Indian Railway Act Traction Manual PDF

APPENDIX VIII MODEL CIRCULARS 1. Joint Procedural orders are issued by Zonal railway laying down guidelines for officers and staff of different disciplines to clearly demarcate role and responsibilities among these discipline. Likewise circulars are issued...

APPENDIX VIII MODEL CIRCULARS 1. Joint Procedural orders are issued by Zonal railway laying down guidelines for officers and staff of different disciplines to clearly demarcate role and responsibilities among these discipline. Likewise circulars are issued to the all concerned to inform (I) new rules and procedures (ii) changes in procedures due to some alteration in the system; and at times to reiterate extant rules and procedures. 2. Extract from some of the JPO’s/Circulars issued by Zonal Railways are appended for illustration and reference. 1. Closing and Securing of Flap Doors of Wagons Instructions exist that flap doors of the wagons, loaded or empty, should be properly closed and secured before being taken out from goods sheds, siding in yards and on trains. Many cases have, however, been reported when the wagons with open flap and other doors or with doors improperly secured have created situations fraught with danger. Several accidents have taken place in the electrified territories where the OHE masts were struck by the open doors of the wagons causing serious dislocation of traffic. Determined steps should be kept to completely arrest such accidents. 2. Prompt and proper closing and securing of wagons doors and bottom hinged as well top hinged dalas must be ensured while undertaking the following operations:- a) At loading and unloading points i) After loading and or unloading of wagons in goods shed lines and other railway sidings, the goods clerk incharge of getting the loading and unloading operations will be responsible for ensuring that all the doors of the dalas are properly closed and secured on completion of work. Services of the train examiner where available will be availed in case of a stiff door or dala. ii) The shunting Jamadar or the traffic official deputed to draw out wagons from goods shed lines and other sidings will ensure that the doors and dalas are closed and secured before they start drawing out. iii) Similarly, the incharges of the various departmental siding such as loco sheds, diesel sheds, electric sheds, stores sidings, engineering sidings etc. will be responsible for closing and securing of doors and dalas after loading and unloading of materials, fuels, stores etc. b) In shunting operations in yards Before starting the shunting operations in the yards, the shunting Jamadar will ensure that the doors and dalas of all the wagons being pulled are properly closed and secured. He should call for the assistance of a TXR in case of a stiff door or dala. He should observe this while sorting wagons, while attaching wagons on trains, while detaching wagons from trains and in all other miscellaneous shunting movements. c) On train The guard incharge of the train will ensure that doors and dalas of all the wagons put on his train are properly closed and secured before he starts his train. He will point out any lapse in this regard to the Station Master/Yard Supervisors on duty well in time so that the same is rectified without any detention to the train. He will observe this while taking charge of an originating train as well as through train taken over from the adjoining railway, adjoining divisions and the adjoining section of the Division. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II d) Examination of trains During the course of examination of a train, the TXR will ensure that all doors and dalas of the wagons on the train are closed and the stiff doors and dalas are rectified and closed by his own staff. The issue of fit certificate for the train should be subject to proper closure of the wagon doors and dalas. e) Security staff involvement The security arrangements by the RPF staff should be tightened so that no door or dala of any wagon in the yard and sidings is opened by the trespassers. Any laxity in observance of the above instructions should be seriously viewed and deterrent action taken against staff at fault. For this purpose, checks should be organized by officers and supervisors, particularly the safety officers and inspectors. Ambush checks should also be undertaken by Sr. DSO/DSO. 2.Movement of Insulated Consignments on Open Wagons Escorting consignments loaded on open wagons in electrified areas needs caution against electric shock to escorting personnel. Approach to any point within two metres of the live parts of traction equipments is strictly forbidden. Cases of accident caused by electric shocks to the personnel escorting insulated consignments loaded on open wagons, insulated from the body of the wagons by rubber tyres or wooden logs, etc. are on record. To prevent such accidents the following procedure must be followed. In cases where the consignment is kept on insulated supports, like military or civil trucks on rubber tyres, over an open wagon shocks due to induced voltage might be caused. Induction causes voltage of a high order on all metallic consignments while being underneath the traction wires. If the exposed metallic surfaces of the consignment are in good electrical contact with the body of the wagon, their potential will be same as at the body of the wagon. Presence of Insulation between the body of the consignment and the wagon will result in dangerously high potential difference being set up between the consignment and the wagon which may cause shock to a person on the wagon escorting the consignment. For the movement of such consignments through electrified sections, therefore, the following precautions are essential. i) A temporary metallic connection should be made between the body of the consignment and the wagon. For the purpose, standard steel wire or size 7/16 SWG (Cross sectional areas 14.5 mm 2) or any other available size higher in cross sections may be used to fasten the metallic portion(s) of the consignment to the wagon at 4 independent points, without tempering the consignment. Steel chains of equivalent cross sections can also be used in lieu. The train examiners of train originating stations will effect and ensure such fastenings prior to issuing fit memos for movement of the consignment. ii) No train shall leave a train originating point without the above having been provided. iii) However, prior to entry of such consignments in the electrified sections, the Guard incharge shall check up the provision of such arrangements and ensure onward movement only after confirming the following: a) The wire fastenings are effected by the TXR staff if available. b) It item (a) above is not possible, the escorting personnel should be detained from the wagon carrying such consignments till such time the fastenings are provided for by the TXR – staff or by the nearest traction (OHE) staff as indicated in the working time table. c) On entry into the electrified section the bonding used will be got checked by the TRD staff. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II 3. Joint Procedure Order for TPCs, Section Controllers, Drivers and Guards of Electric Traction in the event of Hot Axle or other Abnormality in trains, in OHE, in Track etc. necessitating Switching Off of OHE Supply. In the event of Hot axle or other abnormalities in trains, OHE or in track, joint procedure for switching off and switching on of OHE in indicated below: 1. In case any hot axle or any abnormality is seen in a running train in block sections or at stations, power supply to OHE of the affected section shall be switched off immediately by TPC on duty by opening of the feeder C.B. on advice from Section Controller, Station Master or others as the case may be under clear exchange of private numbers. If the block section is falling in the zone of two feeding posts, then feeder CBs of both feeding posts may be switched off and the section isolated must be reduced to sub-sector after finding out the details of train by TPC. Regarding switching off of OHE power. TPC shall inform the concerned SCNL in writing and Section Controller shall take immediate necessary action. 2. Station Master and Section Controller should thereafter in consultation with TPC should take detailed information regarding damages, infringements or any other abnormalities of track. Rolling Stock or OHE. Section Controller should ensure that no train is allowed to enter dead section on either one direction to avoid snapping of OHE> 3. Look-out caution to driver of the first train of opposite direction which is likely to enter the affected section will be issued by Section Controller. After issuing of caution order to the first train which is likely to come in the effected section and after ensuring the safe position, TPC will be asked by Section Controller under clear exchange of private number to charge the particular healthy section which was switched off as a precautionary measure. 4. Joint Procedural Order for TRD, RSO staff and ASMs in Case of any Abnormality on OHE 1. In case of breakdown of OHE, when it is necessary for a train to proceed cautiously the TFO(OHE) responsible for such notification shall arrange for issue of caution order, An authorised person shall be present at the site and shall be responsible for showing signals. 2. A caution order detailing the kilometers between which such precaution is necessary, the reason for taking such precaution and the speed at which a train shall travel, shall be handed to the driver at the stopping station/other station in such a manner, as prescribed under special instructions. 3. Showing of Signals Whenever due to lines being under repair or due to any other obstruction it is necessary to indicate to the Driver that he has to stop or proceed at a restricted speed, the following signals shall be shown and where prescribed and detonators used, it on a double line the direction from which trains approach, and if on single line in each direction. a) When the train is required to stop and the restriction is likely to last only for a day or less – A banner flag shall be exhibited at distance of 600 m on the B.G. and the 3 detonators shall be placed, 10 m apart, at a distance of 1200 m on B.G. from the place of obstruction. In addition, stop hand signal shall be shown at a distance of 30 m from the place of obstruction, at the banner flag and at distance of 45 metres from 3-detonators. The Railway Servant at the place of obstruction shall give proceed hand signal to indicate to the Driver when he may resume normal speed after the train has been hand signalled past the place of obstruction. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II b) When the train is required to stop and the restriction is likely to last for more than a day A stop indicator shall be exhibited at a distance of 30 m from the place of obstruction and a caution indicator at 1200 metres on the B.G. from the place of obstruction. In addition Termination Indicators shall be provided at the place where a driver may resume normal speed. c) When the train is not required to stop and the restriction is likely to last only for a day or less Proceed with Caution hand signal shall be exhibited again at a distance of 30 m and at a distance of atleast 800 m shall be suitably increased by special instructions, where required. The Railway Servant at the place of obstruction shall give proceed hand signal to indicate to the Driver when he may resume normal speed after the train has been hand signalled past the place of obstruction. d) When the train is not required to stop and the restriction is likely to last for more than a day A speed indicator shall be exhibited at a distance of 30 metres from the place of obstruction and again a Caution indicator at a distance of at least 800 metres shall be suitably increased by special instruction, where required. In addition, Termination indicators shall be provided at the place where a Driver may resume normal speed. 5. Safety Measures to be Observed in Case of Unusual Occurrences on Electrified Sections. 1. In the event of an OHE fault, the Traction Power Controller after segregating and isolating the faulty section shall also immediately switch off the power to the healthy section on the adjacent line/lines over the same route length as the faulty section. The TPC shall promptly inform the Section controller details of the isolated faulty section (hereafter called the faulty section), as well as the adjacent healthy section (hereafter called the healthy section) temporarily isolated. 2. On receipt of message from TPC the Section Controller shall take all precaution as per the extent rules, treating this section as under emergency power block. a) For the faulty section, the Section Controller shall take all precautions as per extant rules, treating this section as under Emergency Power Block. b) For the healthy section, the Section Controller shall take immediate action to inform concerned Station Masters to arrange issue of caution orders to the driver of the first train due to enter into any of the concerned block sections of the healthy section. The caution order shall specify a speed restriction of 25 Km/H by day and 15 Km/h by night with instructions to stop short of any obstruction or stop at the next station and report condition of the track and OHE or any other infringement. The driver shall advise at the next station whether the trains following his train should observe any precautions or speed restrictions. As it will not be possible for caution orders to be issued to Driver of trains already in mid-section of the concerned block sections, the caution orders shall be issued to drivers only as and when trains are able to reach stations and are further to proceed through other block sections in the healthy section. In case OHE power supply failure exceeds five minutes and the Electric Loco Driver for any reason is unable to establish communication with Section Controller through emergency sockets, the driver shall arrange to check for power supply as laid down in Electric Locomotive Operating Manual and on restoration of power, shall arrange to take the train cautiously to the next station, ready to stop in case of any obstructions. A speed restriction of 25 Km./h by day and 15 Km.h by night shall be observed for this movement to the next station. On reaching the next station, the Driver shall contact SM/Section controller. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II 3. The Section Controller after exchanging message with Station Masters for issue of caution orders to Driver as laid in para 2 (b) above shall immediately authorize TPC to take action to restore Power Supply to the healthy section, unless based on information received meanwhile from site/stations, it would be necessary to continue to keep the power off from the healthy section. In the event of any obstruction or abnormality online/OHE is reported to the Section controller, directly from station/site, the Section Controller shall inform TPC to switch off power both on affected line(faulty section) and also on adjacent lines (healthy section) and then proceed as per para 2 above. This safeguard has been stipulated as all obstructions on line may not necessarily reflect as an OHE fault giving indication to TPC. Based on the no-abnormality report of Drivers who have completed their cautions runs through the block sections on the healthy sections, Section Controller shall arrange to remove the caution orders to subsequent trains passing the healthy section. The Section Controller shall also keep TPC advised regarding resumption of normal traffic on the healthy section. 4. In order to minimize the repercussions to traffic on account of adoption of the above procedures, it is very essential that the emergency telephone sockets all along on the electrified line and emergency telephones provided with drivers/guard are maintained in good fettle. Joint checks of the Emergency Telephone sockets on the line between TRD and S&T inspectors should be made to ensure their operational reliability in case of emergencies. 6. Joint Procedural Order for TPC, SCNL, ASMs, Drivers & Guards in Case an Animal is Run Over in Electrified Route. When cattle or animals are run over, vultures generally assemble on the body nearby the track and sometimes entangle with OHE and/or pantograph causing damage leading to major breakdowns. Whenever such cases of run over of animals take place or are observed. a) Drivers and Guards will make effort to advice the same to the SM/ASMs at the next stoppage for relaying the same to SCNL/TPC or TLCs. b) Other railway staff will immediately advice the same to ASMs, SCNLs, TLCs and Engineering Control. On receipt of such information the ASM concerned shall take necessary action to remove the body to a safe distance to avoid risk of damage to pantographs of passing trains and OHE. 7. Joint Procedural Orders for TPCs and ASMs in case of Electric Shocks with 25 kV OHE supply. 1. TPC shall arrange to cut-off 25 kV OHE supply of concerned sub-sector and also sub-sector of adjacent line to reduce the effect of induction and shall advise all concerned. 2. TPC shall inform nearest electrical department official and simultaneously arrange an authorised person to come to spot and move tower wagon/road vehicle from nearest depot if no authorised person is available near site. 3. TPC shall also inform section controller for regulating the traffic so as to avoid possibility of accidental charging of the section due to Loco entering the section so made dead. 4. TPC shall inform SM/ASM of nearest Railway Station for medical assistance. 5. TPC/SM/ASM shall inform nearest Railway Doctor for Medical assistance with available means of communication. 6. TPC/SM/ASM shall inform GRP/RPF staff to reach site of accident provided RPF/GRP post is located at the stations. 7. TPC shall advise for movement of medical van if situation warrants. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II 8. On arrival of authorised person on spot, he shall be advised to cordon off the area so that no one else may get injured. 9. TPC shall advise authorised person to remove the victim with the help of some insulating rod. 10. TPC shall also advise authorised person to administer artificial respiration and other help as needed. 11. TPC shall arrange quick shifting of victim from site to nearest hospital by a) Stopping first available train b) Sending Tower wagon or road Venice from nearest OHE depot. c) Sending ambulance/stretcher 12. TPC shall advise controlling officer about the accident and take guidance. 13. On arrival of authorised person on spot, TPC must find out the detailed cause of electrical accident and preserve the documents/materials related to it. 14. TPC shall restore 25 kV OHE supply after confirmation from the site by authorised person or SS/ASM on duty that the victim has been dis-associated from the 25 kV OHE. Authorised person, after dis-association should give it in writing to the nearest SM. 15. TPC shall collect details about the victim i.e. hospital where admitted, percentage of burns injury, his day to day condition and apprise of the position to controlling officer. 16. In case of damage to electrical equipment on this account TPC shall make arrangements to get equipment attended at the earliest to enable restoration of supply. 17. SM/ASM shall also inform TPC of electrical accident or possibility of accident by exchange of private number for making the OHE dead provided SM/ASM is first to get such information. 18. If it is possible to keep the traffic moving by other line,TPC will advise to Section Controller in writing to introduce single line working. 8. Joint Procedure Order Regarding OHE Voltage. To take timely action for the problem of low/high OHE voltage, following procedure should be strictly followed: i) The half hourly voltage readings recorded by TPCs should be scrutinized by CTPC concerned daily, in case where voltage of feeding point has gone below 23 kV steps should be taken to improve the voltage. The taps of traction transformers should be changed so as to improve the feeding voltage. If the problem still persists the Supply Authorities should be contacted. The concerned Sr. DEEs/DEEs should be informed who will establish contact with officials of the Supply Authority and get the voltage improved. Normally the tap setting of Traction Transformer at Traction sub-station will be fixed so that daily OHE voltage peaks do not exceed 27.5 kV. This will ensure that the voltage is well above the minimum of 19 kV at the farthest point of the feeding zone. ii) The cases of low/high voltages observed by the drivers during the run should be reported to the concerned TLC before signing off indicating time, voltage observed and location/section where abnormal voltage observed. The abnormal voltage in this case will be above 27.5 kV and below 19 kV INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II iii) TLC would also immediately check the reports of other drivers in the same section and advise the consolidated position regarding abnormal OHE voltage to traction power controller. The TPC/CTPC would then take immediate measures as indicated above at para (2). 9. Working Instructions for Permanent Way, Traction and S&T staff for Changing the Rails, Carrying out Track Circuiting and Automatic Signalling Works. 1. Before any alteration to alignment or level of electrified track is commenced, due notice of 48 hrs. in advance shall be given to those responsible for the OHE so that OHE may be adjusted to conform to the new condition (at PQRS site, work will be done under the Joint Supervision of Permanent way inspector, Electric Chargeman/TRD, and S&T staff continuously). 2. A permit to work must be obtained, if work is to be carried out or any worker is required to come within 2 metres of the 25 kV live overhead equipment. 3. When unloading the rails along the track, care shall be taken by PWI/PWM or mate to ensure that the rails do not touch each other to form a continuous metallic mass of length greater than 300 m. 4. In case of track renewals, temporary connections shall be provided with the other rail of the track at both ends by TRD staff. In case of renewal of both the rails of track simultaneously, temporary connection shall be provided within rails of adjacent track at both ends by TRD staff. 5. Before fish plates are loosened or removed, temporary electrical connection between the two rails shall invariably be made. 6. In case of defective or broken rails bond, a temporary connection shall be made. 7. In case of “rail fracture” the two ends of the fractured rail shall be first temporarily connected by a temporary metallic jumper of approved design. In all cases of discontinuity of rails. The two parts of the rails shall not be touched with bare hands of uninsulated tools. Gloves of approved quality shall be used. 8. Permanent way staff shall keep clear of the tracks and avoid contact with the rails either when approaching or reaching the work spot when an electrically hauled train in within 250 m. 9. In track circuited area, insulated joints shall not be bridged with bare hands or any metallic articles. 10. Use of steel measuring tapes or long metallic wires is prohibited in electrified sections. 11. Before replacing the rails/glued joints in track circuited area the permanent way inspector will ensure that traction distribution staff and S&T staff are available at site for removing and replacing the “traction bonds” and jumper/bonding connections where required. In each cases, PWI will cancel the block to resume the normal traffic only after ensuring that the traction bonds cable jumpers, bond wire etc. have been reconnected by TRD staff and S&T staff, TRD and S&T staff should be made available at 48 Hr. notice given by PWI for changing rails in case of planned works and on the same day in case of rail fracture. 12. The Traction Foreman shall see that all insulating sleeves on traction bonds passing under positive rail of track circuits are intact and take prompt action to replace the missing/damaged one. 10. Joint Procedural Order for Ensuring Safety During Track Renewals. Since the working of relaying unit involves removal of existing rails alongwith all the different types of traction bonds, it is absolutely essential that temporary jumpers for passenger of return current are provided till such time the permanent bonds are fixed to the new rails. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II Following procedure shall be followed by the site Incharges of both the Engineering and TRD branches associated with Relaying work. 1. Before energizing the OHE after completion of work at the end of each day, temporary jumpers/temporary structure bonds shall be provided on the auxiliary rails and the new rail by the TRD supervisors as per instructions contained in ACTM. This shall be jointly witnessed by the PWI in a register provided for this purpose. TRD supervision shall keep the register in this custody. 2. PWI at site should ensure that temporary rail bonds are connected through auxiliary rail before opening/dismantalling of rails joins for replacing the panel. 3. It would be the responsibility of the PWI incharge to ensure the safety of the staff once the TRD supervision has attended to the above work to ensure that temporary bonds jumpers are not damaged by Engineering staff during the course of working. 4. The length of section of track provided with the temporary jumpers shall also be indicated in the above register at the end of each working day. 5. NO bonds/temporary jumpers shall be opened by the Engineering Branch without first informing the TRD Supervisors. 6. Formation of auxiliary track shall also be done in the presence of TRD Supervisor, who shall provide necessary temporary earthing connection to ensuring safety of staff. 7. At the time of dismantalling/replacing track from the site, PWI concerned will provide continuity jumpers as per instructions given in ACTM in addition to other instructions for the precautions to be observed by permanent way staff. 8. The temporary jumpers shall be replaced by permanent bonds in the quickest possible time. 9. The implantation of OHE masts shall be maintained by the Engineering Branch as recorded in the SED. 10. All the staff should be clearly instructed not be interfere with the track after the work has stopped for the day and the entries in the register made. 11. All other bonds would be done by the TRD Supervision as per instructions contained in ACTM. 11. Joint Engineering and Electrical Department Circular. Consequent upon Electrification of various sections of track on Railway/Division, la number of additional assets have been created. It is therefore necessary to define the responsibilities in respect of maintenance of such assets and precautions to be taken in maintaining existing assets. 1. General a) Electrification System : The system of electrification on the Railway is ac, Single Phase, 25 kV, 50 Hz. The sections under electrification are from.........................to................................. b) Rules : Subsidiary rules for 25 kV ac traction issued by CEE and COM and Permanent Way Safety Rules issued by Chief Engineer as supplement to Part “ J “ Chapter II of Indian Railway Permanent Manual shall be in possession of every PWI, APWI, IOW. They shall be conversant with all rules and shall also be responsible for ensuring that all staff under them know the rules and follows them strictly. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II c) Safety First Waning to Staff ; All electrical equipment shall be regarded as alive at all times and consequently dangerous to human life, save and except in cases where the electrical equipment has been specially made dead in accordance with the provisions of these rules. All Railway servants other than those deputed to work on or near electrical equipment shall keep away therefrom. d) Admission to and permit-to-work in the supply control posts : No person other than authorised traction maintenance staff, their assistants, when accompanying them and persons provided with special permits issued by Sr. DEE/TRD and others is mentioned in SR shall be admitted to supply control posts. e) Work on electrical equipment in supply control posts and other electrical equipments: No work shall be undertaken on any part of electrical equipment or adjacent to it until the person has received a permit-to-work card. The PWI or IOW will get this from authorised persons as per provisions of SR. f) Engineering staff on track patrol shall look for any missing locks on the isolator switches mounted on traction mast along the track and report the same to ATFO or the TPC without delay. 2. Maintenance a) Buildings : A number of buildings have been constructed for locating various equipment for maintenance and operation of traction equipment. These include Remote Control Centres, supply control posts (at various points along the track), maintenance depots, OHE inspection Car Sheds etc. The Engineering Department shall maintain all these buildings in a fit condition. Special care should be exercised to ensure that Remote Control Cubicles along the track and Remote Control Centres are maintained leak proof and vermin proof as these contain costly sophisticated equipment, whose correct operation is vital for safety of staff and equipment on the Railway. The Engineers shall therefore execute all such works that may be required for ensuring the above as expeditiously as possible. Painting and white washing of the interior of the building housing various equipments will be done by Engineering Staff under the supervisor of Electrical Staff. All repair to fencing at supply control posts around high voltage equipments including painting will also be done by Engg. Staff under the Supervision of Elec. Staff. b) Tunnel roofs are also to be maintained water proof by the Engineering Department to avoid flashovers and breakdowns to OHE> c) All OHE supporting masts and their foundations will be maintained by the Electrical Department. Ballast, sand and cement will be supplied by the Engineering Department on demand. Foundations at special locations like bridges will however be maintained and replaced by the Engineering Department as per the requirements of the Electrical Department. The earth work around the foundations block will be maintained by the Engineering Department. d) Track Bonds : All bonds between track rails and between rail and traction masts will be maintained by the Electrical Department. During track patrol the engineering staff shall look for any damaged bonds between rail & structure, or those between rail to rail and report such damages as they notice to the TFO concerned without delay. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II e) Level Crossing Gauges, Screens etc. on bridges : The maintenance of level crossing including caution boards thereon will be done by the Engineering Department. Special care shall be taken to prevent the approach road levels going down below the mark given in level crossing gauges, to prevent passage of unsafe road traffic under the OHE. The height of the top member of L.C. gauge above the road shall not exceed 4.67 metres. Similarly all screens provided on foot over, road over bridges etc. shall be maintained by the Engineering staff. f) Slewing of tracks and alteration to super elevation and heights of rails : It shall be ensured that the level of rails under foot over bridges, road over bridges, and other overline structures does not exceed the level marked under such structures Whenever any work on track, which is likely to affect rail bonds, is undertaken by permanent way staff, adequate notice shall be given to the Traction foreman (OHE) to enable him to arrange for bonding staff for removal and replacement of bonds. Bonding staff when working with a permanent way inspector, sub-inspector or Assistance Inspector shall work under the instruction s of Permanent Way Inspector, Sub-Inspector or Assistance Inspector who shall then be responsible for the safety of the track and of the staff. g) Work involving traffic or power blocks and permits work on traction electrical or overhead equipment : All departments in the electrified area who require traffic blocks, power blocks, or permits-to-work in the danger zone of the traction equipment or who require over head line bond/or bonding staff to be present at site for scheduled maintenance works,shall deliver at the office of the Sr. Divisional/Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution) not later than 10.00 hr. on every Monday morning, statements in the prescribed form showing (i) the nature of the work and the date on which it is to be performed, (ii) by whom the work is to be carried out, (iii) location of the work and the section of the lines to be blocked (iv) the trains between which the block is required and (v) whether the track will be available for steam of diesel traffic. The requirement of all departments will be co-ordinated in the office of the Sr. Divisional/Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution) and a consolidated statement forwarded to the Sr. Divisional/Divisional Operating Manager concerned at 12.00 hrs. on every Wednesday for inclusion in the weekly programme of traffic and power blocks. Works of an urgent character shall be attended to by obtaining emergency blocks and permits-to- work from the TPC. A weekly programme of work involving traffic blocks, power blocks and permits-to-work shall be prepared in the office of the Sr. Divisional/Divisional Operating Manager and dispatched to all concerned by Friday evening, for the week commencing on the following Monday. h) Work on station roof, signal gantries etc. – Precaution to be taken by staff. Measuring taps of all kinds, tools and metal articles ( such as paint pots, oil case, metal bars) shall not be used where they can be lifted or be dropped or be carried by the wind on to overhead equipment when such overhead equipment is alive. i) Working on service building and structures in the vicinity of the equipment : Railway staff when required to carry out work on service, buildings and structures in proximity to overhead equipment, shall exercise special care to ensure that tools, measuring taps, materials etc. are not placed in a position where there are likely to fall, or may contact with electric equipment. Wherever such work has to be carried out under conditions which involve risk to the workmen or other persons, arrangements shall be made for authorised overhead equipment staff to be present, who shall take such precautions as may be necessary for the safety of the persons concerned. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II j) Working near cables : When excavations are being made adjacent to tracks and cable routes in an electrified area adequate precautions shall be taken for the safety of staff and to avoid damage to underground cables and rail bonds. Markers are placed wherever possible, along the cable alignment and plans are available indicating generally the position of burried cables. Excavation must not be undertaken in the vicinity of cable routes until the exact position of the cables has been ascertained and a representative of the department concerned is present. This is applicable to cables of Posts and Telegraphs Departments also. If circumstances make it imperative that work be undertaken without sufficient notice. Asstt. Signal and Telecommunication Engineer concerned must be informed by telegram for arranging staff to be present. k) Working of Cranes : NO steam or hand-crane shall be worked adjacent to traction overhead equipment unless such overhead equipment is made dead and earthed and authorised OHE staff are present. All movements of the crane jib shall be carefully controlled so as not to foul the traction overhead equipment. Wherever possible the direct blast from the crane funnel to the over-head equipment and particularly to section insulators shall be avoided. Except in emergency, 24 hours notice of intention to work a crane adjacent to overhead equipment shall be given to the Sr.Divisional/Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution) in order to make arrangements for overhead equipment staff to stand by. When possible the working of cranes shall be included in the weekly programme. In an emergency, the Traction Power Controller shall be advised and he shall make arrangements for overhead equipment staff to stand by. l) Sanded catch sidings : On sanded catch sidings, the rails shall be kept clear of bond for a length of about 25 metres beyond live overhead equipment of the track. m) Transport of heavy materials : In the case of accidents and breakdowns involving OHE, PWIs/APWIs in charge shall arrange at short notice for labour required for carrying heavy materials, erection of structures etc. n) Caution Boards : The caution boards at stations warning passengers and staff not to come in contact with the traction installations should also be maintained by the Engineering Department. o) No blasting is to be done in the vicinity of the electrified lines without the specific sanction of the Sr. Divisional/Divisional Electrical Engineer (TRD) p) Numbering of traction masts : The kilometer number painted on the traction masts as well as the signs showing the direction of the nearest emergency Telephone sockets will also be maintained by the Engineer Department staff. The painting of masts themselves, as and when required, will be carried out by the Electrical Department. INDIAN RAILWAY-AC TRACTION MANUAL – VOLII- PART II