Week 5 - Failure of Points

Question 1

Who can set points manually?

Answer 1

• Points Operator (PO)
• Route Setting Agent (RSA)
• Signalling Technician (S&T)
• Any other competent person

Question 2

What is the definition of a simple points failure? (TS11 Reg 1.1)

Answer 2

A failure that requires one of the following to be set or secured:

• A single point end
• A single point end and co-acting trap point
• Both ends of a crossover

Question 3

What is the definition of a complex points failure? (TS11 Reg 1.1)

Answer 3

• A failure that requires more point ends to be secured than a simple failure
• Failures affecting switch diamonds
• Failures affecting swing-nose crossings

Question 4

Who must you arrange to attend in the case of simple points failures and complex points failures? (TS11 Reg 14.3.1)

Answer 4

Simple = Points Operator (PO)

Complex = Route Setting Agent (RSA)

Question 5

What must you do if you suspect that points have been run through? (TS11 Reg 14.1)

Answer 5

Not allow any movements to pass over the points in the facing direction until the signalling technician has examined the points and tells you:

• The points have not been damaged

Or

• The points are damaged but can be used when secured

Question 6

When must you arrange for power-operated points to be checked? (TS11 Reg 14.3)

Answer 6

Any of the following apply:

• They cannot be operated from the signal box
• You cannot get ‘normal’ or ‘reverse’ indications
• You cannot get a ‘normal’ indication from a ground-frame release

Question 7

What must you tell someone checking power-operated points? (TS11 Reg 14.3)

Answer 7

• Which points have failed
• When trains have been stopped on the line or lines involved
• If any other lines are still open
• Check whether the points are in the normal or reverse position
• Check whether the points are not damaged or obstructed
• Check whether the points motor is still running

Question 8

What is the procedure for setting the route with a simple failure? (TS11 Reg 14.3.2)

Answer 8

• Tell the PO what points need to be set and in what position
• Operate the control to correspond with the position the points have been set in
• If you have detection, clear the signal

If you do not have detection, instruct the PO to:

• Secure the points (clip and scotch facing, only scotch for trailing)
• Tell you when this has been done

Question 9

What is the procedure for setting the route with a complex failure? (TS11 Reg 14.3.3)

Answer 9

• Instruct the RSA which points need to be set, what position they must be in, and the route that is to be set

Once the RSA has filled in their form you must:

• Tell the RSA to operate the points by hand
• Get the RSA’s assurance this has been done

Question 10

What must we do after the RSA has informed us the route is set with a complex points failure? (TS11 Reg 14.3.3)

Answer 10

• Operate the controls to correspond with the position the points have been set in
• If you have detection, clear the route

If you do not have detection, instruct the RSA to:

• Secure only these points (clip and scotch facing, only scotch for trailing)
• Tell you when this has been done

Question 11

What must you do when the first train is ready to pass over the route affected by a points failure and the signal must be passed at danger? (TS11 Reg 14.4)

Answer 11

Stop any train movements over adjacent or opposite lines which could be fouled by incorrectly set points

{Once the first train movement passes over the affected portion of the line safely you can run trains normally}

Question 12

After a points failure, what must you do before returning power-operated points to normal operation? (TS11 Reg 14.7)

Answer 12

• Operate the points

- Ask the PO, RSA, or S&T to check whether the points are working correctly