PTS 101 Flashcards
What is single line working?
When a line has been blocked for any reason and the trains have been authorised to travel along another open line in either direction.
What are points and crossovers used for?
Used by trains to go from one line to another.`
Generally, what are points operated from?
They are operated from a signal box and have an identifying number displayed on them.
What are sidings, depots and yards used for?
They are used to store trains and other railway vehicles.
Mileposts are positioned alongside the railway, how far apart are they usually and what are they there for.
They are usually ever quarter of a mile, ad they are used to help identify the location.
What is the running rail?
Two rails that a trains wheels run on.
What are sleepers?
They support the rails and keep them the correct distance apart.
What are fastenings?
They hold the running rails to the sleepers.
What is ballast?
Keeps the track in place.
What is the CESS?
The area alongside the railway.
What is the four-foot?
The space between the running rails of one line.
What is the six-foot?
The space between a pair of lines if they’re a normal distance apart.
What is the ten-foot (wideway)?
If there are 3 or more lines, a wider space is provided between the lines. This space is known as the ten-foot or wideway.
Define the area known as ‘on or near the line’
- you are on a line
- you are within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line and there is no permanent fence or structure between you and the line
- you are doing engineering or technical work on a station platform within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of its edge.
Sidenote: you are not on or near the line if you are crossing the line at a level crossing.
When are you lineside?
- you are within the railway boundary but not on or near the line
- you can be seen by the driver of an approaching train.
sidenote: You are not on the lineside if you are on a station platform.
What is the ‘position of safety’?
A position of safety is a place where it is safe to stand when a train is passing.
When are you in the ‘position of safety’?
- If you are 2 metres away from the nearest line when a train is going above 100mph
- If you are 1.25 metres for a train going below 100mph
What is an authorised walking route?
- this provides safe access to and from a place of work.
- they are found near depots, stations and signal boxes.
- they vary in construction, some are proper walkways and some are just rough paths.
When is a red semaphore signal at danger?
When it’s in the horizontal position.
What will trains do at a danger (red) signal?
Normally, they will stop but, in some situations, they can be authorised to pass them. Which will be authorised by the signaller in some instances of a possession, failed track circuit etc.
What signals cant always be put to danger by the signaller?
Automatic and semi-automatic signals
What does SPRS stand for and what is it used for?
Signal Post Replacement Switch, it is a switch on the signal post (for an automatic signal) which can be changed to danger using a special key.
What are distant singals?
Yellow semaphore signals
What does OLE stand for?
Overhead Line Equipment
How many volts run through the OLE?
25,000 Volts AC,
Or, where trams and metro trains are used, 750dc
What qualification do you need on your sentinel card to go on or near a line with OLE?
PTS AC
With the OLE, what should you always assume?
That it is live and extremely dangerous
How far away should you, and anything you’re carrying , etc tools, be away from the OLE?
2.75 Metres/9 Fett
When can you work within 2.75m of live OLE?
If a special Safe System of Work and isolation has been approved beforehand
OLE structures have a black cable connecting it to the running rail, what is this known as?
A bond
There are also red and yellow bonds
Are red bonds dangerous?
If disconnected, yes. never touch them as there could be a dangerous voltage. (Up to 25,000 volts)
What do you do if you find a bond that is disconnected, broken or defective?
Immediately report to the Electrical Control Operator (ECO) and include the colour and location of the bond. There will be a number stated near the bond.
What does the Direct Current Conducter Rail (third rail) do
Provides the train with up to 750 volts D.C
What is the fourth rail?
Another conductor rail that will be in the four foot- used on lines used by London Underground.
When can you go on or near a line with conductor rails?
If your sentinel card includes the qualification “PTS DC)
What should you always assume with conductor rails?
That they are live and extremely dangerous.
Work can only take place within ________ of a live Direct Current Conducter Rail if the approved insulated tools, shrouds or toughing, and PPE are used
30CM (1 FOOT)
Why should you keep clear of floodwater?
Liquids will become live if they come into contact with a conductor rail.
What do track circuits and axle counters do for the signaller?
Lets the signaller know where trains are in the area they control train movements on.
Why must you never place objects across the rails?
It may trigger the singalling equipment and change a signal aspect in front of a driver.
Why must you not allow any metal object near signaling equipment or within 300mm of an axle counter head
It may interfere with its operation.
What is a refuge?
s a place where it is safe for you to stand when a train is passing. They can be built out over an embankment or cut into the wall of a viaduct, cutting or tunnel.
When working in a tunnel while trains are running, what should you make sure you know?
where the nearest position
of safety is – usually in a refuge.
Why should you make sure access gates are closed and locked?
In the case of trespassers.
What are Semaphore signals?
Old style, manually operated signals. They usually have a red light, green light, and a red arm.
A horizontal position means stop and the red light will also be on
When will a semaphore signal mean a train can pass?
The arm may be either raised or lowered by 45 degrees (known as upper or lower quadrant)
In both cases, the green light will also show
When are positon light signals used?
In slidings to control movements of trains in and out of slidings