Examination Of The Line

Question 1

When can a train not to be used to examine the line but a competent person is used instead? (6) BBBBSS

Answer 1

1. Broken, distorted or damaged rails.
2. Broken fish plates.
3. Underline bridge struck by a road vehicle unless shown in SBSI.
4. Damage to bridge not caused by a road vehicle.
5. Subsidence.
6. Suspected damage to any other structure below or above the railway.

Question 2

What must drivers on the unaffected lines immediately next to the affected line be told, when the affected line is being examined? (4)

Answer 2

1. What is happening.
2. The location between which adjacent line is affected.
3. Pass affected portion of the line at caution.
4. Report back as soon as possible if anything seems to be wrong.

Question 3

Unless fitted with a portable headlight, when must you not use a train with a failed headlight to examine the line? (3)

Answer 3

1. Darkness.
2. Poor visibility.
3. Tunnel in section.

Question 4

If the line is examined because of a track defect and then reported safe for trains, what should other drivers be told and how long to do this for? (3)

Answer 4

1. What is happening (track defect).
2. Proceed at caution no more than 20 mph.
3. A competent engineer confirms it is safe for normal operation.

Question 5

Before a signal is cleared or passed at danger, what must the driver of the examining train been instructed to do? (4)

Answer 5

1. Proceed at caution.
2. If in a tunnel, proceed no more than 10mph.
3. If a track defect, proceed no more than 20mph.
4. Report back the state of the line at an agreed location beyond the affected line.

Question 6

If a line is to be examined, how can this be done? (3)

Answer 6

1. If you can see if it is safe for train to pass.
2. A driver of a passing train on the affected line to see if it’s safe.
3. A competent person to check if it is safe.

Question 7

If at track circuit showing occupied won’t clear what instructions do you give to the driver to examine the affected line? (5)

Answer 7

1. What has happened.
2. Clear understanding for which portion of line is to be examined.
3. Tell the driver to pass the signal at danger and proceed at caution.
4. If affected line is in a tunnel, proceed no more than 10mph.
5. Ask to report back at an agreed location.

Question 8

If you have been treating the track circuit as failed but the affected track circuit shows clear before a technician arrives you may resume normal working as long as- (2)

Answer 8

1. At least three trains have passed over the affected track circuit.
2. The track circuit has been observed to have operated normally between and for each train.