Pioneer Diesel Locomotive Group
General Instructions for Operation of Locomotives and Safety on Running Lines
1. Only authorised persons may drive the locomotive.
2. Only authorised persons may travel in the cabs.
3. Only authorised engineers may enter the engine rooms when the engine is running.
4. The driver must not be distracted from carrying out his/her duties.
5. No mobile phones may be used in the operational cab.
6. The locomotive must only be driven from the leading cab at all times except when easing up for uncoupling.
7. It is prohibited from riding on the outside of the locomotive, ie on the footsteps, and from boarding or alighting a moving locomotive.
8. Persons on the track must maintain a safe distance from the running lines and ensure they remain visible to the driver.
9. Persons on the track must not cross in front of a moving locomotive, and must only cross the track at a minimum distance of 5m if safe to do so. Do not stand on any rails and keep clear of points switch blades.
10. If the driver sounds the horn, persons on the tracks must first check they are a safe distance from the running lines and then acknowledge by raising one hand above their heads. The driver must stop the locomotive if someone on the track fails to acknowledge to find out the reason.
11. All train movements must only be conducted under the overall supervision of a designated Responsible Office (RO), who may also undertake the duties of shunter/signaller.
12. Only one person may act as the ground shunter/signaller to give instructions and hand signals to the driver. The driver and shunter must agree shunting movements prior to them taking place. No other persons should attempt to give signals to the driver, but may communicate with the shunter to assist with movements. Under certain circumstances, the shunter may pass shunting control to another person after communicating with the driver. The shunter remains solely responsible for signalling the movements.
13. The only exception to 12 is for an emergency when any person may raise both hands above their heads or display a red flag/light and the driver will apply an emergency brake immediately. Any coloured light waved violently at night also means stop immediately.
14. During coupling operations, the driver must bring the locomotive to an absolute stop approximately 3m in front of the other vehicle. The shunter must then signal the driver to move forward on to the other vehicle.
15. During coupling/uncoupling operations, the driver must destroy the train brake (auto air or vacuum) and apply the loco straight air brake prior to giving permission for anyone to go between the couplings. Therefore it is not permitted to go between the couplings under any circumstances, unless the driver has given permission.
16. After coupling, all scotches and handbrakes must be checked and released on the vehicles being hauled.
17. When coupling to a fitted vehicle or train, the train pipes (auto air or vacuum) are the first to be opened, and the last to be closed after connections are made. Train heating couplings (electric or steam) shall only be connected or disconnected if the driver has confirmed that the supply has been switched off.
18. After coupling to a fitted train, a brake test must be carried out from the leading cab before moving away.
19. For propelling moves along plain track, an authorised person must occupy the front of the leading vehicle in a position with a clear view of the track ahead and in a position to maintain continuous visual contact with the driver for handsignalling. If this is not possible, the propelling move must be conducted by the shunter from the ground, as explained in 12.
20. The driver must not leave the locomotive, even for a short time, parked with the air brakes due to the risk of leak-off. The locomotive handbrakes and scotches should be applied.
21. All PDLG Locomotives should be locked and secured and have all battery and lighting switches turned off when stabled.
22. PDLG members shall ensure they are familiar with and observe all local operating procedures and safety rules when visiting another railway if they are required to go on to any running lines.
Version 2: 13/4/2011