Spad Awareness

Question 1

What is a SPAD?

Answer 1

A signal passed at danger

Question 2

How can a spad happen?

Answer 2

Failure of driver concentration
Mistake by dispatch
Signaller error

Question 3

What is a sas-spad?

Answer 3

Start against signal signal passed at danger caused by train incorrectly dispatched from station.

Question 4

How can a driver manage distractions on the move to prevent a spad?

Answer 4

Manage workload

Don’t use commas equipment on move

Question 5

How should a driver approach a red?

Answer 5

Risk triggered commentary
Positive action
Route knowledge
Anticipating railhead and environmental conditions
Use DRA at station stop if DRA is out of sight
Stopping no more than 200 m from signal or magnet at 15 mph
Secure train

Question 6

What must you do if you witness a spad?

Answer 6

If possible communicate with staff involved
Offer assistance and support
Check staff involved are reporting the incident
Report incident to line manager or supervisor
Complete a report form and submit by the end of the day

Question 7

What must you do if you’re involved in a spad incident?

Answer 7

Contact signaller immediately and not move train
Report the incident to control
Report to line manager or supervisor
Complete appropriate paperwork

Question 8

What must you do if you’re involved in a close call?

Answer 8

If the rule book instructs contact the signaller immediately
Report to manager, and control
Complete a report form and submit by the end of the day