Safeworking - Dual Control Point Machines

Question 1

What is the purpose of a Dual Control Point Machine?

Answer 1

• Enable points to be controlled either Remotely or by a Signaller
• In case of failure, be operated by a Driver/Competent Worker acting under instructions of the Signaller/Train Controller

Question 2

What are the 2 Levers on the DCPM?

Answer 2

• Selector Lever (smaller lever)
• Hand Throw Lever (larger lever)

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Selector Levers MOTOR position?

Answer 3

• Provide the SIGNALLER REMOTE CONTROL of the points and signals
• PREVENT MANUAL OPERATION of the points

Question 4

What is the purpose of the Selector Levers HAND position?

Answer 4

• PREVENT REMOTE CONTROL or operation of the points in the event of a failure
• Protect the train by HOLDING THE SIGNALS governing movement of the points at the STOP position

Question 5

What 2 positions can the HAND THROW LEVER be put in?

Answer 5

• NORMAL POSITION (N) - The points are set for normal movement on the mainline
• REVERSE POSITION (R) - The points are set for a diverging track

Question 6

When can the HAND THROW LEVER be operated?

Answer 6

If the SELECTOR LEVER is in the HAND position

Question 7

What is the NORMAL position of the SELECTOR LEVER?

Answer 7

MOTOR

Question 8

What is the NORMAL position of the HAND THROW LEVER?

Answer 8

NORMAL (N)

Question 9

What aspects do all applicable Signals display when the DCPM is in the HAND position?

Answer 9

Danger (STOP)

Question 10

Before Manually operating the points, what must the driver observe?

Answer 10

Their position.

(Either NORMAL position, REVERSE position or INTERMEDIATE position)

Question 11

Once the HAND THROW LEVER is in position, what must be done?

Answer 11

Must be secured with the Padlock

Question 12

Once a train has cleared the points can the driver be asked to reset the points using the DCPM?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

Where are the 2 types of HAND LOCKING BARS located?

Answer 13

• In the centre of the track on a sleeper
  Or
• Adjacent to the Point Machine

Question 14

What are HAND LOCKING BARS locked with?

Answer 14

5P Padlock

Question 15

To operate a HAND LOCKING BAR, the driver must?

Answer 15

• Be instructed to do so
• Points are lying correctly
• Potentially a Reactive Track Access Request form
• Unlock the HAND LOCKING BAR with a 5P key
• Lift the bar to the point blade to hold it in position
• Padlock the HAND LOCKING BAR in position