Gateway to the Railway Industry

Question 1

What is an Automatic track warning system ?

Answer 1

An automatic warning system warning track workers approaching train.

Question 2

What is a Lookout-operated warning system (LOWS) ?

Answer 2

A lookout operated system is a system used to warn track workers of approaching trains.

Question 3

What is a position of safety ?

Answer 3

A position of safety is when you are 1.25 m from the nearest line for a train travelling at a speed of 100 mph or less or 2 m from the nearest line if a train is travelling more than 100 mph.

Question 4

What is a Train-operated warning system (TOWS) ?

Answer 4

A system used by trains for warning track workers of an approaching train.

Question 5

What does Lineside mean ?

Answer 5

When you are:
Between the railway boundary fence and the area called on or near the line, and you can be seen by the driver of an approaching train.

Question 6

What does it mean NOT TO BE ON THE lineside ?

Answer 6

If you are on a station platform or if you are crossing the line at a level crossing.

Question 7

When are you considered NEAR the LINE mean ?

Answer 7

You are on or near the line if you are:

within 3 m of a line and there is no permanent fence or structure between you and the line and the line itself.

Question 8

What does Maximum speed mean ?

Answer 8

Maximum speed means the highest speed at which trains are allowed to travel over a line.

Question 9

What does the term operational Railway mean ?

Answer 9

The term Operational Railway includes the area called on the lineside and the area called on or near the line.

Question 10

What is a Safety barrier

Answer 10

A safety barrier can be a permanent fence or barrier or a fence made of rigid or tension-ed material, plastic netting or barricade tape.

Question 11

What type of certificate are Lookout & Site Warden issued ?

Answer 11

The type of certificate lookout & site Wardens are issued are certificate of competence by the employer.

Question 12

When are you not considered near or on the line ?

Answer 12

You are not considered near or on the line if you are on the station platform or unless you are carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25 m of the platform edge.

Question 13

How are Lookouts recognised ?

Answer 13

Lookouts are recognised by the white armlet with the word ‘LOOKOUT’ in red letters.

Question 14

How are Site Wardens recognised ?

Answer 14

Site Wardens are recognised by the white armlet with the words ‘SITE WARDEN’ in blue letters.

Question 15

How should the armlet be worn ?

Answer 15

The armlet should be worn on the left arm or if it is a badge, wear it on the upper chest.

Question 16

At what times should the armlet or badge be worn ?

Answer 16

The only times an armlet or badge should be worn is when acting as a lookout or a Site Warden.

Question 17

What is the first thing you must do when acting as a Site-Warden ?

Answer 17

Switch off your mobile phone.

Question 18

What is the second thing you must do when acting as a Site-Warden ?

Answer 18

Stay alert and carefully watch the group.

Question 19

What is the first thing you must not do when acting as a Site-Warden ?

Answer 19

You must not take part in actual work.

Question 20

What is the second thing you must not do when acting as a Site-Warden ?

Answer 20

You must not carry out any other duties, unless you are also the COSS or SWL.

Question 21

What is the third thing you must not do when acting as a Site-Warden ?

Answer 21

Not allow yourself to be distracted.

Question 22

How should a Site-lookout react when seeing an approaching train ?

Answer 22

Immediately give the warning when you see a chequered flag being waved by an intermediate lookout, by using a whistle, blowing a horn or waving a torch.

Question 23

How should a Distant lookout react when seeing an approaching train ?

Answer 23

Immediately wave the chequered flag above your head as a warning to the site lookout or intermediate lookout.

Question 24

How should an intermediate lookout respond to a distant lookout ?

Answer 24

When an intermediate lookout sees a distant lookout waving the chequered flag above his head, he must also wave his chequered flag above his head to acknowledge the distant lookout.

Question 25

Which type of certificate is an Individual Working Alone (IWA) issued ?

Answer 25

A certificate of competence issued by the employer.

Question 26

What distance from an open line can a ( IWA ) work at ?

Answer 26

2 m from the nearest running rail of an open line.

Question 27

How often should an ( IWA ) look up to check for approaching trains ?

Answer 27

Every 5 seconds.

Question 28

As an ( IWA ), how soon should you be able to reach a position of safety before an approaching train arrives ?

Answer 28

Within 10 seconds and without crossing an open line other than the one you are on. This arrangement must not be relied on during periods of darkness, poor visibility or when in a tunnel.

Question 29

As an ( IWA ), how close should you work near an approved barrier ?

Answer 29

If the barrier is between you and an open line. The barrier is either rigid, tension-ed or a permanent fence and is at least 1.25 m from the nearest running rail of the open line, you may work on the safe side of the fence.

Question 30

As an ( IWA ), what equipment you use to ensure your safety ?

Answer 30

Providing you are trained and competent, you can use a automatic train warning system ( ATWS ) or train operated warning system ( TOWS ).

Question 31

As an ( IWA ), what type of work could effect the safety of the line ?

Answer 31

1. Carrying heavy or awkward equipment or materials across or along the line.
2. Carrying heavy or awkward equipment or materials across or along the line.
3. Work that will affect the condition of the track.
4. Digging a hole or stacking material or equipment close to the line or near the edge of a platform.
5. Placing a hand trolley on the line.
6. Using a plant within 2 metres of the line.
7. Using a road vehicle within 2 metres of the line.
8. Using on-track plant ( OTP ) that will foul the line.
9. Using a crane or other lifting equipment that will foul the line.
10. Attaching anything to a railway structure, such as a bridge, a station roof or building.