Track Safety Flashcards
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.
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
Track safety
What is blocking?
The process of holding signals at stop to prevent train movements from entering a section of line
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?
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
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
Daily information bulletin
Danger stop signals/boards
What would happen before arriving at one of these boards…..
The train would have run over 3 or more pairs of detonators, Boards are placed 1500m from the obstruction.
Compulsory stop board setup
What must you do to erect?
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
When must operators/drivers sound the horn….
When approaching inner warning boards and again at compulsory stop boards after the RPO has given permission to them to proceed
Caution boards are ….
2000m from the Worksite or 1500m from the CSB
Inner warning boards are …
1000m from the worksite or 500m from the CSB
Compulsory stop boards are….
500m from the worksite. Stop for authority to pass from the RPO
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…..
If unable to contact the rail protection officer, the operator or driver must advise train control of the situation.
Protection for an obstruction near a controlled signal
Authority from the RPO to enter, proceed indication or correct authority to pass signal at stop
Caution detonator signal
One or two detonators placed 10m apart on each rail 1550m from the obstruction
Inner speed boards
What does C stand for
Commencement - board is placed 50m before the start of the defective area
Inner speed boards
What does T stand for
Termination - board placed 50m after the defective area
What are the heat restriction areas
Drury - Pukekohe (Papakura) to Manurewa
Westfield - Manurewa to Avondale (All lines inclusive)
Swanson - Avondale to Waitakere (Swanson)
Describe the 3 types of heat boards?
Yellow caution heat 40
H commencement board
T small H termination board
Outer speed boards are placed how far from the defective area?
1550m
When are curve warning boards required?
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
What must a driver do a compulsory stop board?
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
Describe a curve board
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
Purpose of a permanent speed board?
To indicate the exceptions to authorised maximum line speed affecting all trains as shown in the RORP unless ETCS indicates a higher speed
What must a driver do when approaching a permanent speed board?
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
Actions at a caution signal? (detonator)
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
