Railway Signaling Safety Regulations

The red signal's center line should be approximately 3.65 meters above rail level.

No part of a signal (without a route indicator) should be higher than 5.2 meters above the rail level.

No overhead line equipment (OHE) structures are allowed within 600 meters of signals located between tracks.

Avoid placing portal drop arms within 600 meters of signals located between tracks.

If a portal drop arm is unavoidable in the signal's area, the signal should be mounted on an offset bracket to avoid obstruction.

Signal distances of OHE masts for junction indicators outside tracks follow Drawing No. 22-D7.

Signal visibility must be checked by day and night after each phase of OHE work (erection, wiring, etc.).

If signal visibility is inadequate, the official in charge should impose speed restrictions and take steps to improve visibility.

Point operations can be either electric or mechanical.

Mechanical operation requires protection measures for staff.

Distance between control relays and machine limited by immunity levels.

Point detection circuits use AC-immunized relays.

Maximum allowable distance between point machines varies by type and AC immunity.

Three-phase machines are inherently immune to induced voltage.

Point rods in electrified areas experience induced voltage from rail voltage.

Insulators protect staff from high rail fault voltages.

Railway staff working near 25KV AC traction equipment must take safety precautions due to live conductors, return currents, and electrical induction.

Direct or indirect contact with 25KV conductors is extremely hazardous and must be avoided.

Return currents flowing in rails create potential differences, posing risks between adjacent rails, fractured rails, insulated/non-insulated rail sections, and the earth.

When working near rails, use insulated tools following approved procedures to prevent electric shock.

Parallelism to overhead equipment can induce voltage in signaling/telecommunication circuits, which may develop even if initially absent.

Equipment grounded (earthed) may be risky if earth connections are broken, making seemingly safe contact dangerous.

Regulations outlining procedures for working near rails with potential for electrical hazard are included in section J of the permanent way manual.

Induced voltage potentially develops in signal and telecom circuits near overhead conductors because of changes in current flowing within the overhead line.

Working platforms for existing signals require wire mesh screens when the 2-meter electrical clearance isn't possible.

Signal posts and fittings must be at least 700mm from live conductors.

Maintenance staff must use insulated tools when working.

Overhead track crossings should be converted to cables and wires removed.

A certificate of clearance from the DOT is needed for 2.2 KV anti-theft energisation.

A checklist of completed works is required before charging OHE to higher voltages.

Annexure 22-A1 describes visibility requirements for signals.

Maintenance procedures for electrified areas are described in part 'J' of the Permanent Way Manual.

Requires a 'permit-to-work' and isolation of the section for work within 2 meters of live overhead equipment.

Engineering Inspector must obtain permission for traffic and power block from the proper authority sufficiently in advance.

No tree parts should be closer than 4 meters to live conductors. Trim branches periodically.

Do not touch fallen wires without switching off power and earthing them.

Avoid using measuring tools/materials that could be blown onto live OHE systems.

Inform the Traction Distribution Officer in advance of excavation work close to DC traction cables to prevent damage.

The 'Permit-to-work' should be cancelled after completion and the Traction Power Controller notified to restore the power and earth.

If wires fall at a level crossing, the gatekeeper must ensure immediate road traffic stoppage.

The visibility of signals must be considered when placing masts nearby. Different mast placement rules apply depending on signal type and distance from the signal.

Minimum mast placement distances vary based on the distance from the signal (up to 400m).

Visibility of masts near signals with an approach signal follows different spacing rules compared to signals without one

Mast placements near signals with horizontal route indicators have specific rules with varying distance requirements.

Minimum mast placement distances for signals up to 60m away are 3.72m and 3.50m

Minimum mast placement distances for signals beyond 125m are 3.25m and 3.05m

Visibility of signals should be clear for all types of signals by day and night

Differing signal criteria affect mast placements. Presence, type and distance influences placement criteria

Required for working platforms of signals when 2-meter electrical clearance isn't possible.

Signal posts and fittings must be at least 700mm from energized conductors.

Maintenance staff must use insulated tools when working.

Replace overhead track crossings with cables and remove overhead wires.

Required for 2.2 kV energization.

A checklist is issued to document completed tasks before energizing OHE with 25KV.

Requires safety measures for staff due to live conductors, return currents, and induction.

Visibility of signals must meet standards in electrified areas, as outlined in Appendix 22-A1.

Insulators prevent contact between insulated and uninsulated parts of rods

Needed if the distance between insulators on a single rod exceeds 300 meters

Point, trap indicators, and lockbars are electrically isolated from the track

Insulators must have sufficient clearance to allow the associated rod to move normally

Rods crossing the track must be 40 mm above the rail for normal operation

When steel or C.I sleepers are used, the distance between the rod and the sleeper should also not be less than 40mm

The operating rod of points on electrified lines and similar points adjacent to non-electrified lines must have an insulator

The Engineering department is responsible for providing insulators on operating rods when supplying related point lever or point boxes

Railway staff working near 25KV AC traction equipment must take safety precautions due to live conductors, return currents, and electrical induction.

Direct or indirect contact with 25KV conductors is extremely hazardous and must be avoided.

Return currents flowing in rails create potential differences, posing risks between adjacent rails, fractured rails, insulated/non-insulated rail sections, and the earth.

When working near rails, use insulated tools following approved procedures to prevent electric shock.

Parallelism to overhead equipment can induce voltage in signaling/telecommunication circuits, which may develop even if initially absent.

Equipment grounded (earthed) may be risky if earth connections are broken, making seemingly safe contact dangerous.

Regulations outlining procedures for working near rails with potential for electrical hazard are included in section J of the permanent way manual.

Induced voltage potentially develops in signal and telecom circuits near overhead conductors because of changes in current flowing within the overhead line.

Procedures for maintaining electrified areas, detailed in part 'J' of the Permanent Way Manual.

All electrical equipment, power lines, and cables should always be considered energized.

Formal written authorization from a competent official needed before working near energized equipment.

Engineering staff must immediately report any overhead equipment problems (including track bonds) to the Traction Power Controller.

Electrical conductors strategically positioned on tracks to ensure a reliable return current pathway and proper grounding.

Flexible copper bonds are placed at each rail joint in DC electrified systems to handle the return current.

Strict adherence to rules and procedures is critical for maintaining safety when working in areas with 25KV AC traction equipment.

If overhead equipment faults cannot be communicated safely to signal/station staff to shut down lines, line protection must be initiated according to General Rule 3.62.

Connections between rails that ensure a continuous return path for electrical current.

Bonds between adjacent tracks, reducing current resistance.

Connections between structures supporting overhead equipment (OHE) and running rails.

The risk of direct contact with energized overhead line equipment (OHE).

Currents flowing back to the power source through the rails, producing potential differences.

Safety measures necessary when working near 25 kV AC traction equipment due to risks of live conductors, return currents, and induced potential.

A difference in electrical potential between two points, such as rails, and the surrounding earth, due to return current.

Tools specifically designed to prevent electrical shock when working near energized rails.

Work within 2 meters of energized overhead equipment requires a permit-to-work and isolation of the equipment.

Closed wagons are preferred for material trains in electrified areas. If open wagons are used, loading/unloading under an engineer's supervision is needed, to avoid danger zones(2m) from overhead lines.

Maintaining unbroken rail connections during track repairs or replacements is crucial in electrified rail areas.

Temporary connections (jumpers) are needed to join fractured rails to maintain track continuity.

Keeping catch sidings live, except those sanded, along with preventing sand buildup near insulators by keeping switches neutral to avoid track problems.

Steel/metal tapes should not be used on electrified tracks; linen tapes are safer, although less precise.

Foundation blocks in electrified structures should be kept clear of materials for maintenance and safety.

The area within 2 meters of energized overhead equipment (OHE).

The center line of a red signal should be approximately 3.65 meters above rail level.

No part of a signal without a route indicator should exceed 5.2 meters above rail level.

No OHE structures are allowed within 600 meters of signals located between tracks.

Portal drop arms should not be placed within 600 meters of signals located between tracks.

Signals should be mounted on offset brackets when a portal drop arm is nearby to prevent obstructions.

Signal visibility must be checked both day and night after any OHE work (erection, wiring, etc).

If a signal's visibility is poor, speed restrictions are needed and corrective measures should be taken.

Signal mast placement distances for indicators located outside tracks comply with Drawing No. 22-D7.

Slow-acting relays, releasing interlockings, prevent accidental release due to voltage fluctuations. Typical delay is 0.6-0.8 seconds.

All circuits in AC electrified areas must use a double-cutting method to reduce induced voltage and improve safety.

Signal line length is limited to prevent induced voltage exceeding 400 Volts. Sectionalization of circuits may be needed.

Induced voltage in unscreened underground cables is 116 Volts/km for single lines and 95 Volts/km for double lines, under normal conditions.

Relays and equipment in electrified areas require immunity levels of at least 400 VAC.

Considering signal visibility when placing masts nearby; different rules apply based on signal type and distance.

Minimum mast placement distances vary depending on the distance from the signal, which ranges up to 400 meters.

Visibility of masts near signals with an approach signal follows different spacing rules compared to those without one.

Mast placements near signals with horizontal route indicators have specific rules with varying distance requirements.

Minimum mast placement distances for signals up to 60m away are 3.72m and 3.50m.

Minimum mast placement distances for signals beyond 125m are 3.25m and 3.05m.

Differing signal criteria (presence, type, distance) affect mast placements.

Signal visibility must meet standards in electrified areas, as outlined in Appendix 22-A1.

3.50m, 3.25m, 3.05m, 2.90m and 2.75m for distances up to 70m, 130m, 170m, 215m, and 280m respectively.

Overhead line equipment (OHE) masts should not be in the same lane as signals for at least 600 meters.

If signal placement is unavoidable within 600m of a lane with OHE, use an offset bracket.

No part of a colour light signal without a route indicator should exceed 5.2 meters above rail level.

Minimum mast settings for semaphore signals located outside the track are 3.05m, 2.90m & 2.75m.

Wherever possible, signals (colour light and semaphore) are to be placed on the opposite track side of OHE masts.

Reduced mast settings for starters are permitted for certain loop and yard lines. Drawings should aid in decision-making.

Minimum settings for OHE masts can be varied or reduced in certain locations with a required supporting documents.

Staff working on signal and telecommunication circuits on 25kV AC lines must wear rubber gloves, use insulated tools, and potentially split circuits/ground them. If those fail, insulate from ground using rubber mats.

Cable terminals for block instruments often carry high induced voltages. Handle these terminals with rubber gloves and insulated tools, as indicated by the red color marking.

Reduce circuit length, use rubber gloves or mats, and ensure low-resistance connection between parts of armour/sheathing/wires before cutting.

Staff working on electrical circuits need insulated tools (box spanners, pliers, screwdrivers), rubber mats, and rubber gloves. Equipment near rails gets insulated tool handles if possible.

Staff working in electrified areas need to know and be familiar with the procedures to treat individuals suffering from electric shock.

Work near overhead equipment can induce voltage into signal/telecom circuits; it isn't needed to be present the circuits from previous.

Equipment grounded (earthed) can still be hazardous if the ground connection breaks. Seemingly safe contact can become dangerous.

Strict rules are required when working in areas with 25kV AC overhead lines, due to risk of electrical induction, return currents, and live conductors.

Connections between rails to ensure a continuous current path during electrical usage in railways.

Bonds between adjacent railway tracks to minimize the electrical resistance and ensure smooth current flow.

Connections between structures supporting overhead equipment (OHE) and railway rails to ensure good grounding.

Electrical currents flowing back to the power source through railway rails.

The risk of direct contact with energized overhead equipment (OHE).

Difference in electrical potential between rails and ground caused by return currents.

Tools used to prevent electrical shock while working near energized rail lines.

Safety measures needed when working near 25kV AC electrified railways.