Track Safety

Question 1

Risks associated with the rail corridor

When working in or near the track whether you are a member of the train crew or a track worker there are many risks and hazards to be aware of.

Answer 1

Moving trains
25000volt over head line
Uneven walking conditions (ballast)
Trip hazards including protruding rail and sleepers
Restricted view lines of approaching trains
Work sites
Trespassers (members of the public)
Animals
Weather (fog, ice, snow, heavy rain)
Clearance between tracks

Question 2

Track safety

What is blocking?

Answer 2

The process of holding signals at stop to prevent train movements from entering a section of line

Question 3

Detonator warning signals

Danger signal - will consist of three detonators on each rail 10metres apart at 1550m from the work area/obstruction

What happens if you go over three detonators?

Answer 3

Immediately come to a stop

Remain stationary until they have ascertained the nature of the obstruction

Act as the circumstances of the case may require

Question 4

Job planning

Planned work for the following must be notified by what type of bulletin?

Compulsory stop protection
Track and time permit
Blocking Rule 908, where the track is broken or welding is taking place
Use of MTMV
Track warrant

Answer 4

Daily information bulletin

Question 5

Danger stop signals/boards

What would happen before arriving at one of these boards…..

Answer 5

The train would have run over 3 or more pairs of detonators, Boards are placed 1500m from the obstruction.

Question 6

Compulsory stop board setup

What must you do to erect?

Answer 6

Contact TCO to establish no trains approaching

Erect advance warning boards 2000m from work area
Erect inner warning boards 1000m from the work area
Erect compulsory stop boards 500m from the work area (the meterage of which will be on the information bulletin)
Erect work area begins and ends boards and the beginning of the work area

Question 7

When must operators/drivers sound the horn….

Answer 7

When approaching inner warning boards and again at compulsory stop boards after the RPO has given permission to them to proceed

Question 8

Caution boards are ….

Answer 8

2000m from the Worksite or 1500m from the CSB

Question 9

Inner warning boards are …

Answer 9

1000m from the worksite or 500m from the CSB

Question 10

Compulsory stop boards are….

Answer 10

500m from the worksite. Stop for authority to pass from the RPO

Question 11

Missing boards

When boards are not sighted at expected positions the operator or driver must stop their train/vehicle and establish contact with the rail protection officer. The rail protection officer will advise on what action to take…..

Answer 11

If unable to contact the rail protection officer, the operator or driver must advise train control of the situation.

Question 12

Protection for an obstruction near a controlled signal

Answer 12

Authority from the RPO to enter, proceed indication or correct authority to pass signal at stop

Question 13

Caution detonator signal

Answer 13

One or two detonators placed 10m apart on each rail 1550m from the obstruction

Question 14

Inner speed boards

What does C stand for

Answer 14

Commencement - board is placed 50m before the start of the defective area

Question 15

Inner speed boards

What does T stand for

Answer 15

Termination - board placed 50m after the defective area

Question 16

What are the heat restriction areas

Answer 16

Drury - Pukekohe (Papakura) to Manurewa
Westfield - Manurewa to Avondale (All lines inclusive)
Swanson - Avondale to Waitakere (Swanson)

Question 17

Describe the 3 types of heat boards?

Answer 17

Yellow caution heat 40
H commencement board
T small H termination board

Question 18

Outer speed boards are placed how far from the defective area?

Answer 18

1550m

Question 19

When are curve warning boards required?

Answer 19

When a reduction in speed of more than 15kph is required on the curve ahead. They are erected at least 200m from the entrance to the curve to which they apply

Question 20

What must a driver do a compulsory stop board?

Answer 20

Stop, cross check the call sign on the board with the daily information bulletin

The operator or driver must then contact the RPO shown on the call sign board for authorisation to pass

When authorised the operator or driver will pass the CSB and comply with the instructions of the RPO

Question 21

Describe a curve board

Answer 21

Curve boards are rectangular and have a white background with black numerals showing the maximum speed in kph

They are erected near the entrance of curves where a reduction in the maximum line speed applies
The indicated speed must not be exceeded until the last vehicle is clear of the curve unless ETCS indicates a higher speed

Question 22

Purpose of a permanent speed board?

Answer 22

To indicate the exceptions to authorised maximum line speed affecting all trains as shown in the RORP unless ETCS indicates a higher speed

Question 23

What must a driver do when approaching a permanent speed board?

Answer 23

The driver must reduce speed of their train before it reaches the speed board and not exceed the indicated speed over the restricted area until the last vehicle is clear of the speed restricted area

Question 24

Actions at a caution signal? (detonator)

Answer 24

Immediately shut off the power

Reduce speed

Bring the rail vehicle under such control as will enable them to stop at once if required

Then proceed cautiously to the defective place or until a further signal is received for their guidance