Signal irregularities

Question 1

What should you do when you see an irregular signal?

Answer 1

1. Stop using emergency brakes
2. Report to controlling signaller (or train controller if automatic signal, or no comms)
3. Wait to receive correct passing authority

Question 2

What should you do when detained at a fixed signal?

Answer 2

1. Sound a long whistle
2. Contact signaller or Area Controller if in Metrol controlled area, or TC if signaller not available
3. Provide TDN, signal post number, and location of train
4. Signaller will provide you with reason and duration of the delay, and if any blocking facilities have been applied (eg. signal sleeved at stop). If this reason is unsatisfactory, contact train control.
5. Make PA announcement

Question 3

What are some types of signal irregularities?

Answer 3

Cycling through colours
Extinguished light
Imperfectly displayed (eg. graffiti, some LEDs out)
Flickering lights
Disc not turned correctly
White light instead of coloured
Co-actor not matching signal
Multiple aspects on two position eg. green over yellow on a siding dwarf
Reverting to stop prior to passing
Incorrect combination eg. two greens
Incorrect sequence eg. no reduce to medium before medium speed warning

Question 4

If detained at a fixed signal what are the intervals to contact signaller?

Answer 4

5 minute intervals

Question 5

Arrived at signal at Stop 🛑
The signaller must inform the driver of the following:

Answer 5

• expected duration of delay
• The reason for delay
• If blocking facilities have been applied

Question 6

The driver must contact train control to inform them if:

Answer 6

• The driver cannot contact the signaller
• The driver is not satisfied as to the cause and duration of delay
• The delay will exceed 5 min

Question 7

If a home signal is defective at proceed, what are the hand signaller’s duties?

Answer 7

Obscure signal with a bag
2 ATWs 10m apart ahead of defective signal
Display red hand signal
Inform driver of situation
Driver must obtain authority from controlling signaller - NOT a proceed hand signal

Question 8

If a home signal is defective at stop, what are the driver’s duties?

Answer 8

Stop
Obtain correct authority from controlling signaller (along with proceed hand signal from hand signaller)
Proceed with extreme caution to next fixed signal

Question 9

If a disc or dwarf signal is defective at stop, what are the hand signaller and driver’s duties?

Answer 9

Hand signaller
obscure light
display red hand signal
inform driver
(no ATWs since low speed environment)

Driver
follow hand signals
obtain correct authority

Question 10

How are drivers informed of signals out of use?

Answer 10

WON and safe working circulars

Signal itself will be extinguished, bagged and turned away from the track

Question 11

What should you do when a home signal reverts to stop just before passing it?

Answer 11

1. Stop using emergency brake
2. Contact controlling signaller if you stopped before the signal, OR if you stopped after it (PAE) call Train Controller
3. Obtain correct authority to continue or set back (this must be from the signaller)
4. Make PA announcement

Question 12

What should you do when an automatic signal reverts to stop just before passing it?

Answer 12

1. Stop using emergency brake
2. Contact Train Controller, including procedure for tripping in the vicinity of a signal if required
3. Proceed with rule 1 section 3
4. Make PA announcement

Question 13

If an illuminated A is not showing on a stop signal, and there is no evidence of the remotely controlled signal box being switched out and there is no communication, what should you do?

Answer 13

Wait for Train Overtime in Section

Question 14

What must a driver do when confronted with an irregular signalling sequence?

Answer 14

-Bring the train to a stop by using emergency brakes if necessary
-Report to TC immediately