Examining the Line Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the maximum speed you can travel at when passing through a tunnel and examining the line?
10mph.
What is the maximum speed you can travel when examining the line at the portion of line reported to have a track defect?
20mph. If you don’t know the exact location of the defect but have been given a general area (e.g. between signal A and signal B), travel at a maximum speed of 20mph throughout this portion of the line.
What information must you report to the signaller if you identify a possible track defect?
• Location of the defect.
• Type of defect.
• Whether there’s a bridge or viaduct at or close to the defect.
• As much information as you can about the defect.
What are the requirements for examining the line in poor visibility, darkness or tunnels?
You can’t use a train to examine the line in these conditions if its headlights have failed completely, unless a portable headlight is fitted. You must also be accompanied by a competent person if one is immediately available.
Give some examples as why a driver may be asked to examine the line.
Bodies
Obstructions
Animals
Track defects
Trespassers
Name the types of track defects.
• A track defect that is seen.
• A track defect that is felt.
• A track defect that is heard.
• Deterioration of ride quality.
What is a track defect that is seen?
You can definitely see that there is:
• A broken rail.
• A defective rail.
• Broken fishplates.
What is a track defect that is felt?
There is unusual movement of the train- either sideways or vertical- which may because of a track defect.
This may be:
• A lurch or dip.
• Shaking or vibrating.
• Pitch.
What is a track defect that is heard?
You hear an unusual noise that may be because of a track defect. This may be:
• A bang.
• A rattle.
• Grinding.
What is a deterioration of ride quality?
You consider that the ride quality has deteriorated from that experienced previously at a particular location. You don’t need to tell the signaller about this, but you must report it to your Train Operator’s Control at the earliest opportunity.
What must you do if you notice a track defect?
Stop your train immediately and report the defect to the signaller. Stopping the train will protect the line by keeping the signal in rear at danger, and will allow you to pinpoint the location of the track defect.
Why is an overbridge considered to be high risk?
When a bridge strike occurs, a car or debris from the bridge may fall onto the railway line, causing damage and obstructions.
What is the procedure for examining the line due to an overbridge strike?
- The signaller will stop your train at the signal in rear by reverting it to danger and inform you which bridge is affected.
- When instructed to do so, proceed at caution towards the bridge, stopping before passing under it.
- Check for damage or debris and assess whether all lines are safe for trains to pass.
- Report your findings to the signaller. If it is safe, you will be told to pass under the bridge at no more than 5mph. If it is not safe, do not proceed.
What is the maximum speed at which you can pass under an overbridge when examining the line?
5mph. You must not increase your speed until the whole train has passed beyond the bridge concerned.
What are the requirements when examining OLE?
• You must be accompanied by a competent person during darkness, poor visibility or where a tunnel is in the affected section.
• You must proceed at caution, not exceed 20mph, and look out for any damage or other problem with the OLE.
What should you look out for if the signaller asks you to examine the OLE to determine if it’s safe for trains to pass through the affected section of the line?
• No more than 2 consecutive droppers are detached.
• The object or defect is more than 3 stanchions away from a tunnel.
• Any obstruction is no more than 6 inches below the contact wire.
What does this sign mean?
This sign means the driver should lower their train’s pantograph. It is used when there has been damage to the OLE and the train must coast through the affected area.
What does this sign mean?
This sign means the driver should raise their train’s pantograph, having lowered it to coast through an area affected by damaged OLE.
What is the procedure for an underbridge strike?
A Movement Operations Manager (M.O.M.) will be sent to the site of the collision to assess the damage. Stop your train and await for authority to proceed.
