SS2 & S4 Shunting

Question 1

Speeds: What MAX speed would you drive when: 1. Shunting in a depot 2. Propelling

Answer 1

1. 5mph MAX (GWR 3mph through wash) 2. 20mph MAX

Question 2

What is the definition of Propelling & when is propelling allowed?

Answer 2

Propelling - a propelling movement applies when vehicles NOT capable of self power movement are pushed by traction unit Allowed - when authorised, absolutely necessary or over shortest distance possible

Question 3

What does loose shunting mean?

Answer 3

Vehicles not attached to a traction unit during the movement

Question 4

What actions must you take when stopped at a white diamond or white diamond with telephone number, if you are unable to contact the signaller?

Answer 4

Try to contact the signaller by all available means Only leave the cab - In an emergency When another driver (driving train) or CP tells you that the adjacent line has been blocked.

Question 5

Can you use a rope, chain or push (with a road vehicle) any rail vehicle? If yes, where? What must you NOT use to push a rail vehicle

Answer 5

Yes, if specifically authorised in LOCAL instructions Never use a pole or prop.

Question 6

When leaving a rail vehicle (shunting completed) you should leave the vehicle in a safe position. What is meant by ‘safe position’? 4 marks

Answer 6

Vehicle is not left on running line (without permission) Vehicle does not foul any other line Vehicle is clear of any point that may need moved Vehicle is left within the protection of trap points, derailers or scotch blocks applied.

Question 7

Where would you find the authority to loose shunt & what must you NOT loose shunt?

Answer 7

Authority found in LOCAL instructions You must NOT loose shunt: a. Coaching stock vehicles b. loose shunt other vehicles against coaching stock

Question 8

What must you agree before making any movement?

Answer 8

What exactly needs to be done How the movement will be controlled.

Question 9

What are the main risks associated with shunting? 6 marks

Answer 9

Injury to persons Derailment A SPAD at stop boards/signals Conflicting movements Collision with stabled vehicles Low adhesion in wash bays/foul areas

Question 10

If carryout a movement ‘unaccompanied’ what safety checks must you undertake before making any movement? 7 marks

Answer 10

Wheels can be moved safely No NOT TO BE MOVED boards are attached Other vehicles are not foul of the movement Road vehicles are clear of the line Anyone who maybe in danger is safe Anyone working on adjacent line is warned Any derailer or scotches have been removed

Question 11

Contacting the signaller. What is the standard arrangement if detained (red signal) on a running line?

Answer 11

Contact signaller ASAP.

If you can see ahead and notice another train or conflicting movement, wait up to 2 mins before contacting. If signaller informs you to wait, recontact them within 5 mins

Question 12

If you see a white or yellow diamond shape with an X in the centre what action should you take?

Answer 12

You must not use this telephone unless in an emergency or if another driver or CP tells you the adjacent line has been blocked.

Question 13

Entering a shed. What actions should you as the driver perform before entering the shed with a traction unit?

Answer 13

Stop at entrance Confirm it is clear Sound horn (Low soft) Recheck area is clear, before moving

Question 14

What is the definition of shunting?

Answer 14

A movement of a train or vehicle other that a train passing normally on a running line

Question 15

When, would you contact the signaller, during poor visibility (below 180Mtrs), not on a TCB line & the signal does not have a white diamond?

Answer 15

Immediately

Question 16

If a signal has a white diamond but you cannot use that telephone, how long do you have to make contact with the signaller during poor visibility (below 180Mtrs), not on a TCB line?

Answer 16

Within 10 mins

Question 17

If leaving a unit on a dead end line with buffer stops displaying a red or white light, what colour lights must you display? explain both answers

Answer 17

Red buffer light = red both ends White buffer light = red light at rear, white facing oncoming traffic.

Question 18

Hand signals at night - You must not start or continue any movement until?

Answer 18

You clearly understand the signal and you are 100% sure the hand signal was for you.

Question 19

If you lose sight of the shunters hand signal, what must you do?

Answer 19

Stop Immediately Only restart the movement when communication has been reistablished and you receive a correct hand signal

Question 20

List ways the shunt can be controlled?

Answer 20

Bell codes, Cab to Cab radio, Driver/Guard comms, GSM-R, hand signals (hand, flag or light) if Radio - bleeps or voice (lose either STOP)

Question 21

If leaving a traction unit on a running line what actions should you take?

Answer 21

Inform the signaller, unless routine Place a red light on the rear of the traction or on both ends if left on a single/bi di line.

Question 22

Explain the process for attaching (coupling) a traction unit to a train or vehicle?

Answer 22

Stop 2mtrs (6ft 6ins) away. Draw forward closing gap to a distance set out by traction unit instructions. Only move forward when authorised by shunter (if available).

Question 23

On a line with points worked by signal box, what action will the signaller give you to grant permission to make a movement across the points (Both day and night action) & how will you the driver acknowledge the signal/action, when movement is complete?

Answer 23

Day - signaller will raise one arm above head Night - signaller will quickly twist a white light Driver to acknowledge - one short blast of the horn

Question 24

If you are required to make a propelling movement outside of a worksite, where will you find the authority and where published?

Answer 24

In the WON and/or Engineering notices

Question 25

During a shunting movement you lose sight of the shunter, what must you do?

Answer 25

Stop immediately Do not restart movement until communication regained and you are sure any signal is for you.

Question 26

In what 3 locations can you couple or uncouple a traction unit?

Answer 26

A signal box A signal A platform line If NOT the norm, contact the signaller and request authority.

Question 27

If driving from somewhere other than the leading cab, who should be instructing the movement and where should they be?

Answer 27

A shunter or CP Either in the leading cab, riding on leading vehicle or on the ground (clearly viewable or in contact with you)

Question 28

List the 12 authorities for Propelling and where will you find the authority?

Answer 28

B - Breakdown train O - Officers special train (right direction) G - Point worked by GF W - Wrong routed O - Over run O - Working to/from obstruction D - Disabled train (removing/clearing) S - Single line movement F - Front portion to rear A - Sectional appendix (locations shown in) B - Signal box (within limits) S - Shunting movement (TCB line to clear 1 main aspect) Found in Sectional Appendix