Examining the Line

Question 1

If the line is required to be examined; what ways can this be achieved? (3) TS1-20.1

Answer 1

You can see that the line is safe for trains to pass.

You can get a competent person to check the line is safe for trains to pass.

You can get the driver of a train passing over the affected line to check that the line is safe for trains to pass.

Question 2

When can a train not be used to examine the line, but a competent person used instead? (6) TS1-20.1

Answer 2

Broken, distorted or damaged rails.

Broken fishplates.

An underline bridge has been struck by a road vehicle, unless otherwise stated in SBSI

Damage to a bridge not caused by a road vehicle.

Subsidence.

Suspected damage to any other structure below or above the railway.

Question 3

If another Signaller is involved, what must happen between you and them? (1) TS1-20.2

Answer 3

A clear understanding must be reach with the other Signaller about what is to happen.

Question 4

What must you make sure of, regarding the last train to enter the affected section, before an examination using a train can start? (1) TS1-20.2

Answer 4

You must make sure that the last train to enter the section has passed CWTL beyond the stop signal ahead of the affected portion of line.

Question 5

Unless fitted with portable headlight, when must you not use a train with a failed headlight to examine the line? (3) TS1-20.2

Answer 5

During darkness.

During poor visibility.

If there is a tunnel in the section.

Question 6

If there is more than one line affected, what must you do with the other lines? (1) TS1-20.2

Answer 6

Treat other lines as affected unless you have definite information that they’re not affected.

Question 7

Can a driver examine an adjacent or opposite line? (1) TS1-20.2

Answer 7

No, each line must be examined individually.

Question 8

Can two lines be examined by a train at the same time? (1) TS1-20.2 (a train on each line)

Answer 8

Yes; except in a tunnel.

Question 9

What must happen with trains on other lines when a train is examining the line in a tunnel? (1) TS1-20.2

Answer 9

No other train must be allowed to enter or pass through the tunnel when another train is being used to examine the affected portion of line.

Question 10

What must Drivers on the unaffected lines immediately next to the affected line be told, when the affected line is being examined? (4) TS1-20.2

Answer 10

What is happening.

The locations between which the adjacent line is affected.

Instructed to pass the affected portion of line at caution.

To report as soon as possible if anything is seen to be wrong.

Question 11

When a track circuit is showing occupied when clear, what must the Driver of the train on the line immediately next to the affected line be told, if the affected line hasn’t been examined yet? (4) TS1-20.6.2

Answer 11

What is happening.

The locations between which the adjacent line is affected by the track circuit.

To pass the affected portion at caution.

To report as soon as possible if anything is wrong.

Question 12

When a track circuit is showing occupied when clear, what is the first question that the Driver of the first train over the affected line must be asked? (1) TS1-20.6.3

Answer 12

If the line appears to be clear as far as can be seen.

Question 13

When a track circuit is showing occupied when clear and you’re ready to give the Driver of the examining train instructions to examine the affected line, what instructions do you give the driver (including tunnel instructions)? (5) TS1-20.6.3

Answer 13

Tell the Driver what has happened.

Reach a clear understanding with the Driver as to which portion of the line is to be examined.

Tell the Driver to pass the signal at danger and to proceed at caution over the affected portion.

Tell the driver not to exceed 10mph through any tunnel on the affected portion of line.

Tell the Driver to report the state of the affected line at an agreed point ahead of the affected portion of line.

Question 14

If after a track circuit has showed occupied when clear but the track circuit clears before S&T arrives and a train has yet to pass over the affected portion of the line, what actions must you take? (1) TS1-20.6.5

Answer 14

You must carry out the instructions for a first train to pass over the affected line.

Question 15

If after a track circuit has showed occupied when clear but the track circuit clears before S&T arrives and a train has been used to examine the portion of line that was affected, when can you resume normal working? (1) TS1-20.6.5

Answer 15

When the examining train has proved that the line is clear and the track circuit remains clear after the passage of the train.

Question 16

If a track circuit is showing occupied then clears at intervals, and there is a possibility that a signal or signals could revert to danger in front of a train, what must you do with regards to the track circuit? (1) TS1-20.6.6

Answer 16

Treat the track circuit as having failed.

Question 17

Explain what the three train rule is… (3) TS1-20.6.6

Answer 17

If you have been treating a track circuit as failed but the affected track circuit shows clear before S&T arrives, you may resume normal working as long as:

At least three trains have passed over the affected track circuit.

Question 18

When examining, what speed must Drivers be told to proceed through a tunnel if the affected portion of line is in a tunnel? (1) TS1-20.3

Answer 18

10mph (or 15km/h).

Question 19

Before allowing an examining train into the affected section, what must you tell the Driver? (2) TS2-20.3

Answer 19

Why the line is to be examined.

Reach a clear understanding as to which portion of the line is to be examined.

Question 20

Before the signal is cleared or passed at danger, what must the Driver of the examining train be instructed to do (remembering instructions if tunnel or track defect is involved)? (4) TS1-20.3

Answer 20

Proceed at caution over the affected portion of line.

Not exceed 10mph through the tunnel, if the affected portion is in a tunnel.

Not exceed 20mph if examining because of a reported track defect.

Report the state of the affected portion of line at an agreed location beyond the affected portion of line.

Question 21

How do you signal the examining train? (1)

Answer 21

Normally.

Question 22

When using a train to examine the line, when can normal working be resumed? (1) TS1-20.5

Answer 22

When Driver of examining train reports that the line appears to be for the passage of trains.

Question 23

If the line was examined because of a track defect and it is reported that the line appears to be safe for the passage of trains, what must subsequent Drivers be told; and how long must it continue for? (3) TS1-20.5

Answer 23

A track defect has been reported.

Proceed over affected portion of line at a speed not greater than 20mph.

This continues until a competent engineer has confirmed that the affected portion is safe for normal operation

Question 24

When a track circuit shows occupied when clear of trains, what must you not initially treat it as? (1) TS1-20.6.4

Answer 24

Do not initially treat it as a track circuit failure.