QR Standard 37 Observance of Signals.Pdf

Observance of Signals

DEFINITIONS

SG - Overview

Audible Track Warning Device. A device that is used to attract attention of rail trafﬁc crews.

Bi-directional Track. A track which is signalled for trains to run in either

direction

Brisbane Suburban Area. The Brisbane Suburban Area is the area bounded by Caboolture, Shorncliffe, Pinkenba, Ferny Grove, Ipswich (including Swanbank), Cleveland (including Fisherman Islands), and Robina (including Acacia Ridge).

Dangerous Goods Regulations. The regulations contained in the Railways of Australia Code of Practices and Conditions for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and in the Australian Explosive Code.

Dangerous Goods. Those substances and items so deﬁned in the Australian

Dangerous Goods Code.

Electric Control Operator (ECO). The worker who controls the power supply to the overhead line, and is responsible for all switching operations and isolations of electrical equipment.

Handsignaller. A qualiﬁed and competent worker authorised to warn, control

and protect all rail trafﬁc and workers in a designated area by the use of hand/ﬂag/

light signals and/or other devices as deemed necessary.

Limit of Shunt Board. A board which deﬁnes the limit of shunting operations. Non-Electrified Route. A route not equipped to supply power to electric trains. Obstruction. Any defect in the track or track formation, or obstacle on, above or

adjacent to the track which will prevent the safe passage of trains.

Officer in Charge. The worker responsible for a task or situation, including a Train Controller, Station Master, Station Ofﬁcer, Signaller, the responsible member of a traincrew, or a duly qualiﬁed and authorised ofﬁcer of QR.

On-track Vehicle (OTV). Any power operated, self propelled, ﬂange wheel mounted rail track vehicle.

Opposing Train. Any train other than a following train which, if it continued beyond a nominated signal, would cross over or occupy the same track as another train.

Overhead Line Equipment. The structures and overhead equipment necessary

for the power supply for electric rollingstock.

Permit to Work. A form of declaration, signed and issued by a nominated worker to a worker in charge of work to be carried out on, or near to, overhead traction wiring equipment.

Platform. A place where trains stop to pick up or set down passengers.

Qualified Officer. A worker who holds current accreditation for tasks to be performed under speciﬁc safeworking systems.

Rail Track Signal. An explosive device used as an audible warning or emergency stop signal.

Siding. A section of track other than a running line, used for shunting and the storage of rollingstock.

Signal. A signal is used to help make sure of the safe operation of trafﬁc and regulate train and shunting movements.

Signaller. A worker qualiﬁed and authorised to operate nominated signalling

equipment.

Signal Section. A section of track between two consecutive running signals in the direction of travel.

Station Yard. All tracks at a station protected by signals.

Station. A place designated by name in the Working Timetable or by special instruction, at which a train may stop for operational purposes, or to set down or pick up passengers.

SG - Overview

Track Circuit. An electrical circuit using the rails to prove a section of track is clear of all rollingstock, or to detect the presence of rollingstock.

Train. A single unit of rollingstock, or two or more units coupled together, at least one of which is a locomotive or other self-propelled unit. An on-track vehicle/s is a train when working under Safeworking Regulations.

Traincrew. A Train Driver and any qualiﬁed assistants provided on the train or on-track vehicle/s.

Train Driver. Category 1: A worker who is trained and accredited to drive traditional type trains, for example, Diesel Electric Locomotives, Electrical Multiple Units, Tilt Trains, Steam Locomotives, Electric Locomotives and Rail Motors which may, or may not,

be hauling rollingstock.

Category 2: A worker who is trained and accredited to drive

Rail Motors only.

Category 3: A worker who is trained and accredited to drive

either a Section Car, High Rail Vehicle, or a Track Machine.

Train Unit. A passenger train where the power unit/s is an integral part of the

train consist.

Unidirectional Track. A track which is signalled for trains to run in one direction.

Worksite. The area necessary to carry out work for a speciﬁc purpose for a speciﬁed time. A worksite within 3 metres of the track centre line requires protection.

Wrong Side System Failure. A failure in the signalling system which causes

a potentially dangerous situation. For example, if a train is not detected by the signalling system, or if a train is approaching and crossing a level crossing and the ﬂashing lights and/or boom gates fail to operate, or where a PROCEED signal is displayed where a STOP signal should be displayed.

MODULE SG 1: SIGNALS GENERAL

11 SG 1.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 1.2 TYPES OF SIGNALS AND EQUIPMENT ............................................. 4

SG 1.3 OPERATING SIGNALLING EQUIPMENT ............................................ 6

SG 1.5 OBSERVANCE OF SIGNALS ............................................................... 8

SG 1.6 ASPECTS OF SIGNALS ..................................................................... 14

SG 1.7 BACK OF SIGNALS ............................................................................ 15

SG 1.8 SIGNALS NOT IN USE ....................................................................... 15

SG 1.9 IRREGULAR SIGNALS....................................................................... 16

SG 1.10 PLACING SIGNALS AT PROCEED .................................................... 17

SG 1.11 TRAINS MOVING BACKWARDS AFTER ENTERING A

SIGNALLED ROUTE .......................................................................... 17

SG 1.12 PASSING SIGNALS AT PROCEED .................................................... 19

SG 1.13 SEMAPHORE ARMS REFERRING TO DIFFERENT TRACKS ......... 20

SG 1.14 STOPPING AND DELAY AT SIGNALS ............................................... 21

SG 1.16 FAILURE OF TRAINS OR ON-TRACK VEHICLES TO BE

DETECTED BY TRACK CIRCUITS ................................................... 23

SG 1.17 SANDING OF THE TRACK IN TRACK CIRCUITED AREAS ............ 26

MODULE SG 2: RUNNING SIGNALS

SG 2.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 2.2 SEMAPHORE SIGNALS....................................................................... 4

SG 2.3 COLOUR LIGHT SIGNALS................................................................... 5

SG 2.4 STARTING SIGNALS – NON RCS TERRITORY.................................. 8

SG 2.5 HOME SIGNALS – NON RCS TERRITORY......................................... 8

SG 2.7 STOP BOARDS .................................................................................. 10

SG 2.9 APPROACH SIGNALS AND APPROACH BEACONS ........................ 13

MODULE SG 3:

SHUNTING SIGNALS AND INDICATORS

SG 3.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 3.7 CATCH POINT DISC........................................................................... 12

SG 3.8 TRAILABLE FACING POINTS INDICATOR ....................................... 13

MODULE SG 4: BOARDS

SG 4.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 4.2 SPEED BOARDS .................................................................................. 3

SG 4.3 WHISTLE BOARDS .............................................................................. 5

SG 4.5 CLEARANCE POINT BOARDS ............................................................ 6

MODULE SG 5: DEFECTIVE SIGNALS, POINTS, INTERLOCKING AND TRACK DETECTION

SG 5.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 5.2 NEW AND ALTERED SIGNALS AND POINTS ..................................... 4

SG 5.3 DEFECTS – SIGNALS, POINTS, INTERLOCKING AND TRACK DETECTION ......................................................................................... 4

MODULE SG 6: SIGNS

SG 6.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 6.2 SAFEWORKING TERRITORY SIGNS ................................................. 3

SG 6.7 LEVEL CROSSING SIGNS................................................................... 5

SG 6.8 KILOMETRE SIGNS ............................................................................. 5

SG 6.9 SIGNAL NUMBER PLATE SIGNS ........................................................ 6

SG 6.10 TRAILABLE POINTS SIGNS ................................................................ 6

SG 6.16 SPEED WARNING SIGNS.................................................................. 11

SG 6.20 SUPER CONTROL SIGNS ................................................................. 14

SG 6.21 SP PLATES ......................................................................................... 14

MODULE SG 7: COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

SG 7.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 7.2 EMERGENCY MESSAGES .................................................................. 5

SG 7.3 TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING MESSAGES ................................. 6

SG 7.4 STANDARD COMMUNICATION TERMS ............................................. 7

SG 7.5 MESSAGES INTERRUPTED OR POOR RECEPTION ....................... 8

SG 7.6 TESTING OF RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT ...................... 9

MODULE SG 8:

HAND, HAND HELD FLAG AND LIGHT SIGNALS

SG 8.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 8.2 HAND, HAND HELD FLAG AND LIGHT SIGNALS .............................. 4

SG 8.3 HAND AND LIGHT SIGNALS - SHUNTING ......................................... 6

MODULE SG 9: RIGHTAWAY SIGNALS

SG 9.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 9.2 METHODS USED FOR GIVING RIGHTAWAY ..................................... 4

SG 9.3 RIGHTAWAY PROCEDURES ............................................................... 5

MODULE SG 10: TRAIN SIGNALS

SG 10.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 10.2 RESPONSIBILITY OF WORKERS ....................................................... 3

SG10.3 TRAIN SIGNALS REQUIRED ............................................................... 4

SG 10.4 VISIBILITY LIGHTS .............................................................................. 5

SG 10.5 HEADLIGHTS ....................................................................................... 5

SG 10.6 HEADLIGHT FAILURE.......................................................................... 6

SG 10.7 OBSERVANCE OF REAR OF TRAIN SIGNALS .................................. 7

SG 10.8 DEFECTIVE REAR OF TRAIN SIGNAL ............................................... 8

SG 10.9 MISSING REAR OF TRAIN SIGNALS.................................................. 8

MODULE SG 11: TRAIN WHISTLE CODES

SG 11.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

11 SG 11.2 EMERGENCY TRAIN WHISTLE .......................................................... 4

SG 11.3 WARNING TRAIN WHISTLE ................................................................ 4

SG 11.4 TRAIN WHISTLE MESSAGES - NO RADIO COMMUNICATION AVAILABLE ........................................................................................... 6

SG 11.5 TRAIN WHISTLES - RAIL TRACK SIGNALS ....................................... 6

SG 11.6 FAILURE OF TRAIN WHISTLES .......................................................... 6

MODULE SG 12: AUDIABLE TRACK WARNING DEVICES (ATW’S)

SG 12.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3

SG 12.2 RAIL TRACK SIGNALS

Reflectorised Equipment

Some signals, boards and signs have reflectorised components/parts which assist traincrews and other workers in viewing this equipment much earlier than normal by night or when visibility is reduced. Where signals, boards and signs are reflectorised, they will be identified by the use of the symbol * For example,

BLOCK LIMIT BOARD *

SIGNALS GENERAL

SG 1.1 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................3 of 26

SG 1.1.1 Purpose of Module.................................................... 3 of 26

SG 1.1.2 Safety........................................................................ 3 of 26

SG 1.1.3 Normal Position of Signals........................................ 4 of 26

SG 1.2 TYPES OF SIGNALS AND EQUIPMENT ...................................4 of 26

SG 1.2.1 Running Signals........................................................ 4 of 26

SG 1.2.2 Shunting Signals and Indicators ............................... 4 of 26

SG 1.2.3 Boards ...................................................................... 4 of 26

SG 1.2.4 Signs ......................................................................... 4 of 26

SG 1.2.5 Hand, Hand Held Flag and Light Signals and

Radio Communication .............................................. 5 of 26

SG 1.2.6 Train Signals ............................................................. 5 of 26

SG 1.2.7 Whistle Codes........................................................... 5 of 26

SG 1.2.8 Rail Track Signals ..................................................... 5 of 26

SG 1.2.9 Emergency Signals and Equipment.......................... 5 of 26

SG 1.3 OPERATING SIGNALLING EQUIPMENT ..................................6 of 26

SG 1.3.1 Care and Working of Signalling Equipment .............. 6 of 26

SG 1.3.2 Stop Signals to be Shown in Case of Obstruction .... 6 of 26

SG 1.4 CONTROL OF POINTS BY SIGNALLER DURING SHUNTING 7 of 26

SG 1.4.1 Shunting Over Points Controlled by Signaller........... 7 of 26

SG 1.4.2 Moving Points During Shunting

Operations ................................................................ 8 of 26

SG 1.5 OBSERVANCE OF SIGNALS .....................................................8 of 26

SG 1.5.1 Authority to Pass a Signal at STOP .......................... 8 of 26

SG 1.5.2 Responsibility of Workers ......................................... 9 of 26

SG 1.5.3 Failure to Obey Signals ............................................ 9 of 26

SG - 1

1 SG 1.5.4 Passing Signals at STOP Without Authority ............. 10 of 26

SG 1.6 ASPECTS OF SIGNALS ...........................................................14 of 26

SG 1.7 BACK OF SIGNALS ..................................................................15 of 26

SG 1.7.1 Authority of Back of Signals .................................... 15 of 26

SG 1.7.2 Back of Semaphore Signals ................................... 15 of 26

SG 1.8 SIGNALS NOT IN USE..............................................................15 of 26

SG 1.9 IRREGULAR SIGNALS .............................................................16 of 26

SG 1.10 PLACING SIGNALS AT PROCEED ..........................................17 of 26

SG 1.11 TRAINS MOVING BACKWARDS AFTER ENTERING A

SIGNALLED ROUTE .................................................................17 of 26

SG 1.11.1 Trains Moving Backwards After Entering a Signalled

Route ...................................................................... 18 of 26

SG 1.11.2 Trains Moving Backwards After Entering a Signalled

Route and then Moving Forward ............................ 18 of 26

SG 1.12 PASSING SIGNALS AT PROCEED .........................................19 of 26

SG 1.13 SEMAPHORE ARMS REFERRING TO DIFFERENT TRACKS.................................................................................... 20 of 26

SG 1.13.1 Reading Semaphore Arms Referring to Different

Tracks ..................................................................... 20 of 26

SG 1.14 STOPPING AND DELAY AT SIGNALS .....................................21 of 26

SG 1.14.1 Stopping at Signals ................................................. 21 of 26

SG 1.14.2 Delay at Signals ...................................................... 21 of 26

SG 1.16 FAILURE OF TRAINS OR ON-TRACK VEHICLES TO BE

DETECTED BY TRACK CIRCUITS .........................................23 of 26

SG 1.16.1 Vehicles with Rusty Wheels .................................... 23 of 26

SG 1.16.3 Sections Identified at Risk by Workers .................. 25 of 26

SG 1.17 SANDING OF THE TRACK IN TRACK CIRCUITED AREAS ..26 of 26

MODULE SG 1: SIGNALS GENERAL

WARNING

The proper observance of signals is vital for the safety of workers and the general public.

Traincrews and other workers are not to be satisfied with the proper observance of signals only. In addition to the observance of signals, traincrews and other workers must give their

attention to the condition of the track and any other factor which affects safety and/or safeworking.

SG 1.1.3 Normal Position of Signals

Where a signal is capable of showing a STOP aspect, the normal position of these signals will be at STOP. Some signals, however, may be normally at PROCEED

· where they are used to protect level or tramway crossings

· where they are used to extend the limits of a station yard

· where they are non-controlled signals

· at nominated locations

· at unattended crossing stations in staff and ticket territory

SG 1.2 TYPES OF SIGNALS AND EQUIPMENT

SG 1.2.1 Running Signals

Signals that are mainly used to authorise running movements, but may also be used for shunting movements.

SG 1.2.2 Shunting Signals and Indicators

Shunting signals regulate shunting movements in sidings, through crossover tracks or along running tracks. When a shunting signal is placed at PROCEED for a shunting movement it must be assumed that the section of track beyond this signal is occupied.

Indicators show the way the points are set for the route the train is to take.

SG 1.2.3 Boards

Boards are used to give traincrew and other workers instructions necessary for the running of trains. They must be obeyed, the same as signals.

SG 1.2.4 Signs

Signs are used to tell traincrew and other workers of particular safeworking situations, particular instructions, or to identify locations.

1.2.5 Hand, Hand Held Flag and Light Signals and Radio

Communication

and, hand held flag and light signals and radio communication are used when

· there are no other appropriate signals

· an additional signal is required

· necessary to give rightaway

· a speciﬁc instruction needs to be given

· an emergency exists

SG 1.2.6 Train Signals

Train signals are used to

· indicate the front and rear of trains

· indicate a train is intact

SG 1.2.7 Whistle Codes

Whistle codes are used to

· warn workers and members of the public

· convey messages

· warn of an emergency

SG 1.2.8 Rail Track Signals

Rail Track signals are used as

· warning devices

· emergency signals

· protection

SG 1.2.9 Emergency Signals and Equipment

Various signals and equipment may be used in an emergency. These include

· rail track signals

· radios

· hand, hand held, ﬂag and light signals

· train whistle

· bell signals

· ﬂashing headlight

· airbrake

· track circuit clips

SG 1.3 OPERATING SIGNALLING EQUIPMENT

SG 1.3.1 Care and Working of Signalling Equipment

All workers responsible for the operation of signalling equipment

will

· make sure equipment is used in the correct manner

· make sure all trafﬁc movements are protected by signals,

where provided

· not allow unqualiﬁed, unauthorised workers to operate the

equipment

· make sure all signalling equipment is in proper working order

· report any failure of signalling equipment

· make sure manually controlled signals are returned to their normal position as soon as a train has passed

· make sure signals and points respond to operation by ob- serving signals, points or indications provided

SG 1.3.2 Stop Signals to be Shown in Case of Obstruction

When a track becomes obstructed

Ofﬁcer in Charge

· place signals at STOP

· block the section or place collars over levers or switches

· tell train controller and ofﬁcer in charge on both sides of

the obstruction

· do not clear signals to the obstructed track, or unblock the

section, until clearance of the obstruction is conﬁrmed

b) Train Cannot be Brought Inside a Home SignalSG - 1

SG 1.4 CONTROL

When carrying out shunting operations.