Signals - Level Crossing and Trackside Signs Flashcards
What is the definition of Level Crossings?
Railways Level Crossings occur where a railway line is by a road or path on one level, without the use of a bridge or tunnel
What are ACTIVE CONTROL Level Crossings?
Means that flashing lights, bells and/or boom gates operate when a train approaches a level crossing
What are PASSIVE CONTROL Level Crossings?
Means that the level crossing has only fixed warning signs with no bells, flashing lights or boom gates
What are the types of Level Crossings?
- Boom gate level crossing
- Pedestrian and bicycle level crossing with active control
- Pedestrian and bicycle level crossing with passive control
- Tramway level crossings
- Warning Lights only
- Private “Give way to trains” level crossing on farmland (Hurstbridge line)
- Some locations there is a provision for staff to cross
What causes boom gates at Level Crossings to open and close?
Track Circuitry
(The train short circuits the track section when entering/exiting past signals)
What causes a variation regarding Level Crossing Activation Points?
- Track speeds
- Platform prior to the crossing
- Platforms after the crossing
- Signalling circuitry
- Signaller activation
Why would the Signaller activate “Express Mode”?
For trains running empty services
What is a Flashing Light Repeating Side Light?
A White or Red flashing light on the side of the boom gate
What is the purpose of a Flashing Light Repeating Side Light?
Indicates to the driver that the Level Crossing warning devices are active and functioning
Must the driver always observe White Flashing Repeating Lights?
Yes, where possible
What are the 3 types of Whistle Boards in the Victorian Network?
- Normal type
- Healthy State Indicator type
- Predictor Board type
How far away are Normal Whistle Boards from Level Crossings?
400 metres
What is the correct side of a Normal Whistle Board?
The White side
(The back is painted black)
What must a driver do when passing a Whistle Board?
- Sound a long whistle
- Observe the Level Crossing activities (if equipped)
- Observe the crossing is clear of vehicles, pedestrians, and any other obstruction
- Sound a long whistle prior to entering the crossing
What is a Healthy State Indicator Whistle Board?
A yellow cross board with a white flashing light fitted to warning drivers if the crossing is working correctly
If a Healthy State Indicator Whistle Board is defective who should drivers inform?
Train Control at Metrol
What must drivers do when they reach a Predictor Board?
Not increase speed until the train has entered the Level Crossing
What must a driver do if another train is approaching a Level Crossing at the same time?
Sound the Whistle continuously until both trains have reached the crossing
What is the definition of a Long Whistle? (DIDRA)
The sound of the whistle should be distinct, with intensity, duration, or repetition appropriate at which the warning is required to be heard
What is an Emergency Whistle?
A series of short, urgent blasts on the train whistle
Should a driver see danger at a Level Crossing, you must?
- Apply Emergency Brake
- Sound a Continuous Whistle
- Report the incident immediately to Train Control
Who should a Defective Level Crossing be reported to?
Train Control at Metrol
When reporting a defective Level Crossing to the Train Controller, you must?
- Stop the train if the Level Crossing isn’t activated
- Give the name of the Level Crossing (located on the Whistle Board)
- Describe the fault
What should be done if a train on an opposing line is approaching an inoperative crossing?
REC call to warn the train
If approaching a Level Crossing, it is observed that protection equipment hasn’t operated, you must?
- Attempt to stop the train prior to the crossing (Emergency Brake if necessary)
- Sound an Emergency Whistle
- Report the failure to Train Control immediately
- REC call to warn other trains
Can a train ever enter an Unprotected Level Crossing?
No
If a train comes to a stand prior to a Level Crossing with failing equipment, the driver must?
- Sound a whistle
- Move train cautiously within 3 metres of the crossing to activate the circuit
- Stop the train once the Level Crossing protection equipment has started to operate
Once Level Crossing protection equipment is fully operation and crossing is clear, the driver must?
- Ensure Saloon lights are operational
- Sound a Continuous Whistle until the Leading Cab is clear of the crossing
- Proceed across crossing at maximum 15km/h until the Leading Cab has cleared the crossing
- Once Leading Cab is clear of crossing, the train can resume normal operation
If a train can’t stop prior to a Level Crossing with failing equipment, the driver must?
- Continue to sound an Emergency Whistle
- Flash the headlights between High and Low Beam
- Use any means to warn Vehicles and Pedestrians
- Contact Train Control immediately
If a Home or Dwarf Signal protecting a Level Crossing is defective, the driver must?
Contact the Controlling Signaller
(Signaller must ensure the Level Crossing equipment is operating prior to giving authorisation)
If an Automatic Signal protecting a Level Crossing is defective, the driver must?
Rule 1 Section 3
(The driver must ensure the Level Crossing equipment is operating prior to proceeding)
If a driver is Operating in the Wrong Direction through a Level Crossing, they must?
- Stop short of the Level Crossing
- Cautiously move towards the crossing until the protection equipment starts to operate
- Stop the train
When doing Single Line Working over a Level Crossing, the driver must?
Ensure a Competent Worker is activating the crossing
When doing Single Line Working over a Level Crossing, the Competent Worker must?
- Be on alert for trains approaching in the wrong direction
- Activate the Level Crossing protection equipment prior to the train arriving
- Stand in plain view of the approaching train (in P.O.S)
- Exhibit “All- Right” hand signal
When doing Single Line Working over a Level Crossing, the driver must travel at?
15km/h
Which keys are used in Key Switches at stations to manually place the Signal at Stop at Level Crossings?
- 5P Key
- Alboy Key (High Speed Point Key)
What Signals can Key Switches apply to?
- Home
- Automatic
When will the Key Switch be operational for Home Signals at that location?
When the location is in Fleeting mode (Switched Out)
What class of Signal are Key Switches generally used for?
Automatic Signals
What happens when the Key Switch is put the Normal position for an Automatic Signal?
Signal is at Proceed
What are the common markings on a Key Switch?
- N (Normal) or Proceed (Vertical Position)
- R (Reverse) or Stop or Boom Disable (2 or 10 o’clock position)
When can the key not be able to be removed from a Key Switch?
When the Key Switch is placed in the Reverse position
Once the key is removed from a Key Switch, how long does it take for the Level Crossing Equipment operate and the signal to go to Proceed?
Up to 3 minutes
What are 6 reasons Level Crossing Protection Equipment are disengaged?
- A train fault on your train or further down the line
- Unruly passengers
- An ill passenger on your train or further down the line
- Track Maintenance operations
- Track Circuitry failures
- Other delays for an extended period
What is the purpose of Tramway Square Speed Signs?
To advise drivers of the designated speed for a Tramway Crossing
Where is a Tram Square Ahead sign located?
200 metres prior to the Tram Square
Where is a Tram Square sign located?
At the Tram Square
Where is a End Tram Square 3 Car Only sign located?
80 metres after the Tram Square
Where is a End Tram Square sign located?
160 metres after the Tram Square
What do Limited Clearance Markers indicate?
Trackside Infrastructure has limited clearance from the train
What do Terminal Stop Boards indicate?
The Overhead will run out in 15 metres
What must drivers do when they see a Terminal Stop Board?
Stop at least 3 metres before it
