EXCEPTIONS TO PASS FIXED SIGNALS ABS S06

Question 1

What instructions must be followed by the Driver when detained at a home signal at stop?
(10 dot points)

Answer 1

• Sound a long whistle
• Contact the controlling signaller
• Provide TDN, sig. post. no. & location
• make a PA if required

SIGNALLER MUST inform driver:
• duration of delay
• reason for delay
• if blocking facilities have been applied

DRIVER MUST contact TC IF:
• no contact with signaller
• not satisfied with reason for delay
• delay will exceed 5 mins

Question 2

What are the exceptions to pass a signal on ABS?

Answer 2

• DEFECTIVE
• Single Line Working
• TRACK CIRCUITED with NO low speed caution/ Calling On

(With correct authority issued by the controlling signaller)

Question 3

Is the train controller at METROL able to issue an authority to pass at home signal at stop?

Answer 3

NO

• except for under the rules for letter A not illuminated at a Home Signal

Question 4

What must a driver do when detained at a dwarf or Disc signal at stop?
(Prior to getting any authority to pass if req’d)

Answer 4

Sound a long whistle
Contact the controlling signaller

SIGNALLER must inform the driver:,
• Duration of delay
• Reason for delay

• DRIVER to contact Train Controller @ metrol if no comms with signaller

Question 5

How must an irregular or defective signal be regarded?

Answer 5

At its safest aspect: STOP

Question 6

What type of authority does a driver need to pass a defective signal at stop that is protecting points, crossovers or a tramway?

Answer 6

A signaler’s caution Order

Question 7

What type of authority must a driver obtain to pass a Home signal at stop, when the signal is not protecting points?

Answer 7

A VERBAL INSTRUCTION from the Controlling Signaller

Question 8

Once a driver, is advised by the controlling signaler that the signal is defective and protects points. What must the driver do next?

(After following detained at a home signal procedure)
(10 answers in specific order)

Answer 8

• Check & operate the points if required
• Receive the SCO
• Sound along whistle
• Make a PA (that will be tripping past signal)
• Move train until trip activates
• Reset the trip
• Drive along with ‘extreme caution’ (until whole train has passed next fixed signal)
• Follow signal aspect of any signals in advance
• Report late running to TC
• Submit incident report at the end of shift

Question 9

If a signal can be worked, must it be worked rather than giving any other type of authority to pass a signal?

Answer 9

YES

Question 10

If a light is extinguished on the home signal, can a driver accept a low speed caution aspect?

What must occur?

Answer 10

NO

YOU MUST GET A CAUTION ORDER
(Signal is defective)

Question 11

What details must a driver check on a SCO once they have received it?
(6 answers)

Answer 11

• Name of signal box
• Date
• Time
• Destination to, and from
• Signal post number
• Signaler’s signature

Question 12

At what speed must a driver proceed under a signaler’s caution order?

Answer 12

Extreme Caution until whole train has passed the next fixed signal

Question 13

How can a signaller’s caution order, be issued?
(3 ways)

Answer 13

• Handed, transmitted or dictated

Question 14

How are Caution Orders received at non-recorded LOCAL signal boxes?

Answer 14

Handed

Question 15

How are Caution Orders received at a non-recorded REMOTE CONTROLLED signal box?

Answer 15

DICTATED:

It will be read to the driver over the Signal Post Telephone

(Signaler’s Caution order book is inside the phone box for driver to complete)

Question 16

How are Caution Orders received at a RECORDED location?

Answer 16

TRANSMITTED

(Via DTRS or Signal Post Phone)
* driver/signaler- names must be exchanged

Question 17

What is the authority to pass a signal at Stop that is Track circuited with NO LOW SPEED CAUTION / calling on?

(Train needs to enter an occupied or obstructed section)

Answer 17

Verbal Instructions and/or Green hand signal

(From controlling signaller and a C/E to assist)

Question 18

What is this authority to pass a signal at STOP during SINGLE LINE WORKING?

(Signals are sleeved at stop)

Answer 18

Pilots authority

Question 19

Does a pilot authority allow a driver to exit a single line section?

Answer 19

No

Question 20

What is the authority for a driver to exit a single line section during single line working in the absence of a signal?

Answer 20

A green hand signal, from a C/E at that location

Question 21

Before entering the single line section during single line working, what must a driver be able to do before entering that section?

Answer 21

• Receive verbal instructions from the Pilot authorising them to enter the section
• Check the details on the Single Line Working forms that the Pilot has in their possession

Question 22

What is the EXCEPTION (not authority) for passing a Home Signal at STOP in the City Loop?

Answer 22

Defective

Question 23

What is the authority to pass a defective Home signal in the MURL?

Answer 23

Protecting points, departure ends of platforms, entry & exits -
SIGNALLERS CAUTION ORDER (transmitted)

Intermediate signals NOT protecting points -
VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS from Area controller

Question 24

What are the EXCEPTIONS to pass Disc/ Dwarf signals at STOP ?

Answer 24

1. Defective
2. Single Line Working

Question 25

What is the authority to pass a Disc/Dwarf that is defective at STOP?

Answer 25

Verbal Instructions

Question 26

What is the Authority to pass a Defective Disc/ Dwarf at PROCEED?

Answer 26

• signal must be extinguished
• hand signaller displays a RED hand signal
• VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS from signaller
• drivers informed of the circumstances

(No ATWs for dwarfs)

Question 27

What is the authority to pass a Defective Disc/dwarf during Single Line Working?

Answer 27

Pilots Authority
(Pilot gives Verbal instructions)

Question 28

Under what circumstances can a driver pass an AUTOMATIC signal at stop?
(Reasons to pass signal)

Answer 28

1. When performing R1S3
2. When authorised by a driver of a disabled train who is acting as a pilot
3. Where special instructions apply to the contrary (e.g. on standby for footy specials)

Question 29

When passing an AUTOMATIC signal at stop, what must you consider the section ahead to be?

Answer 29

• occupied
• obstructed
• or damaged

Question 30

Can you pass an automatic signal at stop if the line ahead is known to be occupied?

Answer 30

No

You must not pass the signal until the train ahead moves out of sight or out of the track section

Question 31

What are some reasons that could be considered unsafe to proceed past an Automatic Signal at STOP?

Answer 31

• Braking ability of the train with consideration of the gradient to be travelled

• defective/ isolated equipment

• extreme weather

• poor visibility

Question 32

When a driver has decided conditions are met to perform R1S3
(Signal at stop not assumed to be defective;
Section assumed occupied, obstructed or damaged
Train not having any defects that affect safety)

what is the next step?
(12 dot points to the completion of R1S3)

Answer 32

• call the R1S3 number 96103599
• follow instructions via automated message & provide:

NAME
MOTOR NO.
Signal No.
TDN

• If no ans. Wait 30 secs and advise TC. If signal clears advise TC. If not:
• PA
• sound a long whistle
• trip on signal
• reset trip
• proceed at EXTREME CAUTION until whole train passes next signal
• stop to perform any other task (call, PEI)
• no distractions
• stop if other train observed
• incident report

Question 33

What is the definition of EXTREME CAUTION?

Answer 33

• Being able to stop in 1/2 distance that is seen
• 25 km/h MAX
• always being prepared to find the section occupied, obstructed or damaged

• applies until whole train has passed the next fixed signal

Question 34

Can an AUTOMATIC SIGNAL ever be assumed to be, or indicated by TC or signaller to be defective?

Answer 34

No

Question 35

What are the RESTRICTIONS whilst performing R1S3?
(10 answers)

Answer 35

• must not be distracted

• must stop the train and answer radio or PEI calls

• must stop train to perform any other function

• if train ahead is observed on parallel lines STOP until you ascertain which line

• if train is observed on same line, wait until train ahead has moved

• after train ahead has moved, may follow at a safe distance (unless rescue required)

• if after entering the section a train is seen there, STOP and wait for it to proceed.

• if after entering the section, track is seen to be obstructed or damaged, STOP, call TC

• if next Auto is also at STOP must repeat R1S3

• Incident Report (sig. nos & delays)

Question 36

When an Auto signal protecting a level crossing is at stop how can a driver pass the signal?

Answer 36

R1S3 and move train cautiously until boom barriers/ flashing lights are activated by the circuitry

Frequent use of whistle

(Only enter through the crossing if the crossing is protected & clear of pedestrians & vehicles and safe to do so)

Question 37

What is the authority for a train to enter a section to assist a disabled train, when is protected by an automatic signal?

Answer 37

The driver of the DISABLED train will act as a pilot for the rescuing train and apply R1S3 (once they are picked up by the rescuing train)

If the pilot is not waiting at the auto signal (due signal being further than to 500m from disabled train), the relief train will apply R1S3 to get to the pilot (who is waiting 500m from disabled train)

Question 38

“Where special instructions, apply to the contrary”
when and who applies this authority to pass an automatic signal at stop?

Answer 38

The RAIL SAFETY MANAGER can authorize this

• only in extreme circumstances, and during times of major disruptions or incidents

Question 39

SUMMARY OF EXCEPTIONS

Question 40

What is rule 16 section 12 of the book of rules?

Answer 40

VERBAL authority

• all opposing signals protected
• all approaching trains must be stopped 100m clear of movement limit

Where trains are permitted to shunt outside of a home signal, that is permanently at the stop position.

It is for shunting to allow a train to terminate at times of line occupation

Rarely used - only in extreme circumstances to allow a train to change platforms and return

TC & Controlling Signaller must ensure move is protected and correctly set the route