4. Signal irregularities, Diagrams and Out of use; Multiple signals, Safety Critical Errors Flashcards

1
Q

What is the first duty of a driver when detained at a fixed signal?

A

Sound a long whistle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

After the driver has sounded a long whistle, what are a driver’s next actions when detained at a fixed signal?

A
  • Contact signaller/area controller/train controller
  • Tell them TDN, signal post no and position of train
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

If a driver is detained at a fixed signal at stop, what details must the signaller/controller give the driver?

A
  • Expected duration of delay
  • Reason for delay
  • If blocking facilities have been applied
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Here’s a list of Signal Irregularities. You don’t need to remember them perfectly but you will probably need to pick them out of a list or select ‘all of the above’ on an exam (9)

A
  • Absence of a signal aspect at a place where aspect normally is
  • Signal imperfectly displayed
  • Flickering signal
  • Disc signal not turned correctly
  • White light where coloured light should be
  • Two signal aspects at a place where only one signal aspect should be displayed
  • Conflicting co-acting signals
  • Signal reverting to stop prior to train passing
  • Any other irregularity not specified in the 1994 book
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What does a driver do if they encounter an irregular Home, Disc or Dwarf signal?

A
  • Stop prior to the signal
  • Contact Signaller and advise them
  • Receive the correct authority to pass
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does a driver do if they encounter an irregular Automatic signal?

A
  • Stop prior to signal
  • Advise Train Controller of issue (signal no. and fault)
  • Follow Rule 1 Section 3

If train cannot be stopped prior to signal, advise Train Controller of issue, including tripping in vicinity of fixed signal. Await further instruction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What does a Hand Signaller do if a Home Signal is defective in the Proceed position? (4)

A
  • Obscure light of signal
  • Place 2 ATWs 10 metres apart on one rail a sufficient distance from defective signal
  • Exhibit a red hand signal to stop any train
  • Inform driver of circumstances
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is signified to a driver if they encounter two ATWs 10 metres apart?

A

That an upcoming signal is defective at proceed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is signified to a driver if they encounter three ATWs 10 metres apart?

A

Track Force Protection – be on the lookout for flaggies

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What must a driver do when stopped by a Hand Signaller warning of a Home Signal defective at Proceed?

A
  • Make a PA announcement
  • Obtain correct authority to pass defective signal
  • Proceed with extreme caution towards next fixed signal
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What must a Hand Signaller do if a Disc or Dwarf is defective at Proceed?

A
  • Obscure light of signal
  • Display a Red hand signal in place of signal
  • Inform driver

(Driver will then need correct authority to pass signal)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What must a Hand Signaller do when an Automatic Signal is defective at Proceed?

A
  • Obscure light
  • Place two ATWs 10m apart on one rail a sufficient distance prior
  • Exhibit a RED hand signal to stop trains
  • Inform driver of circumstances
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What must a driver do when stopped by Hand Signaller at an Automatic signal defective at Proceed?

A
  • Make a PA announcement
  • Comply with Rule 1 Section 3
  • Proceed with extreme caution to the next fixed signal
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What must a driver do if a Home, Dwarf or Disc signal reverts to Danger before passing?

A
  • Make all necessary action to stop the train
  • Contact signaller/train controller to ascertain reason

If train could not be stopped before signal, Train Controller must be notified and authority must be given before train is moved

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What must a driver do if wrong routing is identified?

A

Stop immediately and contact the Controlling Signaller

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What must a driver do if they are unable to stop before being wrong routed onto an unwired track?

A
  • Apply Emergency Brake
  • Lower pantographs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What authority is required if a train is required to pass a Home signal at stop that is protecting a tramway level crossing?

A

Signaller’s Caution Order

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What must a driver do when detained at a Home Signal without an illuminated letter “A” at Stop in the Metrol-Controlled area?

A
  • Contact Area Controller and follow their instructions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

When detained at a Home Signal without an illuminated letter “A” at Stop in the Metrol-Controlled area, what must a driver do if they cannot contact the Area Controller?

A

Remain on train whilst continuing to contact Area Controller. Do not move train.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What must a driver do when detained at a Home signal outside the Metrol-controlled area and the illuminated A is not illuminated?

A
  • Sound a long whistle
  • Make a PA
  • Contact Controlling Signaller

If Signaller is not contactable, this must be reported to Metrol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

If it is confirmed a signal box is “switched out” and a driver is detained at a non-Metrol Home signal without the illuminated A, what will the train controller ask the driver to do?

A
  • Inspect any points and report back.

If points are correct, Train Controller will give verbal instruction to pass Home at Stop and exchange names

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

When detained at a locally-controlled Home signal without the letter A and there has been a complete communications failure the driver must:

A
  • Long whistle
  • PA
  • Secure Train
  • Full Cab Unattended
  • Proceed to Signal Box and ascertain status

if it is clear Signaller is not on duty and points are set, they may carry out Rule 1 Section 3, and contact Train Controller at first opportunity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

When detained at a remotely-controlled Home signal without the letter A and there has been a complete communications failure the driver must:

A
  • PA
  • Remain on train and await Train Overtime procedures
  • Continue to attempt communication
  • Do not move
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What will a Train Controller do when Train Overtime in Section has been implemented?

A
  • Prevent any movement of trains in area
  • Inform station and signalling staff at ends of section
  • Locate train through any means possible
  • Keep trying to communicate with driver
25
Q

What to do if your train trips irregularly in the section? (7)

A
  • Stop train and check for signs of derailing
  • Call Train Controller at Metrol – give location, signal no, and whether it is in vicinity of signal
  • make a PA
  • Look for cause of trip
  • Reset trip
  • Proceed with extreme caution to next fixed signal
  • Incident Report to correspondence box
26
Q

Who do you call if your train trips in the vicinity of a Home, Disc or Dwarf signal?

A

Controlling Signaller

27
Q

How are signal diagrams read?

A

Like a map, with FSS always on the left

28
Q

Where can a driver be informed that a new signal diagram has been issued?

A

Under “The Depot” > Passenger Network Operations > Signal Diagrams

29
Q

Look at your signal diagrams for how we can identify Home, Automatic and Dwarf signals on a signal diagram. Maybe have a go at drawing them yourself :-)

A

Okay

30
Q

Where will a driver receive notification of signals being out of use? (3)

A
  • WON (Weekly Operational Notice)
  • Safe Working Circulars
  • Depot Notice Boards
31
Q

If a signal is to be permanently removed, what must be updated to reflect this change?

A

Signalling diagrams

32
Q

How is a Fixed Signal identified as being Out Of Use?

A

A black cross placed in front of each light, with the light extinguished

33
Q

When might an Out Of Use signal be bagged instead of crossed?

A

When it is a new signal that hasn’t yet been commissioned for service

34
Q

What does a driver do when they encounter a signal that has been marked as Out Of Use?

A

Disregard the signal

35
Q

What should a driver do if they arrive at a signal that has been booked as Out Of Use, and it is illuminated?

A

Treat it as a signal irregularity (i.e. stop) and report it to Train Controller at Metrol

36
Q

Can multiple signals of the same class be placed on the same pole?

A

Yes

37
Q

Can multiple signals of different classes be placed on the same pole?

A

yes

38
Q

What is indicated when there are multiple signals of the same class on the same pole?

A

Several routes are available to your train from that signal (no. of signals indicates no. of routes)

39
Q

In what order are multiple signals read?

A

Top to bottom, left to right

40
Q

What are the three reasons given in the courseware as to why signals are arranged top to bottom, left to right?

A
  • To give driver info regarding which route has been set
  • To advise driver if a route has been set on a line that is occupied
  • To make signals more visible
41
Q

If different classes of light are present on a two-position signal post, does this indicate how many routes are available to the driver?

A

Not necessarily – a calling-on signal will not indicate an additional route

42
Q

When is a Co-Acting Signal used?

A

Where a signal can’t easily be seen due to obstruction

43
Q

How is a Co-Acting Signal indicated?

A

With a letter “P” after the signal number – it will share a signal number with its paired signal

44
Q

What must a driver do if a Co-Acting signal displays a conflicting signal aspect?

A

Treat both signals at safest aspect (Stop). Contact Train Controller/Controlling Signaller

45
Q

Can Co-Acting Signals be read as separate signals?

A

No

46
Q

What is a PAE Cat-A?

A

Running a red without prior braking.

A train has proceeded without authority onto a running line, occupied track, work site, inactive level crossing or is now in conflict with another train movement.

47
Q

What is a PAE Cat-B?

A

Driver has tried to prevent PAE but wasn’t able to

From courseware: “Train has exceeded limit of proceed authority or proceeded without proceed authority on or onto a running line other than roll back.”

47
Q

What is a PAE Cat-C?

A

Driver has exceeded limit of proceed authority where:
- Rear of stationary train rolls back, resulting in prior section becoming re-occupied OR
- PAE has happened within a yard and has remained in a yard OR
- Other incidents not falling under Cat-A or Cat-B

47
Q

What is a PAE Violation?

A

Where the driver does not follow the correct rules after having a PAE

48
Q

What are the instructions a driver must follow after having a PAE? (5)

A
  • Immediately bring train to stand and into Emergency
  • Assess for potential risk to other trains
  • If risk present, make a REC call
  • Contact Controlling Signaller, Train Controller and provide the required information
  • Do not move the train unless instructed
49
Q

If a PAE has occurred, what information might the Senior Network Controller ask for? (10) (You probs don’t need to memorise it all, but good be be vaguely familiar with)

A
  • Name and employee number
  • Shift no
  • Leading motor number
  • TDN
  • Location
  • Signal no
  • Distance travelled on PAE
  • If braking had been applied prior
  • Fit for duty considerations
  • Any other questions
50
Q

When can you move a train after a PAE, and how far can you go?

A

Once you have been instructed, and only as far as you’ve been authorised.

51
Q

If a driver is to be relieved after a PAE, a driver will return to Flinders St to: (3)

A
  • Drug and alcohol test
  • Incident Report
  • Schedule a post-PAE interview
52
Q

What are the typical errors leading a Start Against Signal PAEs? (6)

A
  • Assuming a proceed signal without checking
  • Not moving reverser into Off/Neutral at stop
  • Moving the reverser without looking at the signal
  • Looking at the wrong signal
  • Distracted
  • Did not remember previous signal
53
Q

What can a driver do to remember if they have passed a Warning aspect and the next signal is not in clear view?

A

Use the Memory Aid Device

54
Q

According to courseware, what techniques can be utilised to help avoid PAEs in the section? (7)
(again, be familiar, you don’t have to memorise)

A
  • Reduce speed at warning signal/ MAD button
  • Plan to stop prior to signal
  • Be aware when approaching signals in unfamiliar areas
  • If uncertain of location of signal, brake
  • Next signal may have restricted sighting – don’t wait until you can see it before you reduce speed
  • Allow for wheel slip
  • Focus on red ahead
55
Q

What are the four typical errors when running under restrictive aspects:

A
  • Assuming aspects will improve
  • Not proactively slowing train
  • Not responding to warning aspect (pretty much same as above – wyd courseware??)
  • Lack of concentration
56
Q

How does a signal become a Multi-PAE Signal?

A

If it is passed 3 times within a 5-year period

57
Q

How long does a signal retain its “Significant” or “Extreme” risk status?

A

Two years – if it is PAE-free for this period of time it is reclassified to normal