Metro Flashcards
What four metro lines are in Fairfax County?
Blue, Yellow, silver and Orange
How many metro stations are in Northern VA?
25 stations and two inspection/service yards
11 surface, 8 subsurface, 5 aerial and one with features of all three types
What is a tail track?
A track used to store trains during revenue service hours
What are the dimensions of a rail car?
Each rail car is 75’ long, 10’ wide, 10’10” high. Weight is 36-40 tons per car.
Except the 7000 series car they weigh 41 tons.
Rail cars operate in pairs, what marks each car?
The “A” car carries and even number while the “B” car carries and odd number
What is the minimum and maximum number of cars on a train?
2–150’ train (except for 7000 series which require 4 cars)
8–600’ train
Rail cars are constructed similar to what?
Automobiles with no frame
How many door panels are on each rail car? How are they numbered?
14 door panels (bulkhead doors are not numbered)
Door panels on the operator cab side are numbered 1-6 starting directly behind the operators cab, opposite side 7-12
What are the side door windows made up of?
Polycarbonate/safety glass combination
7000 series- multilayer laminated glass and polymers
If there is a dire emergency and a door window must be removed for ventilation how should this be accomplished?
By striking the lower edge of the window with a heavy striking tool
Where is the door opening control located and what doors will it open?
In the operators car and will open all doors on that side of the car. In order to open doors by this switch the train must be at the station platform and the third rail must be energized
What doors can be opened from the outside and how?
Doors 2, 8 and 9 with the use of the XX barrel key on the metro key ring
What doors can be opened from the inside with the manual pull handles?
3, 4, 9, and 10
How many passengers can a car hold?
200 per car, max of 1600 per train
What car are the batteries located in?
The “B” car
Can the emergency door openers be activated while the train is moving?
No, it must be stopped.
What is the only window on a rail car that opens?
The operator’s cab windows
When removing a rail car window by the zip strip what is the final step?
Pushing the window into the car
What is the return side and ground of the car’s electrical system?
The running wheels
All rail cars have two communications systems which are?
An internal intercom and a metro radio
What doors are non-electric and can be opened regardless of the power status of the rail car?
The bulkhead doors
When evacuating passengers through the bulkhead doors what is absolutely necessary and where is located?
The emergency ladder, it is either in a compartment opposite the operator’s cab or under the first side-facing seat opposite the operator’s cab
What are the three types of metro stations?
Aerial or elevated, surface or at grade, and sub-surface or underground. This is determined by the platforms location compared to adjacent road surfaces
There are several types of station platforms, what are they?
- Side load platform-center track
- center load platform-side track
- split platorm-multiple level
- a combination of the above
What is a pocket track?
A third track within the platform area used as revenue turn around or yard lead track
What are the approx. dimensions of the staions?
60’ wide by 600’ long and 30-35’ above the track
What are the three distinct types of electrical systems metrorail uses?
Traction power, AC power and battery power
When emergency power is activated what lights work?
25% of the normal lighting in the station and every fourth light in the tunnel.
What type of construction materials are metro stations constructed of?
Non-combustible materials with a fire rating of at least two hours
Every station standpipe connection has an ID plate that identifies?
The shaft number, the maximum vertical drop and the maximum horizontal run of the piping
How often are hose valves located?
In 200’ intervals
At least one fire equipment cabinet is located on each station platform, what does it contain?
Two 4A:40BC extinguishers and one FD standpipe connection
Wet pipe sprinkler systems are installed in heated rooms within the stations, ancillary buildings and service facililites, the other type of sprinkler used in metro is deluge where are they located?
Escalator pans of single entry stations, below the support truss of the escalator, between the surface and the mezzanine
If a fire alarm fails to reset in a metro station the chimes in the kiosk will continue for another twenty seconds then the alarm remains active and what happens?
Inbound escalators will stop and an announcement of the fire alarm of the station public address system will begin
What are the two distinct conditions for the ventilation systems in tunnels and underground stations?
normal and emergency
What two modes can the fans in metro be in?
Supply or exhaust mode
What are the four settings that each fan shaft control box has on it?
- Emergency Exhaust
- Emergency Supply
- Automatic Operation
- Off
When ROCC receives a report of a fire at the platform level what will they do to the fans?
Activate exhaust mode to clear an evac path for passengers by bringing in air through the escalator way and forcing smoke into the tunnel
When ROCC receives a report of a fire at the mezzanine level what will they do to the fans?
Activate station fans in the supply mode and force smoke out of the station and away from the evac routes
How often are traction power substations and tiebreaker stations located?
Approx every one half mile along the right of way
What are all stations equipped with for public communication?
PA system
What is a PERS?
Passenger Emergency Reporting System-located on pylons or stanchions throughout all stations…by depressing the talk button patrons or fire/rescue personnel can speak with the kiosk
What are the two means to evacuate every station?
Entrance escalators or rail cars
In an emergency how can subsurface stations be evacuated?
Via the emergency exit shaft or the vent shaft
When an elevator is stuck in metro what can be done to allow those stuck inside to be freed?
It can be drifted to a landing
Who controls what parts of the metro tracks?
ROCC controls all areas known as “revenue areas” and all rail yards are in control of the yardmaster located in the yard tower
When contacting ROCC what must personnel provide?
- Who they are- name and dept.
- Where they are- by station, chain marker, or building address
- What the situation is- reason for the call
- What is requested of metro
Where are wayside phones located and how do you call ROCC with them?
They are in the ETS (Emergency Trip Switch) boxes located along the right-of-way every 800’ as well as at the ends of each station platform and in some service rooms. You pick up the phone and dial 0.
How many callers can the metro conference line accept and what will limit it?
10, cell phones will reduce the maximum number by 3 for every cell phone on the call
Who is recommended to be on the conference line?
- IC
- ROCC
- Forward command (division, group)
- Metro On-Scene command
- Fire Dispatch
Define the rail roadway (RRW)
The areas between the fences and tunnel walls, where the track bed is located
How far apart are RRW gates?
800’
Where is the safety walk for surface right-of-way normally located?
Between the inbound and outbound tracks
Where is the safety walk located in tunnels?
It is 22inches wide and usually opposite the third rail
Where is the safety walk located on aerial structures?
It is 22in wide with railings on both sides
What are the three types of tunnels?
Cicular, horseshoe and box (cut and cover)
What is the danger of a ribbon rail?
If broken it can try to return to its designed position with little or no warning
How long does it take a metro switch to close?
2 seconds
If there is an imminent threat to life what must be depressed?
The ETS button in all of the boxes surround the incident
What kind of power is used to propel metro cars?
Traction power, also known as third rail power
How much higher than the running rails is the third rail located?
4 1/2”
What is the maximum length of a section of third rail?
one half mile
Traction Power Substations are located every?
1 mile
Tie Breaker Stations are located every?
1 mile–mid way between Traction Power Substations
What can cause stray current to seek earth ground?
High resistance in the usual return (running rails) of the negative current
What are the two conditions that may exist which conceivably could cause this (stray ground) voltage leak?
- When a traction power substation is down for regular maintenance
- When yard power is supplied by a mainline traction power substation
What is contained inside the Emergency Trip Station/Blue Light Boxes?
- Wayside telephone for communicating with OCC
- Emergency Trip Switch (red button)
- Power removal map
The red mushroom button inside the ETS is used to trip breaks in the TPSS to remove power from the third rail, when shall this button be used?
Only when there is an imminent threat to life safety…if activated it must be followed up with a call to OCC
How often are the standpipe connections in metro?
Every 200’
Where is the yard master located?
In the Yard Tower
How are yard limits normally marked?
Separate chain markers with either the identifier “YT” or “LT”…if these appear control of the third rail for those sections goes through the yard master
What is the stinger clip used for?
It is a 750 volt system that allows power to be supplied to the rail cars so that they ca move in and out of the building
How often are chain markers located?
Every 100’
How do the measurements on chain markers work?
Measurements start from a center point or hub station. There are two hub stations–Gallery Place and Metro Center
Explain the chain marker “K1_880+00”
Track K
Line 1
88,000’ from the hub
How often are surface right-of-way gates located and what do they show?
Every 800’ and it contains the gate letter ID, the line and track number and the closest chain marker
Discharging passengers into the right way should a last resort action, what is the better move?
Move passengers to an unaffected car of the train
If passengers cannot remain on the train what doors must they be discharged through?
bulkhead
On an aerial portion of the track if passengers must be evacuated to the right of way what door is preferred?
9
What is the maximum travel distance in a tunnel between emergency exits?
1250’
How can you unlock the emergency exit shafts doors from the outside?
By using the exterior keyway with the metro tool
What is the third rail power voltage?
750volts
What should all personnel have with them/on prior to operating anywhere in the metro system?
hand light and reflective gear
What are the four things that must be met before personnel are allowed in the track bed or tunnel?
- IC has granted permission
- Metro OCC has confirmed all power is removed
- Metro OCC has confirmed all train movement in the area has been stopped
- Third rail has been tested by FD
Flaggers in metro should be located where and what should they have with them?
- 750’ on each side of the incident
- Flashlight and portable radio
What does the “No Clearance” signs indicate?
There is no safe refuge area in that part of the track
What is the best method for power removal?
Have ROCC remove power between specific chain markers
An EMS incident within the RRW or track bed gets what response?
- 1 ALS or BLS unit
- 1 Engine
- 1 Truck
- 1 Rescue
- 1 BC
- 1 EMS Super
With the exception of the first arriving EMS unit and suppression unit what should the rest of the EMS incident in the right-of-way/track bed assignment do?
Unless otherwise directed, respond to dispatch location and stand-by for confirmation of the exact location and nature of the incident
What is the assignment for a structure or rail car fire, collision, derailment in metro?
- 5 engines
- 2 trucks
- 2 EMS units (1 must be ALS)
- 2 Rescue (with structural collapse capabilities)
- 2 BC
- 1 command aid
- Technical Rescue Unit (for collision or derailment)
- 1 EMS super
What is the assignment for an outside fire on metro right-of-way?
- 2 Engines
- 1 Rescue
- 1 BC
What is the responsibility of the first due engine company on a metro incident?
Work with the first truck and second engine to conduct reconnaissance
- Meet with the senior metrorail official on the scene and obtain the following:
- -exact location
- -status of third rail
- -status of train movement in area
- -the estimated ETA of the Metro on-scene commander
- -location of any and all required keys
Where shall the recon group form?f
In the area of the Kiosk or entry point
Unless otherwise established where is the passport drop-off point for a metro incident?
Kiosk
What is the responsibility of the second due engine on a metro incident?
Respond to the dispatch location and assist the first due engine with either recon, fire attack, passenger evacuation, and/or patient treatment and triage.
If water supply operations are complex on a metro incident who is anticipated as the water supply group supervisor?
3rd engine OIC
What is the responsibility of the third engine company on a metro incident?
Respond to the dispatched location and coordinate water supply operations.
What is the crew of the fifth due engine company responsible for on a metro incident?
Kiosk control operation:
- interim accountability
- unit tracking
- entry control
- passenger evacuation
- conference line maintenance
- fire alarm system monitoring
- station communications systems
- closed circuit TV monitoring
What does the fourth due engine company on a metro incident do?
RIT
What is the first due truck assignment on a metro incident?
Operate within the recon group and perform safety function (i.e. confirm 3rd rail status, place WSAD)
What is the second due truck assignment on a metro incident?
Report to the IC for assignment
What is the first due Rescue assignment on a metro incident?
confirm 3rd rail power and to procure and place the first two WSADs. After WSAD placement, number the cars with spray paint or medical tape to place a large (at least 24”) number on the side of each car to identify the car’s position in the train. Number one will be placed on the first car in the direction it was traveling.
When can trains operate by “line of sight”?
only if there is a catastrophic systems failure at OCC
What does the acronym A.C.R.E. mean for metro?
A-Access
C-Control
R-Rescue
E-Evacuate and EMS
Who will the Metro On-Scene commander?
Senior ranking Transit Police officer on the scene
What is the primary concern in the RRW?
Moving trains
How many passengers can a metro train carry?
Up to 1600
What does the ID plate on every station standpipe identify?
- Shaft number
- maximum vertical drop
- maximum horizontal run of the piping
How should most if not all fires in metro stations be handled?
With the use of a fire extinguisher
If there is a fire on the on a metro train what should be attempted first?
Portable fire extinguisher
What should flaggers be equipped with?
flashlights, highway flares, portable radios and reflective clothing
What is the standard railroad signal instructing the operator to stop immediately?
swing a lighted hand light or flare horizontally from side to side
What is the primary entrapment in the metro system?
people stuck in elevators
What is a hi-rail vehicle?
highway vehicles with railroad wheels attached
How many backboarded patients can an ETEC Cart handle?
4, two on top and two on bottom
What is the maximum load to be placed on the top level of an ETEC (Emergency Tunnel Evacuation Cart)?
250lbs
When is it acceptable to scrap the third rail with the WSAD paddle?
NEVER
When you lay the WSAD down what way does the siren face?
Towards the incident?
How do you turn the WSAD on?
by laying it down
The Knopp Model 4E2-1 Voltage Tester (hot stick) has two probes on it, which one is for the third rail and which one is for the ground?
Third Rail-probe that has red reflective tape around it
Ground-probe that has white reflective tape
What is the Protect System/CB-EMIS?
The chemical and biological substance detection system installed in WMATA rail stations
What is Amber-Amber (metro code)
fire
What is Black-Black (metro code)
collision or derailment
What is Blue-Blue (metro code)
Hazmat, WMD or unknown type of emergency in a station, on a train, bus, building or on the right-of-way
Consist?
Railroad term that denotes the number of rail cars in a train
Cover board?
Gray fiberglass-like material over the top of the third rail. It is an insulator and provides some protection from inadvertent contact with the third rail
Gray-Gray (metro code)?
Smoke in a rail car or in a station
Lateral Jacking?
Process of moving a rail car away from the platform to free a trapped victim. Air bags are normally used in this procedure
Phenolic Rod?
36” non conducting rod that fits into the volt probe to allow the probe user t be a grater distance from the third rail
Portal?
Point where the right-of-way enters or exits a tunnel
“Power Down”?
metro term to indicate that the third rail power is being removed
Purple-Purple (metro code)?
person jumping into the track bed or a person struck by a train
Red tag third rail power removal?
Process of removing third rail power by physically disengaging large circuit breakers in traction power substations and/or tie breaker stations. Also referred to as “racking out the breakers”
Train room?
Area of a station where the train stops in order to discharge and pick up passengers
Metro cars are manufactured by 5 different firms, they appear almost identical what is the difference in the series?
Primarily within the propulsion system and interior components and features
What has been removed from the B car in the 7000 series cars and what has it been replaced with?
Operator’s cab has been removed and replaced with a Hostler control which allows the yard operator to move the cars in the yard.
7000 series cars can only operate in what consists?
4 or 8 car consists.
EEDR Emergency External Door Release operates what doors?
1000-6000 series doors 4 and 9
7000 series doors 3 and 10
To remove a passenger window from a 7000 series car what is the only way?
Remove the frame
There is both 37.5 volt an 750 volt systems in the rail cars, which ones pass from car to car and which one doesn’t?
37.5 passes from one car to the next, 750V does not.
The cars are driven by 750V DC what is the only system above the floor that uses the 750V?
Heater strips.
What system is used to protect sensitive equipment that would be damaged by ordinary fire suppression methods? What is mandated to enter rooms that has had a discharge of this?
FM200 and respiratory protection
At the conclusion of all incidents fans should be returned to what mode?
Automatic mode
The command conference line allows up to how many users?
25
What are the two types of bridges metro uses?
pre-cast/post tensioned concrete or a concrete/steel combination
Where does a train enter or exit a tunnel and what does the train operator do prior to entering/exiting a tunnel?
Portal. Sound their horn
A WSAD should be placed at a distance no greater than ____’ from the end on the incident or emergency.
500
5th due engine company on a metro incident?
Proceed to the mezzanie/Kiosk area, if a chief has not yet arrived the officer on the 5th due engine shall assume command of the incident.
Remainder of the crew shall commence kiosk control operation.
Kiosk Control Group Responsibilities and who takes kiosk group supervisor?
- interim accountability
- unit tracking
- entry control
- passenger evacuation
- conference line maintenace
- fire alarm system monitoring
- station communication systems
- closed circuit TV monitoring
5th due engine officer
How many personnel should be assigned to carry one stretcher?
4
MERV?
Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle, operate on rail tracks at speeds up to 10mph,new substitute for the ETEC.
- Battery operated
- 24 located throughout the system
- FD personnel not authorized to operate these vehicles
Placement steps for WSAD?
- 3rd rail de-energized
- test 3rd rail with hot stick
- test siren and strobe on unit
- Place WSAD in the upright position between the third rail and the running rail
- Place white ground paddle on running rail. Indicator light will turn off if contact is good
- Place red T shaped paddle on third rail
- Indicator light will turn on if contact is good (never scrap the third rail)
- lay WSAD down with the siren facing the incident, not the rails, must be placed on the ground to turn on
