Streetcar Flashcards

1
Q

Is this procedure a “universal remedy”?

A

No, due to the limitless possible scenarios responding personnel could encounter, responding crews should always consider the risk management profile and exercise caution when operating near the streetcar system

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2
Q

Terminology of SCV?

A

Streetcar Vehicle

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3
Q

Terminology of OCS?

A

Overhead contact system (overhead wires)

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4
Q

Terminology of TPSS?

A

Traction Power sub-station

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5
Q

What is a pantograph?

A

Mechanical arm that electrically connects the streetcar vehicle to the overhead contact system wires

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6
Q

Terminology of MOF?

A

Maintenance and Operations Facility

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7
Q

Terminology of ETS?

A

Emergency Trip Switch

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8
Q

Terminology of OC?

A

Operations Control (nerve center for communications and operations of light rail)

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9
Q

Sectionalization:

A

Isolating parts of the streetcar system

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10
Q

What kind of track system is the streetcar?

A

Single track system

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11
Q

The SCV operates on what kind of electric current?

A

DC

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12
Q

The streetcar tracks operate as the negative return for the current, are they a significant electrical threat?

A

No

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13
Q

What functions as the nerve center for the streetcar system?

A

The Operations Control (OC)

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14
Q

Where is the Operations Control located?

A

1927 Race St

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15
Q

What is the estimated train frequency during peak operations?

A

Every 12-15 minutes, however unusual streetcar movement or traffic conditions can cause a less frequent operation

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16
Q

Where is the streetcar operator located?

A

Located in the forward cab (each end has a cab)

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17
Q

The streetcar operator must operate the train by utilizing a controller with a “dead man” switch. What does this mean?

A

If the operator becomes incapacitated, the SCV will come to a stop

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18
Q

Will the SCV obey all traffic signals?

A

Yes, however there will be certain intersections where optical sensors will allow the streetcar to proceed through the intersection while all other traffic is at a 4-way stop. These intersections are equipped with a special “lunar bar” type transit signal to assist streetcar operator in moving through the intersection

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19
Q

At intersections with the lunar bar type transit signals, how are fire companies to proceed?

A

With extra caution

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20
Q

What are the dimensions of the SCV?

A

77’ 6’ long, 12’ 8” high, 8’ 8” wide with a cab at each end and 4 doors on both sides

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21
Q

How much does the SCV weigh?

A

78,400lbs empty with 154 person max capacity

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22
Q

How many people can sit/stand in the streetcar?

A

38 seated, 116 standing

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23
Q

What is the streetcar speed?

A

Normal-25MPH
Testing-up to 44MPH
Will be governed at 25 for normal ops

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24
Q

What is the approximate stopping distance at 25MPH with passengers? With the maximum emergency breaking?

A

529 feet; 218 feet

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25
Q

What are the 3 sections to a SCV?

A
  1. The “A” section-Cab without pantograph
  2. The “B” section-Cab with pantograph
  3. The “Center” Section- flexible car between the A and B cab
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26
Q

Does the streetcar have a gong bell and horn?

A

Yes

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27
Q

Explain track switch:

A
  1. Tracks that move when manually thrown by a streetcar staff member changing the route
  2. Manually operated and contain switch heaters (750V)
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28
Q

The transfer power sub-stations will supply specific sections of the track. It may be necessary to shut down how many stations to de-energize the line in certain locations?

A

2

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29
Q

The sub-stations will be protected by a fencing system. The key to the Knox Box is located where?

A

Near the gate

30
Q

Where are the Emergency Trip Switches (ETS) located?

A

Outside the door to the Traction Power Sub-Station (TPSS) in a silver box on the exterior of the building. The box is opened using a Knox Box key.

31
Q

Will pushing the Emergency Trip Switch (ETS) kill the power to the streetcar?

A

It may or may not as the system is built with electrical redundancy. (Other TPSS may feed the system. In addition, other streetcar vehicles moving along the system can generate electricity back into the system through their breaking system)

32
Q

Where are the TPSS located?

A
  1. TPSS #1- Riverfront Transit Center
  2. TPSS #2- 101 E Court
  3. TPSS #3- 1829 Race
  4. TPSS (Yard)- 117 Henry
  5. TPSS (MOF)- located inside the south end of the MOF building
33
Q

How many volts is the TPSS?

A

AC 13,500V in, and 550-1000V DC out

34
Q

What are the specifics of the Overhead Contact System (OCS)?

A
  1. The wire is a solid grooved copper 350kcmil (.592 inch diameter) non insulated wire carrying 750v DC
  2. 0-4000 AMPS (taser is .00021 amps, 50k v)
  3. Wire is tensioned at 2000 lbs however the tension fluctuates with ambient temperature as the wire expands and contracts
35
Q

How many lbs is the Overhead wire tensioned at?

A

2000 lbs

36
Q

Do volts or amps kill?

A

AMPS

37
Q

What is the normal height of the light rail overhead contact system wire?

A

19’ 6”; may be as low as 14’ 6” in locations where the OCS travels under overhead walkways

38
Q

What does the pantograph do?

A

Connects the SCV to the overhead contact system (OCS) to power the streetcar

39
Q

What are the two ways the pantograph can be lowered to de-energize the vehicle?

A
  1. Automatic-push the red button on the right hand side of the drivers console
  2. Manual lowering-manually lowered from the B car
40
Q

How is the pantograph to be lowered using the manual option:

A

In the B car, a shaft is located in the ceiling behind a cover plate. Remove the cover plate with a square key. Retrieve the pantograph manual crank from the overhead compartment. The square key will unlock the compartment. Insert the crank onto the shaft in the ceiling and rotate in the direction noted

41
Q

What is to be done if an incident, such as an MVC, has occurred in a streetcar intersection and streetcar traffic could compromise the safety off FFs operating?

A

Company officer is to contact Fire Dispatch and request they contact the Operations Center (OC) to temporarily stop the streetcar traffic in the vicinity of the accident

42
Q

Activities within _____feet of the centerline of the tracks could be impacted by streetcar traffic

A

5 feet

43
Q

If there is an immediate life safety risk, who should be requested?

A

SORTA/Transdev Streetcar Supervisor through dispatch and push the emergency trip switch at the closest TPSS (which may or may not kill the power)

44
Q

What is the only way to ensure the electricity to the streetcar has been sectionalized and de-energized?

A

Metro/Transdev personnel will respond and place grounding straps from the OCS to the rail on each side of the incident creating a safe work zone

45
Q

What are the streetcar priorities?

A

Life Safety
Incident Stabilization
Property Conservation

46
Q

What does the streetcar operator do if a passenger has a medical emergency?

A

Will coordinate the next stop location with the OC and Dispatch. The streetcar will ALWAYS proceed to the next stop

47
Q

Once FFs have entered the streetcar for a passenger emergency, what is to be done

A

Have operator show you the key is out. This engages the brake and disables the throttle ensuring the streetcar won’t move. The key is on the left side of the console

48
Q

For a passenger emergency, does the streetcar need to have the power shutdown?

A

As long as the SCV is operating normally and on the track, the power does NOT need to be shutdown. This way the heat/air and lighting continue to function

49
Q

If the streetcar operator is having a medical emergency they will coordinate with Dispatch and the OC the next stop location for fire response. What happens if the operator becomes physically incapacitated?

A

The Dead Man switch will operate and stop the vehicle

50
Q

Where is the operator and how can you get to him?

A

Located behind a glass partition isolating the operator from passengers. A Knox box will be located on the partition with a key to access the operator

Make sure to remove to key on the console to engage brake and disable throttle if operator is unable to do so

51
Q

Most accidents with a streetcar vs. car do not derail. If they do derail the operator can usually lower the pantograph and eliminate electrocution hazard. What is the hazard if the pantograph becomes entangled in the overhead wire and the pantograph cannot be lowered?

A

The entire SCV becomes energized and poses a significant electrocution risk to both responders and passengers who make ground contact.

52
Q

If the pantograph is entangled in the OCS, should an attempt be made to lower the pantograph?

A

No, the OCS could become damaged

53
Q

What is included the the size up for an accident involving the SCV?

A
  1. Is pantograph raised and connected?
  2. Is pantograph tangles in OCS?
  3. Is SCV on the tracks?
  4. Is OCS intact? (poles or wires down)
54
Q

What is to be done if the SCV is derailed and the pantograph is still in contact with the OCS or lines are down?

A
  1. Do not approach the SCV or track
  2. De-energize the OCS
  3. Wait to approach the SCV and advise passengers to stay inside until the power is confirmed shutdown by a Metro Supervisor
  4. The Metro Supervisor will confirm the appropriate breakers have been racked out and kicked out in the TPSS. The Supervisor should also attach a meter to the line to confirm power is off and attach a grounding strap
55
Q

What is the easiest access into the streetcar?

A

Manually open the doors by using the exterior emergency door releases.

56
Q

How many emergency exterior door releases are there?

A

There are 2 releases located on each side, one at each end behind a body panel

57
Q

Does cutting through the body of the SCV provide adequate access to the patient compartment?

A

No, attack the doors if at all possible

58
Q

The SCV has a bumper and bar ____ inches off the track to reduce the possibility of people or cars becoming trapped underneath?

A

3 inches

59
Q

SCV’s are extremely heavy and unstable when lifted. Lift the SCV as a last result. Metro has a specially designed vehicle to safely lift and rerail the SCV, however the response time is ________ to ________ minutes?

A

30-60 minutes

60
Q

When is the only time the FD is to lift the SCV?

A

Only for the rescue of a viable PT

61
Q

If the SCV is to be lifted by the FD, what are the lifting procedures?

A
  1. Ensure key is removed and pantograph is lowered
  2. Lifting plates are mounted along the bottom frame
  3. If possible, lift the A or B section or both. Avoid lifting the Center section by itself.
  4. Utilize a bottle jack and wood cribbing to lift the SCV.
62
Q

Who responds for SCV vs. another vehicle?

A

1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 HR, 1 DC, 1 Medic, SO2

63
Q

SCV vs pedestrian, what is protocol?

A
  1. If victim is out of path of SCV, treat PT like car vs pedestrian
  2. If PT is in pathway or near rails-remove key and have pantograph lowered
  3. If victim is under streetcar, refer to lifting procedures
64
Q

Is the SCV equipped with a fire protection system?

A

No, most equipment is located on top. The SCV is specified to NFPA 130, the floor and ceiling have a 30 minute burn through rating

65
Q

For a fire in the SCV, what should be done prior to firefighting?

A

Lower the pantograph

66
Q

Where is the battery isolation switch?

A

Behind an access panel in the B section, panel is removed using the square key

67
Q

How is a fire in a TPSS to be handled?

A

The same as a fire in an electrical sun-station or vault. Don NOT enter or put water on fire until it has been verified it has been de-energized

68
Q

For structure fires along the streetcar path, just standing on top of the apparatus places the FF dangerously close to the OCS. How many feet clearance should all members and equipment be from OCS?

A

10 feet

69
Q

Does the SCV represent a source of ignition for a natural gas leak in the vicinity?

A

Yes, notify Dispatch to have SCV operations suspended

70
Q

Who investigates suspicious packages on the SCV?

A

CPD, if device is found, follow procedure for Hazardous Device Response