Railway Safety Communication Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What should be avoided when dealing with flammable loads?

Working in low lying areas (correct)

Using mobile phones (correct)

Allowing authorized personnel near

Extinguishing fires

What is the primary communication method on the SAR network?

Two way hand held radio

Mobile phones

GSMR (correct)

Satellite phones

How should time be communicated in safety-related communications?

Saying hours and minutes separately

Stating numbers singularly

Using a 24 hour clock format (correct)

Using a 12 hour clock format

When should you immediately report flooding or collecting water?

It may pose a risk to the railway Signup and view all the answers

In an emergency situation, what must all emergency communications begin with?

This is an emergency call Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement when receiving a message?

Repeat the message back Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase should NOT be used when referring to an obstructed line?

The line is not clear Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates that someone is not on or near the line?

More than 2 meters from the nearest rail Signup and view all the answers

What information must you provide if using a telephone or radio during communication?

Your exact location Signup and view all the answers

Which type of call should NOT be used to pass instructions concerning railway safety?

Group call Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is prohibited while operating a moving train?

Using a mobile phone Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a lineside fire is observed?

Report to the Operations Control Centre Signup and view all the answers

Which is a correct action regarding hazardous conditions on the railway?

Report hazards to the Train Controller Signup and view all the answers

How should mobile phone use be managed while controlling a company vehicle?

Prohibited under all conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is required before operating signaling equipment, locomotives, or on-track machines?

A certification of competency Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol if you need to report an accident or emergency?

Start with 'This is an Emergency call' and provide specific information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must NOT be done regarding defective rail vehicles?

Remove 'Do Not Move' labels if damaged Signup and view all the answers

When should an employee use personal headphones near railway operations?

Never, as it is prohibited Signup and view all the answers

In the event of reporting a dangerous goods incident, which number must be provided?

The United Nations number from the hazard warning panel Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when stopping a train in an emergency?

On a level crossing Signup and view all the answers

What should you wear whenever on the operational railway?

High visibility clothing Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a crossing point, what is the first action you should take?

Ensure good visibility of approaching trains Signup and view all the answers

While driving lineside, what is the maximum speed limit you should not exceed?

50 km/h Signup and view all the answers

What action must you take before using a mobile phone while on railway property?

Move to a position of safety Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with a crane boom before moving the machine within 2 meters of the running line?

Secure it with appropriate equipment Signup and view all the answers

When can the locomotive bell be omitted from use?

For momentary stops in shunting operations Signup and view all the answers

What must you ensure is set when stabling non electrically operated turnouts?

Turnout must be set to protect vehicles with inhibits applied Signup and view all the answers

What is required in order to park accommodation vehicles?

Notify the Train Controller Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before crossing tracks if an authorized crossing point is available?

Ensure a position of safety on the opposite side Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required while driving within railway boundaries?

Use mobile communication equipment Signup and view all the answers

What should employees do if they believe a task is dangerous?

Refuse to perform the task. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of workers regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Inspect PPE for functionality and cleanliness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is prohibited by the company policy?

Discussing company affairs with outsiders without authorization. Signup and view all the answers

What must be kept more than 2 meters from active train lines?

Tools and equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a gate cannot be locked?

Report the issue to the Train Controller. Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an accident, which procedure is essential to follow?

Report the incident immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper course of action if workers are called to duty before a rest period ends?

Notify a supervisor for a risk assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What must employees do regarding company property?

Maintain it according to supplier instructions. Signup and view all the answers

How should employees respond if they find an unsafe condition?

Report it to a supervisor or manager. Signup and view all the answers

What does the company policy state about social media?

It restricts publishing company photos and information. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Rules and Regulations

Competency: Perform only tasks within your capabilities, unless directed by a qualified person.
Safety First: Prioritize safety in all tasks. If more time is needed, act safely based on training and experience.
Refusal Right: Workers can refuse tasks deemed dangerous, damaging, or not in the company's best interest.
Uniform and Appearance: Wear the correct uniform and maintain a presentable appearance.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Keep PPE clean and functional.
Duty Requirements: Report for duty at the correct time and location, ensure all necessary equipment, forms, and documentation are present.
Preventive Actions: Take necessary actions to prevent injuries or accidents in hazardous conditions.
Rule Familiarity: Stay familiar with relevant rules, procedures, and standards.
Equipment Inspection: Wear and inspect all PPE, tools, and equipment to maintain proper condition.
Safety Distances: Keep tools/equipment more than 2 meters from active train lines.
Job Briefings: Understand job briefings, including safety and communication procedures.

Safety Measures

Authorized Routes: Use only authorized walking routes.
Reporting Unsafe Conditions: Report unsafe situations or conditions to a supervisor or manager.
Accident Reporting: Report all accidents, injuries, damage, near misses, and hazardous substance leaks.

Additional Rules

Duty Call Notifications: Notify if called to duty before rest period ends; a risk assessment will be conducted.
Smoking Prohibition: Tobacco use is prohibited in stations, on trains, in driving cabs, road vehicles, and offices, per Saudi law and company policy.

Gates and Fencing

Gate Management: Keep railway gates closed and locked to prevent trespassing.
Gate Maintenance: Close and lock open gates when possible; report any gates that cannot be locked to the Train Controller.
Fence Maintenance: Secure and report damaged fences, including detailed information on size and location.

Protecting Company Affairs

Confidentiality: Do not discuss or share company information with outsiders unless authorized.
Social Media Ban: Do not publish company photos or information on social media.
Property Protection: Prevent company property from being damaged or at risk.
Lost Property Reporting: Report misplaced items to the line manager or supervisor.
Property Care: Do not abuse, misuse, deface, or deliberately damage company property.
Personal Equipment Maintenance: Maintain personally issued equipment according to supplier instructions; this is the individual's responsibility.

Prohibited Activities

General Prohibitions: Prohibit gambling, fighting, engaging in illegal, immoral, or unauthorized activities, sleeping, using unauthorized electronic devices, connecting personal appliances to SAR power supplies without authorization, soliciting gratuities, and using personal headphones.
Mobile Phone Use: Prohibited while operating moving locomotives, trains, machines, signaling equipment, while on or near the line unless part of duties; prohibited within the controlling cab of moving train/engine unless duties require it and not a distraction, and during operation of company vehicles. Allowed to contact OCC in emergencies.

Mobile Phone Use Restrictions and Permitted Use

Prohibited Mobile Phone Use: Mobile phones are prohibited while operating moving locomotives, trains, machines, signaling equipment, or while on or near the line, unless part of job duties. Prohibited in controlling cabs of moving trains/engines unless directly related to duties and does not distract driver; prohibited while controlling company vehicles; permitted for emergency contact with OCC.

Operating Signaling Equipment and Locomotives

Qualified Operator Requirement: Only qualified employees or trainees under supervision may operate these.

Getting On and Off Rail Vehicles

No Moving Vehicle Access: Do not get on or off a moving rail vehicle.
No Vehicle Step Use: Do not ride on locomotive or vehicle steps.
No Wagon Access: Do not ride on a moving wagon.
No Unauthorized Vehicle Use: Do not ride on a hand trolley or unauthorized vehicle.

Operating Mechanical and Electrical Equipment

Authorization Required: Operate only if trained, authorized, and hold required competency certificate.

Tampering with Appliances and Equipment

No Unauthorized Tampering: Do not break seals on interlocking appliances or equipment (unless authorized).
No Interference: Do not alter or interfere with the function of devices or equipment(unless authorized).
Label Removal Prohibition: Do not remove defective wagon labels without authorization.
Immediate Reporting: Report tampered, broken, or missing seals to the Chief Train Controller, Terminal Master, or Maintenance Engineer immediately.

Travelling in Driving Cabs

Cab Access Restrictions: Only travel in the driving cab if related to duties, possess a cab pass, or have authorization.
No Driver Distraction: Do not distract the driver.

Reporting Lineside Fires

Immediate Notification: Immediately report any lineside fire to the Operations Control Centre (OCC).

Reporting Trespassers

Trespasser Reporting: Report suspected trespassers to the Operations Control Centre (OCC).

Animals on the Railway

Animal Removal: Train Controllers must arrange for the removal of animals within the boundary fence.
Caution Instructions: Instruct train Drivers to proceed with caution until the area is clear.

Defective Rail Vehicles

Do Not Move Signs: Do not remove or obscure 'Do Not Move' boards or repair labels on defective rail vehicles (unless authorized).

Train Inspections

Train Safety Checks: Check passing trains for improperly closed doors, insecure loads, fires, hot axle boxes, unlit headlights, unusual noises, distress signals (continuous long horn blasts), red flags or vigorously waved lights by the driver, pilot, or train captain.
Hazard Reporting: Report any hazards, warnings, or dangers immediately to the Train Controller or the person in charge if the Train Controller is unavailable.

Hazards Placing Trains in Danger

Hazard Recognition: Recognize hazards such as track defects, sand buildup on the track, floods, obstructions, fires, came, or other large animals within the rail boundary fence, or any other animals on or near the line.

Reporting and Action

Hazard Reporting: Immediately report hazards to the Train Controller; if not possible, inform the person in charge, who must notify the Train Controller.
Emergency Actions: Take necessary actions such as stopping trains or calling emergency services.

Emergency Train Stopping Signals

Daylight Signals: Show a red flag. If no red flag, raise both arms above your head or raise one arm horizontally if on a vehicle.
Night/Poor Visibility Signals: Show a red light and wave any colored light vigorously.

Reporting an Accident/Emergency Call

Emergency Call Protocol: Start with "This is an emergency call" (except for rail dangerous goods emergencies), provide name, job title, confirming who you are speaking with, employer, location, telephone/GSM-R number, exact location and details, blocked/potential blocked lines, need for emergency services, ensure message repetition for confirmation.
Incident Reporting: Report all accidents and incidents affecting railway safety to the Operations Control Centre (OCC) quickly.
Supervisor Reporting: Report all accidents, including near misses, to your supervisor or manager.
Incident Officer: A Rail Incident Officer will take charge at the scene of an accident if appointed.

Calling Emergency Services

Emergency Communication: Be familiar with how to access emergency services from your workplace, preferably using a fixed telephone for precise location data. Use a mobile phone if a fixed line is unavailable.

Preserving Evidence at a Serious Accident

Evidence Preservation: Accident investigators need to examine the site for evidence. Do not interfere or remove evidence (except to assist injured persons or prevent further harm).
Equipment Preservation Examples: Driving controls, signaling equipment, rolling stock, and lineside equipment.

Reporting a Dangerous Goods Incident

Emergency Phrase: State "This is a rail dangerous goods emergency."
Information to Provide: United Nations number from the hazard warning panel, name, job title, confirming who you are speaking with, employer, location, telephone/GSM-R number, exact location and details, blocked/potential blocked lines, need for emergency services, ensure message repetition for confirmation
Safety Measures: Keep well clear of the area. Face the affected vehicles or packages with the wind behind you, avoid low-lying areas where gas may gather, manage unauthorized people, try to extinguish fires without risk, avoid naked lights, do not smoke, use matches/pocket lighters, use mobile/GSMR handsets near flammable loads.
Hazardous Substance Identification: Look for hazard warning labels on vehicles or packages.

Reporting Incidents Not Affecting Safety

Irrelevant Incident Reporting: Report incidents that do not affect railway safety or endanger people/trains to the Train Controller at the first opportunity.

Observing Flooding or Water Collection

Water Hazard Reporting: Report to the Train Controller if you see any flooding or water collecting that might affect train passage, especially if water may be a risk, flowing along or across the track, up to the railhead (bottom, top, or above), or that has moved or is likely to move the ballast, flowing down or out of an embankment, or flowing/collecting around railway structures.

Primary Communication Method

Communication Standard: GSMR is the primary communication method on the SAR network. Mobile and satellite phones should only be used if GSMR is unavailable.

Clear Communication Guidelines

Understanding Messages: Ensure you understand all messages (telephone, radio, or face-to-face). Ask for clarification if needed.
Affirming Messages: Receive, fully understand, and repeat messages back for confirmation.
Clear Communication Practices: Speak directly into the mouthpiece, speak slightly slower, using normal volume, avoid hesitation, use clear sentences, get confirmation via repetition.

Using the 24-Hour Clock

Time Format: Use the 24-hour clock format for all times. Say times like "eleven fifteen" or "twenty-one thirty."

The Phonetic Alphabet

Spelling Clarity: Use the phonetic alphabet for difficult-to-pronounce names and locations in messages.

Communication Protocols

Language Standard: English is the primary language for all written and spoken communications, especially safety-related matters.

Safety Critical Phrases

Emergency Communication: All emergency communications must begin with "This is an emergency call" (except for rail dangerous goods emergencies).

Using Communications Equipment

Safety First: Do not use communications equipment if it may cause distraction or affect safety. If on or near the line, ensure safety before using mobile communication equipment.

Operational Railway Definitions

Operational Railway: Includes lineside areas and on-line/near-line areas.
On or Near the Line: Within 2 meters of the nearest rail or on the line itself. Station platforms are excluded unless engineering/technical work within 1.25 meters of platform edge is being performed; Temporary Level Crossings are excluded.
Lineside: More than 2 meters from the nearest rail and inside the railway boundary fence. Station platforms are excluded. Outside the railway boundary fence is excluded.
Position of Safety: More than 2 meters from the nearest approach line where trains can approach.
Approach to/Beyond: "On the approach to..." or "Beyond..." are used to describe locations before or after moving toward/away from a specific piece equipment.
Maximum Speed/Direction/Limited Clearances: Understand line maximum speeds, train approach directions, and locations with limited clearance before entering designated work areas.

Safety Certification and Visibility

Safety Certificate: Carry a safety certificate showing competence in personal track safety rules.
Safe System of Work: Have a Safe System of Work in place before going on or near the line.
High Visibility Clothing: Wear approved high visibility whenever on the operational railway
Hand Lamp: Carry a suitable hand lamp during poor visibility.

Walking on or near the line

Authorized Routes: Use authorized walking routes.
Crossing Procedures: Use authorized crossings, ensure a position of safety on the other side, good train visibility, and avoid stepping on rails, sleepers, or turnout parts.

Items and Alertness

Allowed Items: Small items are permitted as long as safe walking, seeing, hearing, and acknowledgment of trains are not hindered.
Staying Alert: Avoid distractions, be vigilant for approaching trains, look up at least every five seconds, and be in a position of safety ten seconds prior to an approaching train.

Driving Vehicles Lineside

Lineside Driving Definition: Driving within the railway boundary more than 2 meters from the nearest running line.
Driving Requirements: Hold a valid driving license, obtain approval from your Line Manager, only drive SAR/SAR-approved vehicles, no mobile communications, seatbelts for all passengers, maintain vehicle control, 50 km/h maximum speed limit, maintain at least 2 meters distance from the running line, keep hazard lights on, and do not reverse toward the running line.
Yellow Plant Vehicles: Secure any potentially hazardous parts of the machine that might get closer than 2 meters to the running line; obtain a possession from the Operations Control Center (OCC) to move with caution when nearing the track.
Warnings and Prohibitions: Do not unnecessarily use the engine whistle, horn, or bell.

Locomotive Bell and Audible Warnings

Locomotive Sounding Requirements: Sound the bell when the train is about to move, approaching/passing a Temporary Level Crossing, approaching locations with workers on adjacent lines, and passing by trains standing on adjacent lines, in an emergency, shunting maintenance shops and lines, and during operations that do not involve crossing temporary level crossings while shunting in momentary stop and start, forward or backward movements.

Stabilizing On-Track Machinery

Preferred Stabling: Stabilize on the third line in siding locations (except for yards and depots where local instructions apply).
Turnout Positioning: Turnouts should be set to protect vehicles, with inhibits applied by the Train Controller. Non-electric turnouts should be secured with a clip and padlock; only the designated person or their supervisor can remove the padlock and clip.
Vehicle Coupling: Obtain permission from the Person in Charge.
Accommodation Vehicles: Notify the Train Controller when accommodation vehicles are parked and ensure turnouts are set with inhibits, secure non-mechanized turnouts with clips and padlocks, and confirm remotely controlled turnouts have an inhibit. Place red lights/flag within the four foot zone in both directions at the fouling point.

Stabilizing on the Main Line

Main Line Accommodation Vehicle Stabling: Accommodation vehicles are only stabled on the main line if the arrangements are planned/published in the Weekly Operating Notice (WON) or Daily Agreed Track Access (DATA).
Moving Accommodation Vehicles: Notify the Train Controller before requesting a Movement Authority or written order, notify occupants, request removing inhibits, remove clips, padlocks, and flags.

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential practices and protocols related to railway safety communications. This quiz covers topics from flammable loads to emergency communication methods, ensuring that you are aware of key safety requirements in railway operations. Perfect for railway staff and safety personnel.