Week 7 - SPAD and Proceeding Without Authority

Question 1

What is the definition of a SPAD?

Answer 1

When a train passes a signal at danger WITHOUT AUTHORITY, when the signal has not reverted to red in front of the train concerned

Question 2

What actions must you take when a train or vehicle proceeds without authority or divides? (TS2 Reg 5)

Answer 2

SCAR PEA

• Signals to danger (against the train and any other trains that could be put in danger)
• Crossings (take necessary actions)
• Arrange for the line to be cleared ahead
• Radio messages (send if necessary)
• Points (alter to divert trains and prevent collisions)
• Emergency alarms
• Any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision

Question 3

What must a driver do if they see a SPAD indicator that is illuminated, regardless of which line it applies to? (S5 Reg 9.2)

Answer 3

• Stop the train immediately

- Contact the signaller

Question 4

What must you do if it is not possible to confirm whether an adjacent line is obstructed after a train or vehicle has proceeded without authority? (TS2 Reg 5.3)

Answer 4

Arrange for the line to be examined

Question 5

Following a SPAD, when can you move the train to a more convenient location to complete the form? (S5 Reg 9.3)

Answer 5

• The driver is fit to continue
• The train is fit to continue
• The movement will not proceed beyond another main aspect stop signal

Question 6

When should you contact Control after a SPAD? (S5 Reg 9.3)

Answer 6

Once you have sufficient information from the driver

Question 7

What form needs to be completed after a SPAD incident?

Answer 7

NR3189

Question 8

What is the definition of a ‘run through’? (Glossary of Railway Terminology)

Answer 8

An incident where a movement runs through a trailing set of points that are not set in the correct position for the movement

Question 9

If a train involved in a SPAD runs through points what must you do? (S5 Reg 9.3)

Answer 9

Treat them as defective, whether or not damage is obvious

Question 10

What must you do if you have any doubt about the correct working of any signal involved in a SPAD? (S5 Reg 9.3)

Answer 10

• Treat it as defective

- Inform Control

Question 11

When can you allow the train that was involved in a SPAD to continue its journey? (S5 Reg 9.3)

Answer 11

When authorised by Control

Question 12

What must you do if the driver reports that the SPAD resulted from exceptional railhead conditions? (S5 Reg 9.3)

Answer 12

Carry out the actions in TW1 Reg 28

• Inform Control
• Further actions if the location where the conditions applied are:

(1) On the approach to a stop signal
(2) Controlled level crossing in the overlap of a signal
(3) AHBC level crossing
(4) Approach to a platform
(5) Dead-end platform

Question 13

What must you do before authorising a train to proceed after it has had a SPAD?

Answer 13

Unsignalled move, therefore:

• Use route cards
• Use individual point switches and check ‘normal’ / ‘reverse’ indications
• Protect the route with reminder appliances as appropriate
• Have the route checked where possible
• Block adjacent line(s) for the move (where necessary)