AWS Flashcards
(26 cards)
What does AWS stand for?
Automatic warning system
What was the original purpose of AWS?
The original purpose was to give the driver an audible and visual indication weather the next distant signal was clear or at caution.
What on track equipment is associated with AWS?
Permanent magnet
Electro magnet
Suppressor magnet
Portable magnet
Depot test magnet
AWS Cancelling Signs
AWS Gap Signs
AWS Bi-directional Line Signs
How far before the signal is the AWS track magnet usually positioned?
The magnet that is normally 180 metres on the approach to a signal
This can vary depending on how fast or slow trains are permitted to travel.
Are AWS magnets used at semaphore stop signals?
No, only at semaphore distant signals
Where would the AWS magnet be positioned if the permissible speed over 60mph needed to be reduced by more than a third?
The AWS magnet would be provided 180 metres away from the speed warning indicator, these are called Morpeth magnets
What else can AWS be used to warn drivers of?
Level crossing warning boards or indicators
Temporary speed restrictions warning boards
Emergency speed restrictions warning boards and emergency indicators
What are the 5 types of AWS magnet used?
Permanent magnet,
Electro magnet,
Suppressor magnet,
Depot test magnet,
Portable magnet,
What on train AWS equipment is there?
The receiver, located under the train to detect the sequence and polarities of magnetic fields from AWS track magnets.
Audible indicator, gives a bell sound if clear or horn sound as a warning.
Visual indicator, an all black indicator when black you have green aspect.
AWS/TPWS button, this is used to acknowledge an AWS audible warning.
If not pressed with in 2-3 seconds the emergency brakes will apply.
TPWS Control panel break demand visual indicator. Flashing indicates TPWS or AWS has initiated brake demand.
TPWS Enhanced Control panel brake demand visual indicator has specific AWS light.
What does an AWS Gap Indicator look like & where will it be provided?
What do AWS indicators on a bi-directional line look like & mean?
If an AWS magnet isn’t suppressed a cancelling indicator is provided to advise the driver the AWS warning doesn’t apply to trains in that direction. What do these indicators look like?
Where AWS magnet is permanently installed the sign is a blue square with white cross
Where the AWS magnet is temporary the sign is a yellow square with black cross
If you don’t cancel the AWS warning in time the emergency brakes will come on. If this occurs what must you do?
Bring the train to a stop
Secure it
Call the signaller
What must you do if you notice a fault with the AWS (bell instead of horn, no warning when approaching a signal at danger, visual indicator didn’t change to yellow and black)?
Stop the train immediately and report fault to the signaller
A train must not enter service from the depot if the AWS is…
Defective, the AWS is isolated, or the seal is broken on an AWS isolating handle
If you are not at the depot and the AWS is defected, isolated or the seal is broken on the isolating handle can the train still be driven?
Yes, as long as AWS will not be required to be in operation during your journey.
You must inform control and carry out any instructions given
Must not carry any passengers
Be traveling to the maintenance depot
Notify the signaller
Get permission for the train to start its journey in this condition
What must you do if the AWS becomes defective during your journey?
Stop the train immediately
Inform the signaller
Not move the train unless instructed to do so
Carry out any instructions given
If you become aware of a defective AWS but it is not required to be in operation you must……
Tell the signaller, Tell control at the first convenience and carry out instruction given.
Can’t take passengers and can only be travelling to the maintenance depot
When can you isolate AWS during a journey?
When cancelling the AWS warning indication doesn’t stop the horn from sounding or brakes applying
Successive or intermittent failures of AWS equipment
The train has been stopped over track equipment and can not be moved from the other cab
If it becomes necessary to isolate the AWS whist on a journey you must…
Stop the train immediately
Inform the signaller
Not move the train until instructed to do so
Carry out any instructions given
What are the permissible speeds if you have a AWS failure?
With competent person (another driver that signs the route)
Line Speed.
40mph During Poor Visibility.
No competent person
60mph passenger train to a location a competent person is provided.
50mph freight.
40mph during poor visibility.
What are the 13 AWS fault codes?
Clear =
1 - horn + bell
2 - horn instead of bell
3 - none
Warning =
4 - bell + horn
5 - bell instead of horn*
6 - brake without horn
7 - none*
7a - indicator didn’t change to yellow & black*
None =
8 - horn
9 - bell
10 - unable to cancel
11 - visual indicator didn’t turn all black
12 - failed to arm
13 - failed to disarm
*Wrong side failure
How do you test the AWS/TPWS?
AWS/TPWS does an automatic test when the train key is in and desk energised
Acknowledge audio warning with acknowledgement button, notice visual indicator turn black and yellow sunflower
What are the 3 wrong side fault codes?
When expecting a warning
5 - Bell instead of horn
7 - None
7a - Visual indicator failed to turn black and yellow
