Safeworking - Adverse Weather Risks

Question 1

What weather conditions can affect the safe operation of the railway?

Answer 1

• Low temperature
• Storms and Wind
• High temperature
• Fog

Question 2

What damage and disruption can be caused to trains and rail infrastructure during weather events?

Answer 2

• Obstruction on the tracks
• Water over the rail
• Obstruction in the Overhead and Fouling tracks
• Broken rail
• Buckled rail

Question 3

What can COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS cause?

Answer 3

• Broken rails
• Low adhesion when braking and powering
• Excessive arcing from the Pantograph

Question 4

What can HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS cause?

Answer 4

• Buckled rails
• Damaged or Sagging Overhead wires
• Trackside fires

Question 5

Who are BUCKLED RAILS reported to?

Answer 5

Train Control

Question 6

What can THUNDERSTORMS AND STRONG WINDS cause?

Answer 6

• Bring down trees
• Create flash flooding
• Lose Overhead power
• Entangled debris in Overhead wires
• Reduced Visibility
• Affect Signalling systems

Question 7

Can you operate trains through flood water?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

What can drivers do to mitigate the risk of fog?

Answer 8

• Reduce the speed of the train
• Approach signals with caution and assume the signal is at stop if it can’t be seen
• Make frequent use of the whistle

Question 9

What are some things drivers can do to reduce the risk of damage and mistakes during weather events?

Answer 9

• Reduce speed
• Use high beam lights (except in fog)
• Be vigilant to changes of conditions
• Use the whistle frequently
• Approach fixed signals
• Monitor train performance and driving style
• Don’t drive through heavy smoke
• Adhere to any speed restrictions implemented
• Be prepared to stop short of any obstructions

Question 10

Who must BROKEN RAILS be reported to?

Answer 10

Train Control

Question 11

What are tell-take signs of a broken rail?

Answer 11

• A thud or twang sound
• Rough ride due to misaligned rails
• Obvious gaps between the rail that can be viewed
• A break or gap that can be felt as the train passes

Question 12

Who inspects broken rails?

Answer 12

Track Maintenance Representative

Question 13

What can be implemented when the is a broken rail?

Answer 13

CAN notices

Question 14

If the TRACK MAINTENANCE REPRESENTATIVE deems it safe to pass a section with WATER OVER THE RAIL HEAD, what is the maximum speed?

Answer 14

5km/h

Question 15

If the TRACK MAINTENANCE REPRESENTATIVE deems it unsafe to pass a section with WATER OVER THE RAIL HEAD, what is the reason?

Answer 15

• The water level is above the rail head 75mm
• The water is FLOWING which may cause the ballast to be dislodged

Question 16

If a section has WATER BELOW THE RAIL HEAD, what is the maximum speed?

Answer 16

15km/h