DT4 - Shunting Handout

Question 1

Define a shunting movement

Answer 1

Any movement of a train or vehicle other than a train passing normally along a running line

Question 2

Define a shunter

Answer 2

The person in control of a specific shunting movement

Question 3

Define an unaccompanied driver

Answer 3

A driver carrying out a shunting movement without an accompanying shunter

Question 4

Who will you normally report to?

Answer 4

• Depot/yard supervisor
• designated person

Question 5

If what are present would you not touch a unit?

Answer 5

• a red flag
• a red light
• a not to be moved board
• scotches
• a connected shore supply cable
• a ‘not to go’/repair label
• depot protection system is lit

Question 6

What must you come to a clear understanding about with the person authorised to control movement?

Answer 6

What exactly needs to be done, and how the shunting movement will be controlled

Question 7

Answer 7

Move away from shunter

Question 8

Answer 8

Move towards shunter

Question 9

Answer 9

Slow down

Question 10

Answer 10

Stop immediately

Question 11

Answer 11

Ease up

Question 12

Answer 12

Stop immediately when on a vehicle

Question 13

Answer 13

Move away from shunter

Question 14

Answer 14

Slowly move away from the shunter

Question 15

Answer 15

Move towards the shunter

Question 16

Answer 16

Slowly move towards the shunter

Question 17

Answer 17

Stop immediately

Question 18

Answer 18

Ease up

Question 19

Three main ways of controlling shunting movements

Answer 19

• hand signals
• radios
• audible signals

Question 20

What are the permitted speeds in depots and yards?

Answer 20

• 5mph unless otherwise stated
• 3mph entering a shed, building, or when washing unit

Question 21

What should you do before entering a shed or building?

Answer 21

• stop at the entrance
• only proceed when safe to do so
• sound the horn as a warning before entering (local instructions may apply)

Question 22

Use of the horn & lights

Answer 22

• use low/soft tone in yard or depot
• only use marker lights at the front
• tail lights on rear

Question 23

What should you ensure after each movement?

Answer 23

• that the unit is properly secured
• that the train is not fouling any points or other roads

Question 24

If leaving a unit on a running line you must:

Answer 24

• tell the signaller (unless it is a regular working)
• make sure that the train is secured
• red light at the rear
• red lights on both ends of bi-directional line

Question 25

What must you do if the driving controls are defective in the leading cab?

Answer 25

• drive from another forward facing cab, if available
• have a competent person in the leading cab to control the movement (if possible)

Question 26

If a competent person is controlling the movement from the lead cab, how would they control it?

Answer 26

• bell/buzzer codes
• cab-to-cab phone
• radio
• hand signals

Question 27

When is a propelling movement allowed?

Answer 27

If it is absolutely necessary + made over the shortest possible distance + authorised in specific circumstances

Question 28

During the propelling movement the driver must:

Answer 28

• observe all signals
• stop if communication with competent person is lost
• not pass any signal at danger unless authorised
• not exceed 20mph (5mph if only parking brake on defective vehicle)
• sound horn when approaching station or level crossing