DISPATCH Flashcards
Describe a train stop marker.
A blue sign with white number on indicating where a train with a given number of coaches should stop. Sometimes contains the letter ‘S’ which refers to all trains stopping at the station, or a ‘T’ to indicate trains which are terminating (with given number of cars) should stop there.
What is TIC-TOC
Train in commentary, Train out commentary.
Explain ‘Think STAR’.
When approaching a station…
THINK - how many cars is my train, what side is the platform, RTC.
STOP
THINK - Is correct stop marker by window, which side is platform, verbalise it.
ASSESS - Secure train, DDS, Master switch.
RELEASE - the doors.
What is a TRTS button and when is it used?
On certain platforms, works much the same way as a SG button. If a train is ready to depart and the signal is on then the TRTS button lets the signaller know the train is ready to depart.
What does ‘station work complete’ mean?
This refers to the loading and unloading phase of the train being completed and that it is now time to close the doors.
What do you need to check before closing doors?
- The time to ensure you are not more than 30 seconds prior to the departure time.
- That the signal is a proceed aspect.
- That you have been given a white bat / CD at a staffed station, or that the PTI is clear if DOO (using Z method on CCTV). If conductor guard operated you will be given bell- pause - bell - bell, which you repeat back.
How do you know the doors are closed correctly?
You will see the doors change blue on the MITRACK system, the door close button will illuminate to indicate you have interlock and the BIL lights will go out on the CCTV screens. You must now check nobody is stuck using your CCTV screens.
What do you need to do before moving the train?
Check it is safe to move. This will be done by either platform staff (who will then indicate to you it is safe to move via RA or green bat/flag), by conductor guard (who will give ding-ding), or by yourself viewing the dispatch corridor on the CCTV with a Z method.
You must also check the signal is a proceed aspect.
What is the PTI and what is it important to check in this area?
‘Platform train interface’ is the area between the white line at the edge of the platform and the side of the train up to the cant line.
It is vital to check this area before closing doors, that nobody is touching the train, or about to, that there is no movement on or off the train in this area, and that nobody is trapped after interlock has been achieved.
What is the dispatch corridor?
Technically from the train to the building line, but more commonly considered to be up to the yellow line.
Who is responsible for dispatch?
- At a staffed station the PIC of dispatch.
- on a Conductor Guard worked train the Conductor guard.
- on a DOO train, the driver.
What are some of the risks associated with the PTI?
- Slips, trips and falls.
- Distractions (mobile phones etc).
- Vulnerable persons.
- Overcrowding.
- Equipment failures (monitors etc)
- Dispatch irregularities
- Leaving early
- Not completing safety checks properly.
- Prams and objects with wheels.
What is degraded dispatch working?
Where routine dispatch can’t take place due to staff shortages or equipment failure.
What should you do if you are awaiting dispatch at a staffed station, but no staff are there to dispatch you?
- Do not leave without being dispatched by staff.
- Contact signaller and advise (they may wish to put you back to red).
- Contact control and make them aware.
- PA announcement to update passengers.
What is the DOO dispatch process on an 8 car train if the CCTV monitors fail?
If the monitors cannot be fixed then degraded dispatch needs to take place and the signaller made aware.
On a train of 8 cars or less, with good visibility (platform curve, infrastructure, and weather) this can be done by stepping out of the driving cab and looking down the train. Before doing so the train must be secured (emergency brake step). Once the safety check has been completed the doors can be closed, checking for interlock as usual.
The driver then needs to complete a safety check by stepping out once again to ensure the doors are safely closed and the dispatch corridor is clear. If so the driver can depart.
What is the DOO dispatch process on train with 9 or more cars if the CCTV monitors fail?
If the monitors cannot be fixed then degraded dispatch needs to take place and the signaller made aware, this is especially important as you will be leaving the cab.
On a train of 9 cars or more, this can be done by stepping out of the driving cab and walking down the train. Each car will have the doors closed by the driver before returning to the front cab to press doors closed button to ensure interlock. Before doing so the train must be secured (brake step 3, key removed).
As the driver has secured the doors walking down the train the safety check can be considered complete and the train ready to depart.
What is the process for a degraded dispatch on a conductor guard operated train?
If the the standard bells cannot be used to dispatch as normal then Cab-to-Cab can be used on the GSM-R. If this also fails then the conductor guard must revert to hand signals, with one raised hand signalling CD and a green flag for RA.
What is the process for CD/RA equipment fails at a staffed platform?
If the CD indicator fails then the staff must revert to a white bat (if that fails then a raised hand). If the RA fails then a green flag or light must be used.
What is the process for dispatch when the starter signal is faulty?
You must seek permission from the signaller to pass the signal at danger, making dispatch staff aware.
Any CD/RA indicators will not work due to interlocking, hence staff must resort to white bat for CD, but must verbally state that station duties are complete for you to proceed. they cannot show a green flag as this would contradict the signal at danger ahead.
What is a through station?
Any station that is not a terminus.
What two key questions must you ask yourself during the dispatch process?
1 - Is it safe to close the doors?
2 - Is it safe to move the train?
