Emergency Special Working (ESW) Temporary Block Working (TBW)

Question 1

What is Emergency Special Working

Answer 1

A method of working that allows trains to move during signalling failure

Question 2

Where can ESW be used

Answer 2

It only applies to double track lines fitted with Track Circuit Block regulations

Question 3

What’s the difference between ESW and TBW

Answer 3

ESW driver communicates directly with the signaller,
No hand signaller, instead an ESW ticket is used

Question 4

What does an “End of ESW” sign look like

Answer 4

Yellow sign with black EW diagonally crossed in red

Question 5

When must you carry an NR3190 Emergency Special Working ticket

Answer 5

Always, must be completed by driver at entrance signal.
Must be handed in at the end of shift

Question 6

What happens at the ESW entrance signal

Answer 6

You’ll call the signaller before you enter the section and complete the ESW ticket.
The signaller with pass you the instructions for you to complete the ESW ticket
Operate the TPWS temporary isolation switch

Question 7

What speed must you go through the ESW section

Answer 7

50 mph max and 15 mph over points, crossings etc

Question 8

What must you do at the end of ESW signal

Answer 8

Stop, there will be no hand signaller but should be a sign
Reinstate TPWS
Contact signaller, let them know you’ve arrived
Cancel your ESW ticket
Follow any signaller instructions

Question 9

Does ESW replace TBW

Answer 9

No
Emergency special working is a quicker more cost effective version of TBW where there is no hand signallers and the driver speaks directly with the signaller

Question 10

Who authorises ESW

Answer 10

Network rail

Question 11

Who decides what counts as an “easily identifiable” location for the exit signal

Answer 11

Network Rails, competent person

Question 12

What happens if you don’t have an ESW ticket

Answer 12

Signaller will authorise you to pass each signal one by one

Question 13

When and where can TBW & ESW be implemented

Answer 13

Only in track circuited colour light signal areas when passing two or more failed signals

Question 14

What colour hand signal will you get to proceed in temporary block working

Answer 14

Yellow

Question 15

What must you remember to do before you enter and exit TBW or ESW

Answer 15

Tell your guard

Temporary isolate the TPWS

Question 16

What must you do when approaching a level crossing within a TBW or ESW zone

Answer 16

Approach at caution, make sure it’s safe to cross. You’ll get a green hand signal if locally controlled by crossing attendent

Question 17

At the end of temporary block working what must happen for you to leave.

Answer 17

Stop at last signal
Write cancelled across the RT3284 ticket
Hand to the hand signaller
Tell guard
Reinstate TPWS
Watch hand signaller remove detonator
Hand signaller will either give you a yellow flag to proceed or the signaller may clear the signal

Question 18

How must you proceed when leaving a TBW or ESW area

Answer 18

At caution, for as far as you can see the track to be clear at a speed obeying all further signals

Question 19

What happens with AWS as you pass through a TBW or ESW area

Answer 19

You will still get the AWS warnings, acknowledge and disregard them

Question 20

If you’re the lead driver in a tandem train what must you do when entering a TBW or ESW area

Answer 20

If TBW the hand signaller will take TBW ticket RT3184 and show it to the other driver

If ESW you must complete ESW ticket NR3190 and show it to the other driver

Question 21

What must you do if your train fails while in a TBW or ESW section

Answer 21

You must contact the signaller immediately.

If the signaller can’t be reached you must use emergency protection to the rear of your train

Question 22

When can you enter a TBW or ESW section without a ticket

Answer 22

Removing part of a divided train
Evacuation
Assisting
Remove a train that has proceeded without authority

Question 23

In TBW where would you find details of any crossing attendants provided

Answer 23

These would be detailed on the TBW ticket