Safe Working Requirements: SWA Process Summary

Question 1

What situations require the use of a SWA-01?

Answer 1

SWA-01 is used in all situations except disabled train situations:

• Pass a failed or imperfectly displayed Departure Signal (including SPAD)
• Pass a Signal to enter a PWA using Blocking or Track and Time Permit (Mis60)
• Set back within a Block Section
• Authorise a train to work in either direction in a section

Question 2

What situations require the use of a SWA-02?

Answer 2

SWA-02 is used solely to manage disabled trains (includes double banking)

• Pass a Departure or Starting signal at Stop or Block Entry Board to assist a disabled train
• Pass an Absolute Intermediate Signal to assist a disabled train
• Set back to a disabled train within a block section with relief to the station in the rear

Question 3

What situations require the use of a SWA-03?

Answer 3

SWA-03 is used solely to manage all MTMV and Work Train situations within PWAs to operate past the signals for single or multiple movements

• Pass an Absolute signal at Stop or Block/Entry Station Board
• All movements are under the direction of the RPO within the PWA

Question 4

What Precautions and Checks must be done before issuing a SWA-01?

Answer 4

1. Ensure section is clear and there are no opposing movements (check last train is clear or last track occupancy clear)
2. Advising opposing movements at crossing station of SWA intentions
3. Check with adjacent signaller that no conflicting movements are authorised
4. Route is correctly set
5. If setting back, is a pilot required

Question 5

What Precautions and Checks must be done before issuing a SWA-02?

Answer 5

1. Verify disabled train location
2. Establish where relief is being provided from
3. Confirm protection being used
4. Check the authority will not conflict with other trains/occupancies
5. Check and confirm route is correctly set
6. Undertake any additional checks if setting back to the station in the rear

Question 6

What Precautions and Checks must be done before issuing a SWA-03?

Answer 6

1. Confirm identity and location of the Operator of the MTMV/Work Train
2. Cross check with any signaller controlling the entry into the PWA
3. Confirm with RPO that it is safe and there is a clear understanding before starting SWA-03 processes
4. Check and confirm route is correctly set
5. Include “RPO authority is also required” in Clause 7, if applicable

Question 7

Preparing and Transmitting a SWA-01

Answer 7

1. Apply Blocking
2. Draw SWA-01 on the TC graph
3. Prepare SWA-01 and add the authority number to the graph
4. Transmit the SWA to the Signaller (if applicable) and obtain a correct read-back
5. Transmit SWA to the Operator and obtain a correct read-back

Question 8

Preparing and Transmitting a SWA-02

Answer 8

1. Apply Blocking
2. Draw SWA-02 on the TC graph
3. Prepare the SWA-02 and add the authoirty number to the graph
4. Transmit the SWA to the Signaller (if applicable) and obtain a correct read-back
5. Transmit the SWA-02 (Clauses 1-3) to the Operator of the diasabled train and obtain a correct read-back
6. Transmit the SWA-02 to the Operator of the relief train and obtain a correct read-back

Question 9

Preparing and Transmitting a SWA-03

Answer 9

1. Apply Blocking (if not already applied)
2. Draw SWA-03 on TC graph
3. Prepare the SWA-03 and add the authority number to the graph
4. Transmit the SWA-03 to the Signaller (if applicable) and obtain a correct read-back
5. Transmit the SWA-03 to the Operator and obtain a correct read-back

Question 10

Completion of SWA Procedures
Limits Clear and Complete

What action must be taken when the Operator advises the line is clear or the authority is required to be changed or is no longer required?

Answer 10

• Cross out the circled authoirty on the diagram
• Endorse the Operators SWA-01, SWA-02 or SWA-03 cancelled
• Enter the time of being “clear and complete” in the appropriate place on the document
• Advise all addressees

Question 11

Completion of SWA Procedures
Change of Scope
As a SWA-01 and SWA-02 provides protection as part of the authority, what action must be taken if the scope changes?

Answer 11

• A separate authority must be issued each time a movement is authorised to re-enter a Block Section
• When a SWA has been issued and the scope has changed, use Clause 8(SWA-01) or Clause 10(SWA-02) to cancel the previous SWA e.g. SWA-01 1002 cancels SWA-01 1001

Question 12

Completion of SWA Procedures
Change of Scope
As a SWA-03 converts Absolute signals to Permissive signals, or authorises entry into a PWA, protection is not provided as part of the SWA-03 scope, therefore…

Answer 12

If the route is required to be changed, the SWA-03 must be cancelled, new route set up and then new SWA-03 issued