Module SS2 Issue 5

Question 1

Definition

What is propelling?

Answer 1

Pushing vehicles by a traction unit.

Question 2

Definition

What is a shunting movement?

Answer 2

Any movement of a train or vehicle other than a train passing normally along a running line

Question 3

Definition

What is loose shunting?

Answer 3

Shunting of vehicles that do not remain attached to the traction unit during the movement

Question 4

Prohibitions and restrictions

When can you carry out loose shunting?

Answer 4

You may carry out loose shunting only where specially authorised in local instructions.
You must not loose shunt coaching stock vehicles.
You must not loose shunt other vehicles against coaching stock vehicles.

Question 5

Precautions before shunting
Reaching a clear understanding
What must you reach a clear understanding about before starting any shunting?

Answer 5

What exactly needs to be done

How the shunting movement will be controlled

Question 6

Precautions before shunting
Safety checks before making any movement
You must make sure before making any movement that?

Answer 6

The vehicles can be moved safely
No Not to be moved boards are on the vehicles
Other vehicles are not foul of the movement to be made
Anyone who could be put in danger is warned to move to a safe position
Anyone working outside of vehicles on an adjacent line is warned to keep clear
Any derailer or scotch block has been moved
You must check that any hand points the movement will go over in the facing direction are fitted correctly and that any locking mechanism has engaged.

Question 7

Safeguards while shunting

Whose instructions must you work to whilst shunting?

Answer 7

The shunter

Question 8

Safeguards while shunting

When can you start a shunting movement?

Answer 8

Even where a signal has cleared you must only make a shunting movement if the shunter has:
Authorised the movement
Operated a shunting or other indicator which authorises the movement

Question 9

Safeguards while shunting

Except where specifically authorised what must you not do?

Answer 9

Pass a signal at danger, a block marker or shunt marker

Exceed 5mph in a siding

Question 10

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean.
An arm moving in a circular motion away from the body?

Answer 10

Move away from the shunter

Question 11

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean.
A motion moving towards the left shoulder in a circular motion?

Answer 11

Move towards the shunter

Question 12

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean.
An arm moving up and down by the side of the body?

Answer 12

Slow down

Question 13

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean.
Two arms raised above the head?

Answer 13

Stop immediately

Question 14

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean.
Two arms raised above the head and moving together and apart?

Answer 14

Ease up

Question 15

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean.
A driver of a train with an arm in a horizontal position out of the window?

Answer 15

Stop immediately when on a vehicle

Question 16

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean when displayed in darkness
A white light moved forwards and backwards and up and down?

Answer 16

Move away from the shunter

Question 17

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean when displayed in darkness
A green light moved forwards and backwards and up and down?

Answer 17

Slowly move away from the shunter

Question 18

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean when displayed in darkness
A white light moved from left to right?

Answer 18

Move towards the shunter

Question 19

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean when displayed in darkness
A green light moved from left to right?

Answer 19

Slowly move towards the shunter

Question 20

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean when displayed in darkness
A red light?

Answer 20

Stop immediately

Question 21

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
What do these Handsignals mean when displayed in darkness
A green light moved from left to right (short movement)?

Answer 21

Ease up

Question 22

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
If you dont understand the handsignal or are unsure which handsignal applies to you, what should you do?

Answer 22

You must not start or continue with the movement

Question 23

Safeguards while shunting
Controlling movements
If you lose sight or lose communication with the shunter during the movement. What should you do?

Answer 23

Stop immediately.

Only restart when the shunter has given you the correct handsignal

Question 24

Safeguards while shunting

After each movement what should you do?

Answer 24

Make sure vehicles are secured

Use scotch vehicles if handbrake is not working

Question 25

Safeguards while shunting

If shunting vehicles against stationary vehicles what must you do?

Answer 25

You must secure any vehicles which are to remain at a stand before you make a draw away movement

Question 26

Can you pass a limit of shunt signaller whilst shunting?

Answer 26

No part of the movement must pass a limit of shunt signal unless the signaller has given permission

Question 27

Before entering a shed or building what must you do?

Answer 27

Stop the movement at the entrance
Proceed only when you have checked it is safe to do so
Sound the horn as a warning before restarting, unless authorised in your company instructions

Question 28

Driving a traction unit from the leading cab

When must you drive from the leading cab and when can you drive from another cab?

Answer 28

Drive from leading cab When a shunting movement is:
Within a depot or stabling siding 
Entering a shed or building 
Proceeding onto vehicles 
Approaching buffer stops 

Drive from another cab if:
The shunter is controlling the movement by radio and it is not necessary for you to observe signals or handsignals.
Musg drive from leading cab whenever possible but if not the shunter must control the movement by riding in the leading cab or in the leading vehicle and can apply automatic brake

Question 29

Attaching and detaching vehicles

When attaching vehicles what must you ensure?

Answer 29

The automatic brake is in use
You must stop the traction unit 2 metres from the vehicle
Stop again at any distance set out in the instructions for the class of traction unit involved
If the movement is being controlled by a shunter, move forward only when authorised by the shunter.

Question 30

Attaching and detaching vehicles

When detaching vehicles what must you ensure?

Answer 30

That the automatic brake is in use

Secure the train. If the train is on a gradient you must secure it at the lower end

Question 31

Attaching and detaching vehicles
When detaching traction units that are coupled together on a running line.
You must not uncouple a traction unit from another traction unit on a running line except at what locations?

Answer 31

At a signal box
At a signal
On a platform line

Question 32

When shunting is complete

Where should you not leave vehicles?

Answer 32

On a running line except if you have told the signaller and placed a red light on the rear end of the vehicle or both ends if single or bi directional line.
Not fouling any other line
Clear of any points which need to be moved
Left within the protection of any trap points derailers or scotch blocks

Question 33

When shunting is complete
Leaving vehicles or traction units on a dead end line
If leaving a vehicle at buffer stops what lights should be placed on the end of vehicles which faces approaching movements?

Answer 33

You must make sure it is the same colour light as the buffer stop

Question 34

Additional instructions for shunting within a possession

Can you make propelling movements outside a work site?

Answer 34

No unless the details are published in the won

Question 35

Loading and unloading rail vehicles during Engineering work
Agreeing the requirements
You must come to a clear understanding with the person in charge for?

Answer 35

When the person in charge will take over control of the movement
How the movement will be controlled
When the control of movements will be handed back to the driver