SPAD's Flashcards
What is a SPAD?
Signal passed at danger without authority.
What is a SPAR?
Signal passed at red - Where a signal that was showing a proceed aspect goes back to red. This could happen for example during an emergency by the signaller or by TCOCs. Also called a ‘technical SPAD’
What is a SOY SPAD?
Start on yellow SPAD - where the starter signal (or last signal?) is a yellow and this causes an error at the next signal.
What is a SAS SPAD?
Start against signal SPAD. Where the starter signal is red.
Can you give some examples of signals at danger?
Shunt signal, main aspect signal, stop board, limit of shunt indicator, buffer stop, ground position light signal.
What is a multi-SPAD signal and why are they important?
A signal that has had 2 or more SPADs in the past 5 years. The can be identified of the running line with count down markers or an AWS sunflower sign prior to them.
It is important to be aware of them as they highlight areas of higher risk. Information regarding them can be found in section D of the WON.
When is a SPAD more likely to occur?
- Between the 2nd and 4th hours of a shift.
- In the first and last 5 minutes of a shift.
- Immediately before or after a PNB.
- Immediately before or after A/L.
- During significant life events (children, moving, etc)
- At times of personal worry.
Can you give some examples of causes of SPADs?
- Lack of concentration.
- Not following rulebook correctly.
- Not driving to conditions of the railhead.
- Bad route knowledge.
- Read across signals.
- Read through signals.
- Approaching signal too fast.
- Failure to use DRA.
- Poor communication.
- Poor cab discipline.
- Distracted (using PA etc).
- Not conducting running brake test.
- Anticipating red signal changing.
What must you do in the event of a SPAD where TPWS activates an emergency brake demand?
Ensure the train comes to a stop and secure the train, acknowledge the brake demand with the AWS plunger and acknowledge the fault on MITRAC.
Contact the signaller and complete an RT3185 at the location.
Back at the depot you must write a report, speak to the OIM, before Medscreen and investigation. You will be off track until a development plan has been put in place.
