PR S 40007

Question 1

what is seldom used

Answer 1

equipment that is not used within defined periods

Question 2

give some examples of equipment that can become seldom used

Answer 2

track circuits, points, ETCs, signals, trainstops, level crossing equipment

Question 3

what are the types of situations/events that can attribute to equipment becoming seldom used

Answer 3

operational changes, environment and weather, seldom operated or traversed equipment, rolling stock characteristics, engineering activities, track configuration changes

Question 4

what are some examples of causes of seldom used

Answer 4

changed timetable, flooding, sidings and refuges, light engines only, unplanned trackwork, changes of track configuration.

Question 5

why is a track circuit that becomes seldom used dangerous

Answer 5

it can become contaminated which affects the ability of a train to shunt the track circuit effectively, leading to loss of rail vehicle detection.

Question 6

How do you protect trains from seldom used equipment

Answer 6

you book out and disconnect the equipment and its protecting signal and any associated or affect equipment.

Question 7

What are some controls for mitigating equipment becoming seldom used

Answer 7

Proactive maintenance plans, controls implemented by the signal engineer responsible for the work, rail vehicles are managed by the TOC

Question 8

What is the minimum tonnage or amount of trains required over track circuited lines

Answer 8

5000 tonnes or 6 8 car sets over 24 hours.

Question 9

What must be done to help identify track circuits from becoming seldom used

Answer 9

scheduled maintenance and visually inspecting the rail for any contamination or debris build up.

Question 10

how do you test a track circuit if you are unsure it is seldom used

Answer 10

do a train shunt check and compare to PR S 400025 values. if no acceptable they must be booked out and signal engineer notified.

Question 11

what equipment or functions of the interlocking can be affected by seldom used

Answer 11

Approach locking, ARS automatic route set, level crossings, speed checking.

Question 12

who is reponsible for management of the register of seldom used apparatus

Answer 12

the maintenance signal engineer

Question 13

what can be altered to maintain good rail surface condition

Answer 13

a change to the tabled trains through track circuits and associated points

Question 14

what is the 72 hour rule

Answer 14

It is a specified period of time of unuse of track circuits that immediately qualifies it as seldom used.

Question 15

what is the cleaning action by trains running on rail called

Answer 15

Scrubbing effect.

Question 16

Where does the 72 hour rule not apply.

Answer 16

axle counter sections

Question 17

Can the 72 hour rule be varied

Answer 17

Yes it can be shortened or extended due to considerations.

Question 18

factors to consider for determining safe use of signalling system

Answer 18

effectiveness of track circuit shunting, location of contamination, environment, rolling stock, affected signalling equipment, maintenance and admin controls in place.

Question 19

give some examples of causes of seldom used track circuits over large areas

Answer 19

flooding, fires, operational changes, landslides and washaways, trackwork, incidents, possessions.

Question 20

what are the 3 examples of trackwork/closed lines causing seldom used

Answer 20

Track circuits directly worked on, track circuits within the possession area not sufficiently traversed, track circuits outside the possession area not sufficiently traversed.

Question 21

Can a line be certified if flooded even for only 10 minutes

Answer 21

No. It is irrespective of the time limit as there can be slurry, mud or sand deposited on the rail head.

Question 22

What are the 3 ways to test a large area

Answer 22

Train shunt.
Train occupancy test with test locomotive.
train occupancy test on panel with tabled or specially run trains.

Question 23

how long between the train shunt/occupancy check does certification need to be completed

Answer 23

within 24 hours.

Question 24

can trains be run through seldom used tracks before certification

Answer 24

yes but they must be blocked work through in accordance with NSY 512

Question 25

what are the 6 types of seldom used points

Answer 25

emergency crossovers,
run off points,
points pending commissioning or removal,
remotely controlled at sidings/refuges
locally controlled at sidings/refuges
power worked for out of course working

Question 26

how do you protect seldom used points

Answer 26

disconnected, clipped and SL locked (XL locks and spikes required for emergency crossovers, unmovable points, or pending commissioning/removal)

Question 27

what must be done on seldom used points prior to reinstatement

Answer 27

they must be visually inspected, point lock and detection tested.

Question 28

What are some items performed where impractical to operate points during maintenance

Answer 28

visually inspect points for any damage
check all fasteners are secured and of the correct type
check all of the rodding
check for effective locking
check detection of position of lay
check open switch opening
check closed switch opening
check releasing arrangements securely locked
check the points are clipped, spiked and XL locked.
inspect track circuit bonding
insulation testing of detection contacts as per schedule

Question 29

typical locations of seldom used ETCS equipment

Answer 29

end of a terminal line
at buffer stops
unused sidings or passing loops
at fixed red signals

Question 30

where do you find unlinked ETCS balises

Answer 30

Yard entry and exit,
level transition areas
temporary speed warning locations
virtual balise covers.