Personal Track Safety Flashcards
1
Q
Which area of the track is considered the operational railway or the permanent way?
A
Everything contained within the boundary fence.
2
Q
What is meant by the term ‘lineside’?
A
Within the boundary fence and up to the point that is considered ‘on or near the line’.
3
Q
What is meant by the term ‘on or near the line’?
A
Within 3 metres of the nearest running line or on the line itself.
4
Q
Are passengers ever considered to be on or near the line?
A
No.
5
Q
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?
A
Yes.
6
Q
Are you considered to be on or near the line if you are on a level crossing?
A
No.
7
Q
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?
A
No.
8
Q
Describe the area referred to as the ‘four-foot’.
A
This is the area between two running rails that are on the same track and separated by sleepers.
9
Q
Describe the ‘six foot’.
A
This is the space between two separate running rails.
10
Q
Describe the area referred to as the ‘ten-foot’.
A
This is the area between two pairs of running lines.
11
Q
Describe the area known as the ‘cess’.
A
This is the area between the boundary fence and the nearest running rail.
12
Q
What is the minimum required safety equipment when working on the track?
A
Safety shoes and hi- vis jacket or vest.
Bardic lamp if at night or poor visibility.
13
Q
Is it acceptable to wear ear muffs when walking on the track?
A
No, you must not obstruct your vision or hearing.
14
Q
What two things must you know about the track you are about to walk on before going onto the track?
A
Line speed and direction of trains.
15
Q
Where could you find the line speed and direction of travel on a particular piece of track?
A
Sectional Appendix.
16
Q
How regularly do you need to look up for trains when walking on the track?
A
Every 3-5 seconds.
17
Q
What is the position of safety for trains travelling between 0-100mph?
A
1.25 metres.
18
Q
What is the position of safety for trains travelling between 101mph and 125mph?
A
2 metres.
19
Q
How far in advance of a train passing must you adopt the position of safety?
A
10 seconds before the train passes.
20
Q
If you need to walk on the operational railway, where is the safest place to walk?
A
In the cess, facing the oncoming trains.
21
Q
Is it acceptable to walk in the four foot?
A
You can walk in the four foot as long as you can adopt a position of safety within 10 seconds.
22
Q
Is it safe to walk in the six foot or ten foot?
A
No, you must never walk in the six foot or ten foot.
23
Q
If you are walking on the railway with others, how can you ensure that you are safe?
A
Walk in single file, 20 metres apart.
24
Q
Can you use a mobile phone when walking on the railway?
A
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.
25
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.
26
When walking on the railway, what must you always be looking for?
A position of safety.
27
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.
28
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.
29
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.
30
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
31
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.
32
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.
33
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.
34
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.
35
Describe what fishplates are.
These are metal plates that connect two pieces of rail to make a longer rail.
36
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.
37
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)
38
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).
39
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).
40
What are bi-directional lines?
These are lines that can be driven on in different directions.
41
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.
42
If you are travelling towards the principal city, are you on the UP or DOWN line?
Up
43
If you are travelling away from the principal city, are you on the UP or DOWN line?
Down
44
Where can you find information about principal cities and whether a line is on the up or down line?
The sectional appendix.
45
If you are making a wrong direction movement on the UP line, are you considered to be on the up or the down line?
You are still considered to be on the UP line, even if you are travelling in a different direction on a bi-directional line and are travelling in the opposite direction to the principal city.
46
On parts of single track that are bi-directional, are you considered to be on the up or down line?
Pieces of bi-directional single track can be either up or down, depending on the direction that you were travelling on before joining the single track. If you were travelling on the up, you will still be on the up whilst travelling on the single line track.
47
What is a simplified bi-directional line?
Signalled both ways but more signals are in the predominant direction.
48
Describe a limited clearance sign
This sign is square shaped and is split into four quarters. Two of the quarters are filled in red and the other two contain text stating ‘warning’ and ‘limited clearance’
49
What does a limited clearance sign tell you?
This sign means that there is no position of safety on that side of the railway for the length of the structure beyond it. If you see this, you must not go past or stand nearby if any trains are approaching.
50
Describe a no refuges sign
This is a square shaped sign that is split into four quarters. Two of the quarters are filled in blue and the other two quarters contain the text ‘warning’ and ‘no refuges’.
51
What does a no refuges sign tell you?
This sign means that there are no positions of safety or refuges on that side of the railway, but there are on the other side.
52
What must you not do if you see a Prohibition Sign?
You must not pass beyond this sign whilst trains are running unless you are carrying out emergency protection or if trains have been stopped. This means you would not be able to reach a position of safety or refuge safely.
53
What must you do if an authorised walking route is available?
Always use authorised walking routes if available.
54
If you are crossing in between trains, what is the minimum amount of space you should have before doing so?
At least 10 metres in case the trains move. If you are crossing between trains with less space than this, you must ensure that the driver engages the emergency brake.
55
Who oversees the Overhead Line Equipment?
Electrical Control Operator (ECO)
56
How many volts AC are provided to trains?
25,000 AC
57
How many volts DC are provided to trains?
750 DC
58
Each overhead line equipment structure has a number displayed on it.
True or false?
True
59
What is the minimum distance you or anything you are carrying can be within of live overhead line equipment, electrification equipment or a pantograph?
2.75 metres.
60
How does the third rail work?
The third rail provides electricity to the running rail via a device called the shoe or the collector shoe.
61
How could you identify the third rail?
The third rail stands higher than a normal rail and sits on a ceramic plate.
62
What is a cant line?
And orange line around the top of the train that shows the maximum height you can go. You must not touch anything above that line.
63
How must you treat all electrical lines and equipment?
You must treat all electrical lines and equipment as live.
64
If any part of the overhead line equipment is dangling or broken, what must your actions be?
Engage the emergency brake and make an emergency call.
65
Name the four types of overhead line equipment structures
Portal structure
Semi portal
Cantilever
Headspan structure
66
What must your actions be if anyone or anything is near or touching the overhead line equipment?
Engage the emergency brake and make an emergency call. The signaller will then inform the ECO who will conduct an emergency switch off on lines between neutral sections or between a neutral section and the end of an electrified line.
67
Name 5 instances where an emergency switch off of the overhead line equipment may be required
Derailment
Lineside fire
Train or vehicle fire
Person in contact with overhead line equipment
Any other emergency involving the overhead line equipment
68
What is an automatic power controller (APC)?
A magnet on the track that is located before and after a neutral section. This directly operates the Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) which is linked to the pantograph.
69
Describe how a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) works.
Before entering a neutral section, the APC will cause the VCB to disable the pantograph so that it is not drawing any electricity from the overhead lines. When leaving the neutral section, the VCB will engage the pantograph so that it pulls power from the overheads again.
70
Before entering a neutral section, what signage will you see?
A warning sign that you are about to enter a neutral section. This has a black background and two white backwards ‘t’ shapes.
71
When you are within a neutral section, what signage will you see?
You will see a sign with a white background and two white backwards ‘t’ shapes.
72
How would you read the below structure number to a signaller:
AB
10
20
Alpha bravo one zero above two zero
(Avoiding the word ‘over’)
73
What does each line refer to on the below structure number:
AB
10
20
AB- line of route
10- which sub-station the power to that structure comes from
20- structure number within that mile
74
Is it safe to step between a running rail and the third rail?
Never put your feet in between a running rail and the third rail- try to take one long step walking ballast to ballast.
75
When applying track circuit operating clips, which rail should you apply the first clip to?
The first clip always goes on the running rail furthest from the third rail, then apply the second clip to the rail that is closest to the third rail.
76
When removing track circuit operating clips, which clip should you remove first?
Always remove the clip closest to the third rail first, then remove the second clip from the rail furthest from the the third rail.
77
Why does the order that you apply and remove track circuit operating clips matter?
So that you never accidentally clip onto the third rail. The two clips are located on either end of a cable, so doing this in the correct order will never give you the cable length to clip onto the third rail.
78
A request for switch off of the overhead line equipment is an emergency.
True or false
True
79
How must you open the emergency call if it involves overhead line equipment?
This is an electrical emergency
80
Where a switch off of the overhead line equipment has taken place, can diesel trains still run?
Yes, they make be able to depending on the situation but seek permission of the signaller first.
81
Are incidents involving dangerous goods considered an emergency?
Yes
82
How must you open an emergency call relating to dangerous goods?
This is a rail dangerous goods emergency
83
What number must you provide when reporting a dangerous goods emergency?
The United Nations number (the bottom four digit number on the orange hazard warning label that is located on the side of a vehicle or container)
84
What actions must you take if you are involved in a dangerous goods incident?
Keep well clear, keep wind behind you as you face affected areas, avoid low lying places where gas may gather, keep people away, try to put out any fire, keep naked lights away, do not smoke, use matches or lighters and do not use a mobile phone
85
After a serious accident, you must not interfere with, disturb or remove evidence of possible cause of accident except to help the injured or prevent further injury or damage.
True or false?
True
86
Name 7 emergency situations that require an emergency call
Track defect
Obstruction
Flood
Fire
Emergency indicator lights out
Elephant (large animal)
Earthwork damage
87
Why is it an emergency if emergency indicator lights are out?
Emergency indicators have flashing lights that signify an emergency speed restriction- if any light is out or if the post is damaged or has fallen over, make an emergency call.
88
Name ways in which you can stop a train in an emergency
In daytime, raise both arms above your head or wave a red flag.
At night time, display a red light or shake any coloured light vigorously.
89
Name 9 dangers to trains
Doors not closed properly
Insecure load on freight train
Vehicle on fire
A hot axle box
Train headlights not working
Train taillights not working or missing
Driver sounding train in distress horn
Warning/hazard lights flashing
Driver or guard displaying red hand signal
90
How would you identify a signal post telephone (SPT)?
A phone box with a square sticker that contains black and white diagonal lines
91
How would you identify a lineside telephone?
A telephone box that contains a square sticker with a black cross
92
Are you guaranteed to speak with the correct signaller when using a signal post telephone?
Yes as these are usually attached or near to signal posts.
93
Are you guaranteed to speak to the correct signaller when using a lineside telephone?
No, you will need to confirm who you are speaking with when using a landslide telephone.
94
Where are lineside telephones usually located?
By track points or in depots or stations.
95
Describe the symbol for a level crossing telephone
Yellow background with black telephone icon
96
Describe the symbol for a general railway phone
White background with black telephone icon
97
Describe the symbol for a phone to the electrical control room
White square symbol that is outlined in red, contains a red telephone icon and has the word ‘electrification’ at the bottom.
98
Describe the symbol for an emergency phone
Square symbol with green background, white telephone icon and the words ‘emergency telephone’ at the bottom.
99
In what situation might you be expected to carry out emergency protection?
In an emergency situation where you are unable to make contact with the signaller or where the signaller is unable to provide you with signal protection eg: a derailment.
100
What is signal protection?
Where the signaller is able to manually set the signals of your section to red/danger to prevent any oncoming trains from entering the section during an emergency or obstruction.
101
What is involved in emergency protection?
Placing track circuit operating clips on every obstructed line
Showing hand danger signals to any train that is approaching the line obstruction
Protecting obstructed lines with detonators
102
Once you have completed emergency protection, what are your actions?
Either continue as far as necessary if you still need to contact the signaller or return to your train.
103
What are your actions when protecting a double track line?
Place track circuit operating clips on your own line and the opposite obstructed line, then walk 1 1/4 miles on the obstructed line before placing 3 detonators (20m apart).
104
What are your actions when protecting a multi track line?
Place track circuit operating clips on your own line and any other affected lines and then decide which line is likely to be busier (based on route knowledge) and then walk 1 1/4 miles to protect this line before returning and walking 1 1/4 from your train in the opposite direction to protect the other obstructed line (you could ask your guard to protect one line whilst you protect the other)
105
What are your actions if you reach a tunnel whilst walking 1 1/4 miles to protect a line?
Place 3 detonators at the entrance to the tunnel (even if you haven’t reached the full 1 1/4 miles). If your 1 1/4 miles falls within the tunnel, you must continue through the tunnel to the far end and place 3 detonators there too.
Do not place detonators inside the tunnel.
106
What are your actions if you reach a diverging junction when carrying out emergency protection?
If you reach a diverging junction before reaching the full protection distance (1 1/4 miles), you must place 3 detonators before you reach the junction in a position where trains coming from the mainline or the junction would make contact with the detonators.
You must then prioritise which line to protect first, based on your route knowledge and proceed walking the 1 1/4 miles on the priority route before returning to the train and walking 1 1/4 miles on the other route (you may ask your guard to protect one line whilst you protect the other).
107
What are your actions if you have been unable to make contact with the signaller but you have completed emergency protection and have walked the full 1 1/4 miles?
Proceed walking until you find a telephone or signal box to contact the signaller. Then place 3 detonators 30m from the telephone or signal box (20m apart) before proceeding with your conversation to ensure that the line is protected before you speak to the signaller.
108
What are your actions if you reach a telephone or signal box before reaching the full protection distance of 1 1/4 miles?
Place 3 detonators 30m from the telephone or signal box (20m apart) before proceeding with your conversation to ensure that the line is protected before you speak to the signaller. You may not need to continue the full protection distance if the signaller is able to confirm that the line is protected.
109
What are your actions if a train approaches whilst you are carrying out emergency protection before you reach 1 1/4 miles?
Place 3 detonators immediately and then show a hand danger signal to the approaching train.
