Examining the Line Track Circuit

If track circuit shows occupied following the passage of a train what should the signaller check?

Stop train and ask driver if their train is complete.

What must the signaller be certain of when a track circuit is showing occupied?

They must be certain that it is not a train. Make sure that the last train over the affected portion of line has passed clear of the track circuit concerned and one of the following applies:

The last train has occupied and cleared the overlap of the signal beyond the affected portion of line.

You recieved train out of section for last train if working by bells or telephone.

You have been told that the last train has passed out of section with tail lamp attached.

On a single or bi directional line, you must carry out the instructions in module P2:

Working single and bidirectional lines by pilot.

The adjacent line- if a train arrives on a line immediately adjacent to the affected line before the affected area has been examined what must the signaller tell the driver?

Told what is happening

Told the locations between which the adjacent line is affected

Instructed to pass the affected portion of line at caution

Told to report as soon as possible IF anything is wrong.

First train. First question to ask the first train who will examine the line?

‘Does the line appear to be clear as far as can be seen?’

If driver confirms that line appears clear, the signaller must:

Tell the driver what has happened.

Reach a clear understanding with the driver as to which portion of line is to be examined.

Tell driver to PSAD and proceed at caution over the agitated portion of line. (Must not attempt to call the route)

Tell the driver not to exceed w0mph through any tunnel on affected portion of line.

Tell driver to report at agreed point ahead.

What can the signaller assume once it is confirmed that the line is not obstructed.

Track circuit failure.

If the affected track circuit shows clear before technician arrives but no train has passed yet, the signaller must:

Carry out instructions for first train

After they have given driver instructions they can clear the signal( no need to PSAD)

If it is proved that line is clear, resume normal working.

Track circuit shows occupied and clear at intervals. The signaller must:

Treat the track circuit as having failed if there is a possibility a signal could revert to danger in front of a train. (PSAD)

If track circuit has been treated as failed but the affected track circuit shows clear before the technician arrives, normal working may resume as long as:

At least three trains have passed over the affected track circuit and

The track circuit has operated normally for and between each train.