Flagging

Question 0

What must a Train Operator do when he/she encounters any caution lights or flags?

Answer 0

Train Operators upon encountering any caution lights or flags on the track on which they are operating must:

• Immediately adjust the speed of their trains to not more than ten (10) miles per hour
• Sound two (2) long blasts of the train horn or whistle as a warning to personnel at the point of the work or obstruction
• Be prepared to stop within one-half (1/2) the range of vision.

If the view ahead is obstructed by a curve or otherwise, they must repeat the two (2) long blasts of the horn or whistle at short intervals and be prepared to stop within one-half the range of vision until the flaggers or personnel are in sight, or until they pass the green light or flag.

Question 1

3 Yellow Flags / Lights

Answer 1

Train Operators observing three (3) yellow lights or flags will reduce speed, to no more than ten (10) miles per hour, sound two (2) long blasts of the horn/whistle and blow a series of short blasts of the horn/whistle every 75 feet to 120 feet expecting workers on the adjacent track until the green resume signal is passed.

Question 2

Instances of extinguished lights, what should a Train Operator do?

Answer 2

Train Operators en route observing one (1) yellow light must react as if there were two (2) such lights displayed, assuming that one (1) light has been extinguished, and must report the condition to the flagger.

In instances where a green flag or green light is missing or unlit, Train Operators will proceed at no more than ten (10) miles per hour to the next express or local station, notify the Control Center Desk Superintendent and then proceed at the normal speed for that area.

Question 3

1 Flashing Yellow / Orange Fluorescent Flag

Answer 3

Train Operators enroute observing one (1) FLASHING YELLOW LIGHT or ORANGE FLUORESCENT FLAG must immediately reduce speed of their trains to no more than ten (10) miles per hour, sound two (2) blasts of the horn or whistle, if the view ahead is obstructed by a curve or otherwise, they must repeat the two (2) long blasts of the horn or whistle at short intervals, and be prepared to stop their trains within one half (1/2) the range of vision, expecting to find workers performing work on said track in accordance with rules 3.73(b), 3.73(c), 3.76(a) and 3.76(c). Train Operators will resume normal speed after the entire train passes the work area.

Question 4

2 Yellow Flags / Lamps

Answer 4

Immediately reduce speed of train to no more than 10mph, sound (2) two long blasts of horn or whistle, and be prepared to stop within 1/2 range of vision.

Question 5

During MOW equipment failure where trains are stuck between stations where difficult to establish standard flagging, responding personnel must be equipped with a flashing yellow light or a fluorescent orange flag, a portable trip, red light or flag and an approved light and approach the first stalled train and establish face-to-face communication with the T/O to stop and stay until he/she receives further instructions. How far must they install the the flag or yellow light from the portable stop?

Answer 5

150ft

Rule 3.71(h)

Question 6

What are the standard minimum size for outdoor flags?

Answer 6

23in by 29in

Rule 3.73

Question 7

What other duties are a person designated as a Flagger responsible for?

Answer 7

A person performing flagging duties must not perform any other duties other than those of a Flagger

Rule 3.72(k)

Question 8

Moving a yellow light or flag up and down is a signal to a T/O to proceed VERY SLOWLY, and to be prepared to stop within 1/2 range of vision. What else should the T/O expect next?

Answer 8

Another Flagger beyond

Rule 3.74(g)

Question 9

What does the holding of the hand or white light away from the body in a steady position indicates?

Answer 9

Reduce speed of train to not more than 5mph, and be prepared to stop.

Rule 3.74(g)

Question 10

What is the equipment required for a Flagger?

Answer 10

• Lights or flags of prescribed color, in working condition
• A whistle or air horn
• Portable Train Stop(S)
• Piece(s) of stout cord, at least 4ft but no more than 6ft in length, for tying the red light or flag to the stop arm of the portable train stop
• An authorized NYCT reflector vest
• Safety glasses
• Helmet
• Proper footwear
• Work gloves

Rule 3.75(b)

Question 11

Whenever persons are in under river tunnels, a flashing yellow light shall be placed at the leaving end of a station nearest the under river tunnel with the normal direction of traffic. How many feet should the light be placed?

Answer 11

25ft

Rule 3.75(c)

Question 12

The Flagger must ensure that a green resume light has not been displayed beyond a flashing yellow light entering a river tunnel for a distance of 620ft by another group. Is this statement True or False?

Answer 12

True

Rule 3.75(c)

Question 13

Workers performing duties on the tracks must be alert at all times, and be prepared to clear the track when a train approaches. How many feet should an employee have a clear up space from the area in which they’re working?

Answer 13

15ft

Rule 3.76(a)

Question 14

Should individuals working in an area protected by caution lights or flags that are not members of the groups for whom the flagging protection was established give proceed signals to T/O’s approaching the work area?

Answer 14

No, they must NOT give proceed signals to Train Operators

Rule 3.76(b)

Question 15

Each employee assigned as “Look Out” to warn of approaching trains must be able to see his/her flashing yellow light and the employees he/she protecting, and be positioned a minimum of ______ feet from the employee(s) he/she is protecting.

Answer 15

50ft

Rule 3.76(c)

Question 16

If employees are continuously moving while performing work and clear-up space is within ____ feet, the Flagger carrying a whistle, a flashing yellow light or orange fluorescent flag, may be less than ____ feet but no closer than ____ feet, in advance of the employee.

Answer 16

15ft, 650ft, 50ft

Rule 3.76(c)

Question 17

Whenever the portable trip must be used when employees who are continuously moving while performing inspections where a clear up space is not accessible, the Flagger must display the flashing yellow light/orange fluorescent flag at least ____ feet in approach to the Flagger’s position. The Flagger’s position must be no closer than ____ feet in approach to the work, in accordance with Rule 3.77(d)

Answer 17

500ft, 150ft

Rule 3.76(c)

Question 18

On express tracks and long descending grades where track conditions permit train speeds of 35mph or greater, a flashing yellow light/orange flag must me placed ____feet farther in the direction from which trains approach.

Answer 18

300ft

Rule 3.76(c)

Question 19

When a turnout or crossover that permits diverging routes from an adjacent track to the track which is to be worked upon is located between the flashing yellow light/orange flag and the Flagger’s position. What must the person in charge of the flagging set up be sure to also do to warn trains in approach of this work area?

Answer 19

Set up an additional flashing yellow light/orange flag positioned on the adjacent track at least 500ft in approach to the Flagger’s position at the trailing end of the switch point on the track being worked upon or obstructed.

Rule 3.76(c)

Question 20

A (1) green light or flag must be displayed a safe distance beyond the farthest point of work or obstruction. What is the distance from the work area that the green lamp/flag must be positioned?

Answer 20

620ft in both Subdivisions

Rule 3.77(b)

Question 21

As a train approaches the caution lights/flags, the Flagger must immediately:

Answer 21

Sound (2) long blasts of a whistle or air horn to warn the group, leave the stop arm in its tripping position, pick up and swing the red light or flag to and fro across the track, until a prearranged all clear signal is received from a designated Authority employee with the group.

Rule 3.77(e)

Question 22

There are some instances in which it may be difficult or unsafe to apply a portable train stop when protecting a work area, and the Flagger may need to set up the portable trip on the adjacent rail at what distance?

Answer 22

Additional 100ft in the A Div, 150ft in the B Div to the distance between the Flagger’s position and the start of the work area which he/she is protecting.

Rule 3.79(h)

Question 23

On the track or tracks to be worked upon or obstructed, flagging arrangements are to be set as follows:

Answer 23

2 yellow lights/flags must be displayed at a point NOT LESS THAN 500 feet, nor more than 700 feet, in approach to the point selected as the Flagger’s station, except as specified in Rule 3.80(d)

2 additional yellow lights/flags must be displayed at a point 300 feet farther in the direction from which trains approach.

*If a station platform is within the 300ft, the additional flags/lights are not required.

Rule 3.80(a)

Question 24

When an Auxiliary Flagger is utilized, is it necessary to reposition the caution lights protecting the work area?

Answer 24

YES, the Lead Flagger’s caution lights or flags MUST be repositioned from their original location and displayed NOT LESS THAN 500 feet, nor more than 700 feet in approach of the Auxiliary Flagger’s location.

Rule 3.80(d)

Question 25

If the closest repositioned caution lights or flags are not visible to the Auxiliary Flagger, 2 additional caution lights/flags must be placed where they are visible to the Auxiliary Flagger. How far should these additional lights/flags be placed?

Answer 25

The additional set of lights/flags must be placed at the farthest point, which is determined solely by visibility.

Rule 3.80(d)

Question 26

If the closest repositioned caution lights or flags are not visible to the Auxiliary Flagger, 2 additional caution lights/flags must be placed where they are visible to the Auxiliary Flagger. How far should these additional lights/flags be placed?

Answer 26

The additional set of lights/flags must be placed at the farthest point, which is determined solely by visibility.

Rule 3.80(d)

Question 27

During CBTC Flagging, there are 3 calls that must be made. Those 3 calls are:

Answer 27

1st Call is to inhibit Automatic Train Operation

2nd Call is to Establish a Work Zone

3rd Call is to notify RCC upon Completion of Work

Question 28

When the employee in charge of work makes the FIRST call to RCC to access tracks and set up a work zone, they must provide what information and request the following:

Answer 28

Name, Pass #, title and division, G.O.# / Acct# (if applicable), line and track #, nature of work, radio status, and the station-to-station location.

Request - ATO to be inhibited
Confirm - ATO is inhibited
Request - Primary & Auxiliary traffic to be set in the same direction
Confirm - Primary & Auxiliary traffic were both set in the same direction, and specify direction traffic is set.

NOTE: Speed is NOT enforced at 10MPH

Question 29

When the employee in charge of work makes the SECOND call to RCC to access tracks and set up a work zone, they must provide what information and request the following during FULL FLAGGING:

Answer 29

Provide survey marker numbers of the furthest yellow flag/lamp from the work area (beginning of work zone) and the survey marker number of the green flag/lamp (end of work zone)

If at locations requiring a Flagger in each direction, RCC should be notified of the stationing numbers of flags/lamps in both ends.

Request - A CBTC Work zone be established
Confirm - The CBTC Work zone was established

NOTE: Speed is now enforced to 10MPH throughout the work zone

Question 30

When the employee in charge of work makes the SECOND call to RCC to access tracks and set up a work zone, they must provide what information and request the following during POINT TO POINT FLAGGING:

Answer 30

Provide the survey marker number for the location