Examining the Line, OLE, Bridges and Adverse Weather Flashcards
What might you be asked to examine the line for?
Track defects, objects or obstructions that could prevent the usual movement of trains
How would you be informed if you are required to examine the line?
Informed by signaller on the move.
If the signaller was unable to clear a signal due to the potential defect, what might you be authorised to do?
PSAD
What must you reach with the signaller before examining the line?
Clear understanding on what you are looking for & the affected portion of track
How must you proceed when examining the line?
Proceed at caution and follow any instructions
How must you proceed when examining an affected portion inside a tunnel?
Max. 10mph
How must you proceed when examining for a suspected track defect?
Max. 20mph
When must you be accompanied when examining the line?
When in the dark, in poor visibility or in a tunnel
Can you examine the line with failed headlights?
No, do not examine the line unless a bardic is fitted
Who might be asked to examine the OLE?
Diesel trains
When must you be accompanied when examining the OLE?
In the dark/poor visibility/in a tunnel
How must you proceed when examining the OLE?
Max. 20mph
If you are asked to determine if the OLE is safe for trains to proceed using own tractive power/coast underneath with pantograph lowered, what criteria must be met?
- Obstruction not more than 6 inches below contact wire (sagging=dangerous)
- No more than 2 consecutive droppers have come off
- Object/defect is more than 3 OLE structures away from tunnel or overbridges
If all of above apply, safe to pass
If your train has caused sequential tripping, what may you be asked to do?
Examine the OLE
How must you examine the OLE, if possible?
Without leaving train/via CCTV
What must you consider before leaving your train to examine the OLE?
Always consider conditions before leaving the train and only leave with permission from the signaller. Ensure no OLE in vicinity of door before leaving
What are your actions if the conditions change when examining the OLE from outside of your train?
Stop and return to the train immediately. Do not continue your examination until OLE switched off.
How should you always treat OLE?
As live and dangerous (even if switched off)
What is an overbridge?
Where traffic travels over the railway with trains underneath
What is an underbridge?
Where traffic travels under the railway with trains on the bridge itself
What might bridge strikes result in?
ESRs/TSRs being imposed- do not accelerate until whole train leaves bridge
If you are examining a bridge after a strike, how must you proceed?
Max. 5mph and do not pass under if unsafe:
- Stop train
- Check for obvious damage/debris on line
- Tell signaller if safe for passage of trains
What depth of snow must be reported to the signaller?
If snow deeper than 8 inches above railhead
What speed must you travel at in snow?
Line speed (unless in disc brake trains) but drive to conditions
What is there a risk of when temperatures drop below 0 degrees?
Frozen brakes
What must be done when snow is falling, fallen snow is being disturbed and blown into undercarriage of train or in freezing conditions?
Extra running brake tests
What brake step must be used initially when performing a running brake test in snow?
Step 3- no need to test any other brake steps
Why is an initial step 3 application required only?
To generate heat and test braking performance of unit
How regularly do running brake tests need to be conducted in snow?
Every 3-5 minutes
How regularly do running brake tests need to be conducted in freezing conditions?
Every 2-3 minutes
When driving a disc brake train in snow, how must you carry out a running brake test?
Travel at 10mph below line speed (no need to go less than 50mph) then RBT in step 3 to reduce speed by further 10mph - if brakes operate normally, return to initial reduced speed
When driving a tread brake train in snow, how must you carry out a running brake test?
Travel at line speed. RBT in step 3 to reduce speed by 10mph, if brakes operate normally, return to line speed.
What are your actions if a tread brake train is coupled to a disc brake train in snow?
Travel at 10mph below line speed (no need to go less than 50mph). RBT in step 3 to reduce by 10mph.
When must flood water be reported to the signaller immediately?
Where flood water is affecting the running of trains
If flood water is affecting the running of trains, how must you report this to the signaller?
Via an emergency call
What must you confirm to the signaller when you believe that flood water is affecting the running of trains?
If flood water has or is likely to move ballast.
What depths of water must be reported to the signaller?
When flood water reaches the bottom of the railhead or surpasses it.
What speed can trains travel at if flood water reaches bottom of railhead?
Line speed
What speed can trains travel at if flood water reaches top of railhead?
5mph
What speed can trains travel at if flood water surpasses top of railhead?
Services suspended
What speed can you travel at in fog?
At line speed but slow down if you lose bearings
What issue can headlights present in fog?
Can produce glare but must remain switched on (to be seen, not to see)
What speed restrictions apply if your AWS is isolated in fog?
40mph with or without competent person present
What might be implemented when there are strong winds?
Blanket speed restrictions
How would you be notified of blanket speed restrictions?
In the Late Notice Case/on the move via area broadcast
What are your actions if you believe there to be a track defect?
Report to the signaller immediately
What information must you provide to the signaller if reporting a suspected track defect?
Location, whether close to a bridge or viaduct and any other information.
How should you describe the track defect?
As a defect that is seen (definitely broken), a defect that is felt (unusual movement of train- lurch, dip, shaking) or a defect that is heard (bang, rattle or grinding)
