charge of the emergency switch-off?
Identify yourself to anyone arriving on site and inform them about the presence of the CRE.
What is required before using a short-circuiting bar?
Ensure there is no conductor-rail section gap between where you apply it and the section needing to be switched off.
What must you do if you are conducting someone over DC lines?
Inform them about the dangers of the CRE and the necessary precautions.
What information must you provide when contacting the ECO?
- Your name, job title, and employer
- The line or lines concerned
- The location
- Contact number for follow-up
What should you do if you receive a message about an emergency?
Pass the information to the ECO.
What must you do if there is severe arcing?
Confirm that the CRE is switched off before examining a vehicle.
What must you do before allowing a train to proceed after an emergency switch-off?
- Ensure the train is not fitted with collector shoes
- Get assurance from the driver that collector shoes are raised.
What is the responsibility of the person in charge of electrical emergency (PICEE)?
Manage the emergency switch-off and communicate with the ECO.
What must be done after the emergency is over regarding the CRE?
Warn everyone that electricity is about to be switched on and ensure everyone is clear of the CRE.
Fill in the blank: The ECO will decide who is the ________ during an emergency switch-off.
person in charge of electrical emergency (PICEE)
What must you do if you hand over the responsibility of the emergency switch-off?
Inform the ECO immediately with the name, job title, and employer of the person taking over
ECO refers to the Emergency Control Officer.
What must you do if you take over the responsibility of the emergency switch-off?
Confirm the arrangements with the ECO immediately
What actions must be taken once the emergency is over and the affected section can be re-energised?
- Warn everyone involved
- Ensure everyone is clear of the CRE
- Remove any short-circuiting bars or materials used during the emergency switch-off
- Inform the ECO that the emergency is over
What is required for a planned or temporary isolation?
Follow Network Rail company instructions
Who is responsible for rescuing a person from the CRE?
All concerned
What must be ensured before rescuing someone in contact with the CRE?
The CRE is switched off
What conditions must be met to attempt a rescue if the CRE cannot be switched off?
- The person is alive
- You can cover your hands with something dry and non-conductive
- You can stand on dry non-conducting material
- You are not using metal objects
What does isolation of the traction current not imply?
Train running has been stopped
What must not happen until a conductor rail permit (CRP) is received?
Work that requires an isolation
What must you do with the CRP after your group has finished working?
Return it immediately to the person who issued it
What must you do if you lose your CRP?
Immediately tell the AP
What is required for a local isolation?
A local isolation instruction must be issued
Who must arrange for points to be placed and kept in position to prevent trains from entering an isolated area?
The person in charge of a siding possession (PICOS)
What must be done to protect points against movement?
- Use reminder appliances
- Secure them if they are hand points
Who may operate a track isolating switch or hook switch?
Only if competent and authorized by the ECO
What must you do immediately after operating any switches?
Inform the ECO
What must you do when restoring a normally open hook switch?
Replace the white sleeve to prevent accidental operation
What must you do if the electricity supply cannot be restored following a short circuit?
Agree on arrangements to find out the cause of the short circuit
What must you do when examining the conductor rail?
Treat it as live at all times
What should you not do if you see an object causing a short circuit?
Do not remove it until the ECO says it is safe
What must the driver do when told there has been a short circuit?
Proceed at caution over the location of the short circuit
What must be confirmed before allowing an electric train to approach an isolated section?
The approach is protected by a possession limit board (PLB) and three detonators
What must the driver ensure before moving a train that has collector shoes?
All collector shoes are secured in the raised position clear of the conductor rail
What must be done before granting a possession around a train with collector shoes?
Ensure the driver has secured the collector shoes in the raised position
What must the signaller confirm before authorising a movement towards detonator protection?
That all collector shoes are raised and secured clear of any conductor rail
