General safety responsibilites and personal track safety for non-track workers Issue 9.1

Question 1

Who is responsible for applying rules, regulations, and instructions?

Answer 1

All concerned

This includes all individuals regardless of grade or job title.

Question 2

What must you not do when getting on or off rail vehicles?

Answer 2

You must not:
* Get off a moving rail vehicle unless designed for continuous slow-speed movement
* Get on a moving rail vehicle unless absolutely necessary
* Ride on the steps of a locomotive or vehicle
* Ride on a hand trolley or any vehicle not designed for this purpose

Safety is the primary concern.

Question 3

What is required to operate mechanical or electrical plant or equipment?

Answer 3

You must be trained and authorized to do so, and if necessary you must also hold a certificate of competency in operating the plant or equipment.

This ensures safe operation.

Question 4

Under what conditions can you travel in the driving cab of a train?

Answer 4

You can only travel in the driving cab if:
* It is in connection with your duties
* You have authority to do so

A cab pass must be shown to the driver.

Question 5

What should you do at user-worked level crossings?

Answer 5

You must:
* Lower or close barriers or gates
* Report any barriers or gates left open or not lowered properly

This is crucial for safety.

Question 6

What should you do if you see a lineside fire?

Answer 6

You must immediately report it to the signaller or Operations Control

Prompt reporting is essential for safety.

Question 7

What must you report regarding trespassers?

Answer 7

You must report anyone you believe to be trespassing to the signaller or Operations Control

This is important for maintaining safety and security.

Question 8

What must you do if you observe flowing or pooling water that might affect structures or earthworks?

Answer 8

You must immediately report it to the signaller or Operations Control

Examples include water rising from the track or unusual pooling.

Question 9

What should you do with a NOT TO GO label on a defective rail vehicle?

Answer 9

You must not remove or obscure it unless authorized

This label indicates a safety concern.

Question 10

What distance must you maintain from a fallen overhead power line?

Answer 10

You must not go closer than 5 metres (approximately 5 yards) until confirmed safe by the electricity company

This is to ensure safety from electric shocks.

Question 11

What distance must you stand away from detonators placed on the line?

Answer 11

You must stand at least 30 metres (approximately 30 yards) away, tell anyone else to keep this distance away, turn away as the train passes over them.

This is to ensure safety if a train passes over them.

Question 12

What hazards should you check for when observing a moving train?

Answer 12

You must check for:
* A door not closed properly
* An insecure load
* A vehicle on fire
* A hot axle box
* The headlight not lit
* The tail lamp missing or not lit
* The driver sounding the distress warning
* The driver or guard displaying a red handsignal
* The hazard warning indicator

Immediate reporting of these hazards is crucial.

Question 13

What actions must be taken in an emergency to stop a train?

Answer 13

You must show a hand danger signal clearly to the driver using:
* A red flag during daylight or both arms raised above your head.
* A red light during darkness or poor visibility or any light waved violently.

This is essential for preventing accidents.

Question 14

What is the first thing to say when reporting an accident?

Answer 14

‘This is an emergency call’

This alerts the person to the urgency of the situation.

Question 15

What information must you provide when reporting an accident?

Answer 15

You must provide:
* Your name
* Your job title
* Your employer
* The location of the call
* Details of the accident
* Emergency services needed

Give exact location & details of blocked or potentially blocked lines. Accurate, Brief, Clear communication is critical.

Question 16

What must you do to preserve evidence at a serious accident site?

Answer 16

You must not interfere with, disturb or remove any evidence unless to help the injured or prevent further injury or damage.

This includes equipment like driving controls and signalling equipment rolling stock or lineside equipment

Question 17

In a accident what should you do if there are dangerous goods on a train?

Answer 17

You must inform the signaller or Operations Control and state ‘This is a rail dangerous goods emergency’

Providing the United Nations number is also necessary.

Question 18

How should you clearly communicate emergency messages?

Answer 18

You must:
* Make sure you are speaking to the right person
* Give exact location
* Give name & employers name
* State the task you are carrying out
* Use the phonetic alphabet
* Use correct terminology ie. ‘Line blocked’
* Say numbers individually ie. One, Zero, Three
* Ensure you understand the message
* Repeat back the message
* Use clear sentences and avoid distractions

This is essential for effective communication.

Question 19

What do the following phrases mean?

• This is an emergency call
• Repeat back
• Correction
• Over
• Out

Answer 19

• This is an emergency call - This message provides information which needs immediate action to prevent death, serious injury or damage.
• Repeat back - Repeat all of the message back to me.
• Correction - I have made a mistake and will now correct the word or phrase just said.
• Over - I have finished my message and am expecting a reply.
• Out - I have finished my message and no reply is expected.

Question 20

What is the phonetic alphabet used for?

Answer 20

It is used to:
* Identify letters
* Spell difficult words
* Used if the is interference on the radio or phone
* Quoting signals or points
* Quoting train descriptions

This helps prevent misunderstandings in communication.

Question 21

State the phonetic alphabet?
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Answer 21

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victoria, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu.

Question 22

What are the ways to receive instructions from a signaller?

Answer 22

• Direct (face to face)
• Direct (via telephone or radio)
• Through the guard, shunter, pilot, handsignaller
• Through any other person who is competent in the relevant rules.

These methods ensure clear communication and adherence to safety protocols.

Question 23

What does the term ‘operational railway’ include?

Answer 23

The area called on the lineside and the area called on or near the line.

This definition encompasses both the physical railway infrastructure and the surrounding areas where operations occur.

Question 24

Define ‘lineside’.

Answer 24

You are on the lineside if you are between the railway boundary fence and the area called ‘on or near the line’ (more than 3m (10ft) away).

Being on the lineside implies proximity to active railway tracks.

Question 25

When are you considered to be 'on or near the line'?

Answer 25

• Within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line without a permanent fence or structure • On the line itself. ## Footnote You are not on or near the line if you are on a station platform unless you are carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of the platform edge. You are not on or near the line if you are crossing the line at a level crossing.

Question 26

Name the positions on or near the line.

Answer 26

1, Cess 2, Four foot 3, Six foot 4, Four foot 5, Ten foot 6, Four foot 7, Six foot 8, Four foot 9, Cess

Question 27

What is the minimum distance for a position of safety when the maximum speed is 101 mph or more?

Answer 27

2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) from the nearest line.

Question 28

What is the minimum distance for a position of safety when the maximum speed is 100 mph or less?

Answer 28

1.25 metres (4 feet) from the nearest line.

Question 29

What must you wear when on the operational railway?

Answer 29

Clean high-visibility clothing of an approved type. ## Footnote This requirement enhances visibility and safety in a potentially hazardous environment. You can carry small items with you. Make sure you have hand lamp for poor visibility, darkness, tunnels.

Question 30

What should you know before going on or near the line?

Answer 30

• The maximum speed • The direction from which trains normally approach • Location of areas not to enter while trains are running • Any location with limited clearances. ## Footnote This knowledge is critical for personal safety and operational compliance.

Question 31

While walking on the operational railway you should;

Answer 31

* Use authorised walking routes if provided. * Do not step on rails, sleepers, moving points. * If you must use a mobile phone move to a position of safety and then stand still until finished. * Do not wear anything that makes you less able to see or hear approaching trains. * Make sure you look up at least every 5 seconds so that you can reach a position of safety in no less than 10 seconds before an approaching train arrives. ## Footnote This ensures that you remain aware of your surroundings and can react to approaching trains.

Question 32

What does this sign indicate?

Answer 32

Limited clearance warning sign. There is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the structure. You must not enter or stand at this location when a train is approaching. ## Footnote This sign is crucial for preventing accidents in areas with restricted space.

Question 33

What is the core operational aim of fundamental operating principles?

Answer 33

To enable the safe and timely delivery of people and goods to their destination. ## Footnote This aim guides all operational decisions and safety measures.

Question 34

True or False: Trains must not continue to operate after being found unsafe until safety measures are taken.

Answer 34

True. ## Footnote This principle ensures that safety is prioritized over operational efficiency.

Question 35

What are the 9 fundamental operational principles regarding train movement?

Answer 35

1. The method of signalling must maintain a space interval between trains that is safe. 2. Before a train is allowed to start or continue moving, it must have an authority to move that clearly indicates the limit of that authority. 3. Trains proceeding over any portion of line must not be obstructed in a way that threatens their safety. 4. Trains must be prevented from proceeding onto a portion of line if it is known or suspected that it would not be safe for them to pass. 5. Trains must not be allowed to begin or continue their journeys until it is clear it is safe for them to do so. 6. Trains must only be allowed to operate over any portion of line as long as the rolling stock is compatible with the infrastructure on that portion of line. 7. Trains must not continue to operate after they have been found to be unsafe in any respect, until measures have been taken to allow them to continue safely. 8. People must be kept a safe distance from moving trains. 9. The workforce must be protected from the particular hazards associated with electrified railways. ## Footnote These principles form the backbone of railway safety management.

Question 36

What hazards might put an approaching train in danger?

Answer 36

* A track defect * A flood * An obstruction * A fire * Damage to structures above or below the line * Any light which is out at an emergency indicator * A cow, bull or any large animal within the boundary fence * Any other animal on or near the line

Question 37

If appointed, who will take charge at an incident?

Answer 37

RIO - Rail Incident Officer

Question 38

In these hazard warning panels what is this number called?

Answer 38

United Nations Number

Question 39

What are these examples of?

Answer 39

Hazard Warning Labels

Question 40

Unless it is an emergency, you must not use the group call, general call or conference call facility for:

Answer 40

* Passing signals at danger. * Passing an EoA (End of Authority) without an MA (Movement Authority). * Protecting trains. * Wrong-direction movements. * Unsignalled movements.

Question 41

During conversation who take lead responsibility over a Driver?

Answer 41

* ECO (Electrical Control Officer) * Signaller * PICOP (Person In Charge Of Possession * Shunter * Pilot * Handsignaller * Person conducting assisting train (over driver of assisting train) * Conductor Driver (over driver of train being conducted) ## Footnote If it is not clear who takes responsibility the person starting the conversation does.

Question 42

While walking on the operational railway and a train approaches you must;

Answer 42

* Immediately move to a position of safety or, if already in a position of safety, stay there. * If the driver sounds the warning horn, raise one arm above your head to show you have heard the warning. * You must stay in your position of safety until the train has passed clear or you are certain you will not be put in danger by that train or any other train.

Question 43

What dose this sign indicate?

Answer 43

No refuges warning sign. There is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the structure. However, there are positions of safety, or refuges, on the opposite side of the railway line.

Question 44

What does this sign indicate?

Answer 44

Prohibition sign - No safe access while trains are running. You must not pass beyond this sign while trains are running unless you are carrying out emergency protection. This is because you would not be able to reach a position of safety or refuge safely. If you are carrying out emergency protection, you must take extreme care.

Question 45

These signs are examples of what?

Answer 45

Limited clearance telephones Some telephones are positioned where there is limited clearance between the telephone and the adjacent lines. You may use these telephones only in an emergency and then only if no other form of communication is available.