Personal Track Safety Flashcards
Which area of the track is considered the operational railway or the permanent way?
Everything contained within the boundary fence.
What is meant by the term ‘lineside’?
Within the boundary fence and up to the point that is considered ‘on or near the line’.
What is meant by the term ‘on or near the line’?
Within 3 metres of the nearest running line or on the line itself.
Are passengers ever considered to be on or near the line?
No.
If technical work is being conducted on a platform within 1.25m of the platform, are you considered to be on or near the line?
Yes.
Are you considered to be on or near the line if you are on a level crossing?
No.
If you are within 3 metres of a running line, are you considered to be on or near the line if there is a permanent fence or structure between yourself and the line?
No.
Describe the area referred to as the ‘four-foot’.
This is the area between two running rails that are on the same track and separated by sleepers.
Describe the ‘six foot’.
This is the space between two separate running rails.
Describe the area referred to as the ‘ten-foot’.
This is the area between two pairs of running lines.
Describe the area known as the ‘cess’.
This is the area between the boundary fence and the nearest running rail.
What is the minimum required safety equipment when working on the track?
Safety shoes and hi- vis jacket or vest.
Bardic lamp if at night or poor visibility.
Is it acceptable to wear ear muffs when walking on the track?
No, you must not obstruct your vision or hearing.
What two things must you know about the track you are about to walk on before going onto the track?
Line speed and direction of trains.
Where could you find the line speed and direction of travel on a particular piece of track?
Sectional Appendix.
How regularly do you need to look up for trains when walking on the track?
Every 3-5 seconds.
What is the position of safety for trains travelling between 0-100mph?
1.25 metres.
What is the position of safety for trains travelling between 101mph and 125mph?
2 metres.
How far in advance of a train passing must you adopt the position of safety?
10 seconds before the train passes.
If you need to walk on the operational railway, where is the safest place to walk?
In the cess, facing the oncoming trains.
Is it acceptable to walk in the four foot?
You can walk in the four foot as long as you can adopt a position of safety within 10 seconds.
Is it safe to walk in the six foot or ten foot?
No, you must never walk in the six foot or ten foot.
If you are walking on the railway with others, how can you ensure that you are safe?
Walk in single file, 20 metres apart.
Can you use a mobile phone when walking on the railway?
Only if you are in a position of safety but never anywhere else. You must only move out of the position of safety when the phone call is finished.
When a train is approaching, what actions can you expect from the driver and how would you respond to these?
The driver will sound the horn, you must immediately move into a position of safety and then raise one arm above your head.
When walking on the railway, what must you always be looking for?
A position of safety.
If there isn’t a position of safety on your side but you can see one on the other side, what should you do?
Move to the other side so that you can adopt the position of safety if needed.
When is it safe to leave the position of safety?
Once the train has passed and you are certain that no other trains are coming.
What should you do if you cannot find a position of safety and a train approaches?
Lay down (only in the cess, six foot or ten foot) make yourself as small as possible.
Is it ever acceptable to lay in the four foot?
Never lay in the four foot. Only ever lay in the cess, six foot or ten foot
What are your actions when crossing the railway?
First identify a position of safety that is accessible, then check if trains are coming and then walk.
What should you consider when crossing the railway once you have established that it is safe to do so and you have identified a position of safety?
Take the most direct route, walk at 90 degrees across the tracks, do not stand on the running rails, do not stand on the points, walk as quickly as possible without running, walk ballast to ballast, do not walk on the sleepers, try to take large steps over the running rails.
Describe what facing points are.
These take the line you are travelling on in a different direction (you are ‘facing’ a choice). These then leave the main running line.
Describe what trailing points are.
These join the main running track- you aren’t facing a choice as your only option is to join the main line.
Describe what fishplates are.
These are metal plates that connect two pieces of rail to make a longer rail.
What are trap points?
Most commonly found in sidings. Whenever a signal is set to danger, the trap points will be set to detail you if you were to SPAD.
What are catch/spring points?
Always set to detail you if your train is rolling back down a hill but will not derail you if you are travelling in the correct direction (they ‘catch’ you if you fall)
If you see a circular mileage post that contains a number 5 and 3 triangles around the edge of the circle, what is this sign telling you?
That you are 5 & 3/4 miles from or to the principal city (depending on which direction you are travelling in).
If you see a square mileage sign containing a number three and two dots or vertical lines, what is this sign telling you?
That you are 3 & 1/2 miles to or from the principal city (depending on the direction you are travelling in).
What are bi-directional lines?
These are lines that can be driven on in different directions.
Can the speed limits on bi-directional lines differ depending on the direction that you are travelling in?
Yes, the speed limit may differ depending on the direction that the bi-directional line is being operated in but this is not always the case.
If you are travelling towards the principal city, are you on the UP or DOWN line?
Up
If you are travelling away from the principal city, are you on the UP or DOWN line?
Down