Dispatch 1

Question 1

What customer risks and hazards should you consider when completing dispatch? (8)

Answer 1

Trapping themselves, belongings, clothing etc in the doors
Running for trains
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Pushing prams or young children
Disabilities
Wearing headphones or focusing on phones
In groups: some boarding, some remaining on platform
In contact with or leaning against the train

Question 2

What environmental risks and hazards should you consider when completing dispatch? (3)

Answer 2

Fog, poor weather obstructing the platform view
Snow, rain, gales etc causing disruption
Vegetation obstructing signs and signals

Question 3

What platform risks and hazards should you consider when completing dispatch? (5)

Answer 3

Ensuring the train is fully accommodated and it is safe before any doors are opened
Overcrowding
Platform curvature
Platform infrastructure
Ensuring you have the correct signal and route indication

Question 4

What is the area known as the PTI? Give length, width, height.

Answer 4

The full length of the train AND platform
The width of the platform and train (up to the body side furthest from the platform)
The height of the train including OLE

Question 5

What is the area known as the Dispatch Corridor? Give length, width, height.

Answer 5

The length of the train and platform where the train is accommodated
Width between the tactile paving/yellow line and doors (including gap)
at least the Height of the doors

Question 6

Prior to dispatching your train, you must ensure what four (4) areas are clear of all people and obstructions

Answer 6

The full length of the train
The length of the platform accomodated by the train
The gap between the train and the platform
at least The height of the doors

Question 7

What are the potential consequences of not ensuring the dispatch corridor is clear of people and obstructions when dispatching your train?

Answer 7

Serious injury or death

Question 8

What does DKS stand for and what is it used for?

Answer 8

Door Key Switch
Used to energise the door control panel (DCP)

Question 9

What does DCP stand for and what is it used for?

Answer 9

Door Control Panel
Used to open and close all doors, control the local door, buzz the driver

Question 10

What does TRTS stand for?

Answer 10

Train Ready to Start

Question 11

What does the TRTS button do?

Answer 11

Tells the signaller the train is ready to depart and requires a proceed signal

Question 12

In the dispatch procedure, how long before departure should the TRTS button be pressed?

Answer 12

2 minutes

Question 13

What does Station Work Complete mean?

Answer 13

The dispatch corridor and the doors are clear of customers and obstructions. There is a proceed signal. The time is 30 seconds before scheduled departure. The doors are ready to be closed.

Question 14

Who would give a Station Work Complete signal to the conductor and how would they give it?

Answer 14

Dispatcher
Either a white baton, white handlight or arm raised above their head

Question 15

When are your actions when the dispatcher gives you a Station Work Complete Signal?

Answer 15

Complete the Station Work Complete checks yourself (DC/doors clear, signal, time) Acknowledge by raising one arm above your head, close the doors. Step back onto platform and start Train Safety Check.

Question 16

What actions are in the Train Safety Check? (5)

Answer 16

1. The doors are completely closed
2. Nobody/nothing is trapped in the doors
3. Nobody is in contact with the train
4. It is safe to start the train
5. You have a proceed aspect

Question 17

What is a Ready to Start signal? How can it be given?

Answer 17

Confirms to the driver that station duties are complete, and it is safe for the train to start.
Two buzzes (usually), green flag or a green light

Question 18

What are the four methods of dispatch that Northern use?

Answer 18

1. Self dispatch
2. Staff dispatch
3. Green flag/right away dispatch
4. CCTV assisted dispatch

Question 19

What should you do if you see unsafe activity on the platform while your train is moving?

Answer 19

Stop the train immediately. (emergency brake, single long buzz, Passcom)

Question 20

What should you do if you need to leave your local door for any reason?

Answer 20

Secure the DCP first

Question 20

What additional considerations should you make if you’re arriving to a station where you will be completing CCTV assisted dispatch?

Answer 20

Position yourself at the correct door for the CCTV monitors in good time
Check CCTV screens and platform before opening doors

Question 21

What part of the train are you allowed to dispatch from?

Answer 21

The back half

Question 22

What are some examples of NTS that you need to use when completing dispatch? (up to 7)

Answer 22

Situational Awareness
Conscientiousness
Communication
Decision Making and Action
Cooperating and Working with Others
Workload Management
Self Management

Question 23

What does RTC stand for?

Answer 23

Risk Triggered Commentary

Question 24

What is RTC?

Answer 24

Where risks and hazards are verbalised to counteract the effects of working on autopilot

Question 25

What are the key benefits of RTC? (3)

Answer 25

Increased focus and situational awareness Enhanced memory Improved communication

Question 26

What does SLAM stand for?

Answer 26

Stop, Look, Assess, Manage

Question 27

When would you use SLAM?

Answer 27

When you are dispatching and see a hazard or risk

Question 28

What process would you follow if you needed to couple to another train at a station?

Answer 28

1. Come to an understanding with your driver on how you will communicate that you have carried out your duties and the driver can couple 2. Make a PA announcement. Ask them to remain seated and they may feel a small jolt 3. Warn any customers on the platform to stand clear 4. Close all doors following usual procedure 5. Communicate with the driver 6. Ensure the DKS is off 7. Once the trains have been coupled, release doors following the usual procedure

Question 29

When you need to reposition a train, what actions do you take? (4)

Answer 29

1. Make a PA announcement 2. Warn any customers on the platform to stand clear 3. Close all doors following usual procedure (train will then move) 4. Release doors following usual procedure

Question 30

What should you do if you see customers or luggage too close to the platform edge?

Answer 30

Ask them to stand back

Question 31

What should you do if there is a lost article on a running line where no train is present? (4)

Answer 31

1. Get a line block from the signaller 2. Ensure you are wearing PPE 3. Go onto tracks and retrieve the item 4. Contact the signaller to confirm the line can be reopened

Question 32

What should you do if there is a lost article on a running line between your train and the platform? (5)

Answer 32

1. Assess whether the item can be retrieved 2. Contact the driver (they will either provide assurance the train will NOT move or contact the signaller to request permission to reposition) 3. Ensure you are wearing PPE 4. Retrieve the item 5. Contact the driver to inform them completed

Question 33

Are dogs allowed on trains?

Answer 33

Yes as long as they are on a lead and under control

Question 34

If you find dogs on the line, what should you NOT do?

Answer 34

Attempt to rescue them and place them on the train (they are unpredictable and could attack if they are frightened)

Question 35

Who is responsible for animals found on railway lines?

Answer 35

Network Rail with RSPCA

Question 36

What is a Barrow Crossing?

Answer 36

A place for the public to cross from one side of the railway to the other. Usually found on the end of platforms.

Question 37

Where would you find information on where Barrow Crossings are located?

Answer 37

Sectional Appendix