Week 9 - Emergency Special Working

Question 1

For what reason would ESW be introduced?

Answer 1

If there is a failure or disconnection of signalling equipment on a TCB line other than a single line and it is necessary to authorise the driver to pass at danger two or more consecutive main running signals under the same authority

Question 2

Who is in charge of the arrangements for ESW? (S5 Reg 5.1)

Answer 2

Competent person (appointed by Area Op’s Manager)

Question 3

What locations will an ESW section apply between? (S5 Reg 5.2)

Answer 3

• Signal kept at danger on the approach to the affected area
• Signal at a suitable location beyond the affected area that can be replaced to danger

The suitable location must be a place easily identifiable by a driver (such as a station, level crossing, tunnel or junction)

Question 4

When should an ‘End of ESW’ sign be provided and is it required before introducing ESW? (S5 Reg 5.2)

Answer 4

• As soon as possible

- It is not required before introducing ESW

Question 5

What arrangements are necessary for points within an ESW section? (S5 Reg 5.2)

Answer 5

Any points without correct ‘normal’ or ‘reverse’ detection should be secured in the correct position by clip, scotch and padlock, or by other necessary means

Question 6

When using ESW are you allowed to move any of the points in the ESW section? (S5 Reg 5.2)

Answer 6

No

During the time ESW is in operation, you must not allow any points within the ESW section to be moved

Question 7

What must you ensure before allowing a train to enter the ESW section? (S5 Reg 5.3)

Answer 7

• Route has been set throughout the ESW section (using route card if provided)
• Points within the ESW section that do not have ‘normal’ or ‘reverse’ detection have been secured
• Points within the ESW section that are working normally have been operated to the correct position using IPS and you have the correct indication
• The line is clear up to and including the overlap of the signal at the exit from the ESW section
• The exit signal is at danger

Question 8

If the ‘End of ESW’ sign has not been provided yet, what must you also ensure before allowing a train to enter the ESW section? (S5 Reg 5.3)

Answer 8

• That the line is clear and safe up to and including the overlap of the stop signal beyond the exit signal
• All points within this portion of line are set for the approaching train to pass safely

Question 9

If the exit signal protects a junction, what must you also ensure before allowing a train to enter the ESW section? (S5 Reg 5.3)

Answer 9

• That the line is clear and safe up to and including the overlap of the stop signal beyond the exit signal
• All points within this portion of line are set for the approaching train to pass safely

Question 10

What must you tell a driver before allowing them to enter an ESW section? (S5 Reg 5.4)

Answer 10

• That ESW has been introduced
• The exit signal at the identifiable location to which the train must proceed
• If the ‘End of ESW’ sign has been provided

Question 11

What must you confirm with the driver when they reach the exit signal of the ESW section? What must you tell the driver? (S5 Reg 5.7)

Answer 11

• You must confirm the head code

- You must tell the driver that the train will now be signalled forward normally

Question 12

What must you ensure before ending ESW? (S5 Reg 5.8)

Answer 12

That the last train authorised to enter the ESW section is clear of the section

Question 13

After ending ESW what must you inform drivers? How long must you continue to do this? (S5 Reg 5.8)

Answer 13

• You must advise the driver of each train about the ‘End of ESW’ sign
• You must continue to do this until the sign is removed

Question 14

What must you ensure before introducing ESW? (S5 Reg 5)

Answer 14

• Any points without detection have been secured in the correct position
• Necessary arrangements have been made at level crossings
• All trapped trains have cleared the affected area
• Necessary signals have been replaced to danger
• You have permission from the competent person

Question 15

During ESW the exit signal protects a junction and an ‘End of ESW’ sign has been provided. How far must the line be clear before allowing a train to enter the ESW section and what must happen to the points? (S5 Reg 5.3)

Answer 15

• Up to and including the overlap of the next stop signal beyond the exit signal
• All points within this portion of line are set for the approaching train to pass safely

Question 16

What is the maximum speed that trains are to travel through an ESW, and when do trains travel at caution? (S5 Reg 5.6)

Answer 16

• 50mph
• Proceed at caution when

> examining the line

> entering the section to:

• Remove a portion of a divided train
• Evacuate passengers from a failed train
• Assist a failed train
• Remove a train or vehicles that have proceeded without authority