Railway Safety Protocols Quiz

Study Notes

A "running line" is used by trains.
Each line has a name (e.g., Up Main, Down Goods) and a speed limit, outlined in the Sectional Appendix.
All sections of railway, from busy multi-track to branch lines, are unique and have different dangers.

Workers need periodic medical assessments and eye examinations.
Workers are responsible for informing their employers about medications they are taking or any conditions that could affect their safety on the track.
They must work within medical restrictions.
Those who wear glasses or contact lenses must wear them while working on the railway, with a spare pair of glasses for contact lens users.

Workers must not come to work under the influence of illegal drugs, medications that could affect their safety, or alcohol.
Alcohol and illegal drugs are not allowed while on duty.
Illegal drugs should not be brought to work.
Workers should report any medications they are taking that could affect their safety to their employer.

Workers need to be well-rested before working on the railway.
Fatigue can be caused by prolonged exertion, lack of sleep, or internal body clock disruptions.
Fatigue increases risk of accidents, injury, and ill health (e.g., failing to observe underfoot conditions, lack of attention when using tools).
Employers should reduce risks through good planning, effective shift management, and adequate welfare facilities.
Workers are responsible for managing their fatigue through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensuring adequate rest between shifts.

Workers should always assume the overhead line equipment (OLE) or conductor rails are live and dangerous unless the COSS/PiC verifies they have been isolated.
The COSS/PiC will inform workers of:
- The safe working limits within which it's safe to work.
- If any nearby electrification equipment is still live and dangerous, including its location.
- If non-electric trains or on-track plant could still approach on the isolated lines.

Workers should confirm their understanding of the safety briefing.
The COSS/PiC will question workers on the safe system and require them to sign a briefing form or scan their Sentinel card on the Sentinel App.
The COSS/PiC will inform workers about:
- The content of the work.
- PPE required for the task.
- Welfare arrangements.

The COSS sets up a safe system to protect workers from trains and electrification equipment.
Workers must follow the COSS/PiC's instructions and comply with track safety rules.
If workers have doubts about the safe system, they should stop work, ensure they are in a safe position, and inform the COSS/PiC.
Workers should only perform tasks for which they are competent and, if necessary, qualified.
Workers should never perform unsafe tasks or tasks that violate the rules, even if they feel pressured.

If an emergency occurs, workers should immediately place three detonators on the line and display a hand danger signal.
Workers should stand at least 30 meters (100 feet) from the detonators to ensure their safety.
On lines with a conductor rail, detonators should be placed on the running rail furthest from the conductor rail.
If they encounter a signal box or railway phone, workers should place three detonators on the line and contact the Signaller.
If the Signaller confirms that the line is protected by signals, workers do not need to continue to 2 kilometers (1 ¼ miles).
If a signal post replacement switch is available and workers are competent to use it, they should turn the signal to danger, place three detonators on the line, and call the Signaller.
When using a signal post replacement switch, workers should ask for permission from the Signaller before returning it to automatic.
In tunnels workers should place three detonators on the line at the tunnel entrance. Workers should then attempt to contact the Signaller with their mobile phone.
If the 2 kilometer (1 ¼ miles) distance is inside the tunnel, workers should walk to the other end and place three more detonators on the line.
At junctions, workers must be aware of trains approaching from multiple directions and should place three detonators on the line before the points.