General Operational Safety

Question 1

What is the purpose of the course for Rail Traffic Guards?

Answer 1

To provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to conduct the Safeworking operational activities related to General Operational Safety

Question 2

What is an Absolute Signal?

Answer 2

A fixed signal that must not be passed at Stop without the Authority of the Network Control Officer

Question 3

Who is the Officer in Charge (OIC)?

Answer 3

A worker qualified and authorised to control the movement of rail traffic, on-track vehicles, and hi-rail vehicles while on duty

Question 4

What does the term ‘Obstruction’ refer to?

Answer 4

Any defect in the track or track formation, or obstacle on, above or adjacent to the track which will prevent the safe passage of rail traffic

Question 5

What is a Qualified Officer?

Answer 5

A worker who holds current accreditation for tasks to be performed under specific Safeworking systems

Question 6

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a visual indicator which conveys instructions regarding the rail traffic crew’s Authority to proceed.

Answer 6

Signal

Question 7

What are the adverse conditions affecting operations on the network?

Answer 7

• Heavy rain
• High wind
• Reduced visibility (fog or smoke)

Question 8

When may special Safeworking procedures be implemented?

Answer 8

When no Safeworking rule or procedure exists or when application of a rule or procedures is not possible or will result in significant risk to safety

Question 9

True or False: The General Manager for the relevant Network Control Centre cannot delegate the authority to implement special Safeworking procedures.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What should workers do when an unsafe rail vehicle is identified?

Answer 10

• Stop the rail traffic
• Notify Network Control Officer
• Stop rail traffic or shunting movements on adjacent tracks

Question 11

What is the role of the Network Control Officer during adverse conditions?

Answer 11

To advise if it is unsafe for rail traffic to travel and impose special conditions as necessary

Question 12

What actions should be taken in case of a runaway rail vehicle?

Answer 12

• Transmit an emergency radio message to Network Control
• Protect all rail traffic and workers in the area

Question 13

What is the definition of ‘Rail Traffic’?

Answer 13

Trains and track vehicles travelling on the Network

Question 14

What is meant by ‘Unsafe Rail Vehicles’?

Answer 14

Rail vehicles with objects protruding from them

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The term ‘CAN’ refers to _______ affecting the Network.

Answer 15

Conditions

Question 16

What should be reported if there is a fire near rail traffic?

Answer 16

Report the fire to the Network Control Officer and give the number of the nearest overhead line equipment structure

Question 17

What is a Safe Place?

Answer 17

A place where workers and equipment cannot be struck by rail traffic

Question 18

What is the protocol for extinguishing fires on rail vehicles?

Answer 18

• Ensure proper firefighting equipment is used
• Read instructions on the fire extinguisher before use
• Be aware that metal may be hot enough to burn the skin

Question 19

What is the definition of ‘Station’ in the context of rail traffic?

Answer 19

A place designated by name in the Working Timetable or by special instruction, where rail traffic may stop for operational purposes

Question 20

What should workers be aware of regarding metal on rail vehicles?

Answer 20

Metal may be hot enough to burn the skin on touch, for example, handles on doors.

Question 21

What is the maximum depth of water over the top of the rails for air-conditioned trains hauled by Diesel Hydraulic Locomotives?

Answer 21

5 mm

Question 22

What is the maximum speed for rail traffic traveling through running water?

Answer 22

5 km/h

Question 23

What is the required clearance between water and the top of the running rail when crossing a bridge over a swiftly running current?

Answer 23

At least 399 mm

Question 24

What is the maximum depth of still water over the top of the rails for Diesel Electric Locomotives?

Answer 24

75 mm

Question 25

What should be checked after passing through water regarding the station protection device?

Answer 25

Ensure that the station protection device operates correctly.

Question 26

What should a worker do when an accident or incident occurs?

Answer 26

Report it to the supervising officer.

Question 27

When relaying messages regarding Safeworking, what should the sender instruct the Intermediate Officer to do?

Answer 27

Write down the message and repeat it.

Question 28

What is a Restraint Authority?

Answer 28

It is used to stop and hold rail traffic at a designated signal, Block Limit Board, or location.

Question 29

Who may issue a Restraint Authority?

Answer 29

Only a Network Control Officer, except for signals operated from a local control panel.

Question 30

What should the Rail Traffic Crew do upon cancellation of a Restraint Authority?

Answer 30

Print 'CANCELLED AT ... (hrs)' across the front of the form.

Question 31

What is the protocol for dealing with trespassers on Queensland Rail property?

Answer 31

Identify as a worker, ask for identification, warn of dangers, and contact authorities if necessary.

Question 32

What must Rail Traffic Crew do if they are not route competent?

Answer 32

Inform the Officer in Charge and do not work/drive rail traffic on that route.

Question 33

What should a Rail Traffic Driver do before moving a locomotive?

Answer 33

Sound the whistle and ensure all Rail Traffic Crew members are on board or aware of the movement.

Question 34

What action should a Rail Traffic Crew member take if the Rail Traffic Driver becomes incapacitated?

Answer 34

Stop the rail traffic and inform the Network Control Officer.

Question 35

What should the Rail Traffic Driver do if the speedometer fails?

Answer 35

Report the failure and reduce speed to 75% of allowable speed.

Question 36

What is the purpose of level crossing signals?

Answer 36

To indicate that rail traffic is approaching a level crossing fitted with flashing lights and protected by a stop signal.

Question 37

When can controlled level crossing protection signals be passed at stop?

Answer 37

Only on the authority of the Network Control Officer/Officer in Charge.

Question 38

What should Rail Traffic Crew do when setting back over a level crossing protected by boom gates?

Answer 38

Have a qualified worker in radio contact proceed in advance of the movement.

Question 39

What should be done if boom gates fail in a lowered position?

Answer 39

Travel at restricted speed and inform local police service.

Question 40

What should Rail Traffic Crew do if the boom gates and/or flashing lights do not operate?

Answer 40

Sound whistle continuously and attempt to stop clear of the level crossing.

Question 41

What must Handsignallers do before allowing rail traffic to proceed over a level crossing?

Answer 41

Stop road traffic clear of the crossing and signal rail traffic across when safe.

Question 42

What should Rail Traffic Crew do when the flashing lights at a level crossing are operating but the boom gates are damaged and the crossing is closed to traffic?

Answer 42

Approach level crossing at controlled speed and ensure it is clear of pedestrian and road traffic. Resume normal speed once the lead vehicle has entered the crossing. ## Footnote Rail Traffic Crews will be warned of the status of the level crossing in accordance with Queensland Network Rules and Procedures (QNRP) MD-12-189 section 6.5 Warning Rail Traffic.

Question 43

When advised that the level crossing is closed, what is the first action for Rail Traffic Crew?

Answer 43

Approach level crossing at controlled speed. ## Footnote This is to ensure safety before proceeding further.

Question 44

What does the Rail Traffic Crew need to confirm before resuming normal speed at a level crossing?

Answer 44

Ensure that the level crossing is clear of pedestrian and road traffic. ## Footnote This is crucial to prevent accidents.

Question 45

What should Rail Traffic Crew do when the level crossing is closed to both pedestrian and road traffic?

Answer 45

Resume normal speed after the lead vehicle has entered the crossing. ## Footnote This indicates that the crossing is safe for the train to proceed.

Question 46

What should Rail Traffic Crew do when the flashing lights at a level crossing are operating but road and pedestrian traffic will be managed?

Answer 46

Alert Handsignaller/s by radio or by sounding the whistle when approaching the level crossing. ## Footnote Communication with Handsignallers is essential for safety.

Question 47

What is the next step for Rail Traffic Crew after alerting the Handsignaller when approaching a managed level crossing?

Answer 47

Be prepared to stop clear of the level crossing on the approach side. ## Footnote This ensures that the train does not enter the crossing until it is safe.

Question 48

What must Rail Traffic Crew obey when approaching a level crossing managed by traffic controllers?

Answer 48

Obey the signal displayed by the Handsignaller. ## Footnote This is critical for maintaining safety at the crossing.