Essential Safety Protocols for Train Operations
If a train overruns any block signal that requires it to stop, the crew must: 1. Warn other trains at once by radio 2. Stop the train immediately 3. Report it to TD.
Changing Established Routes – Do not establish or authorize a conflicting route until communicating with the approaching train’s crew and ensuring that the train has stopped clear of the conflicting route. The control operator must avoid operating a device controlling a switch, derail, movable point frog, or lock when any portion of a train is on or closely approaching the equipment.
Protection if Signal Appliance or Track is Damaged – If a signal or signal appliance functions improperly or the track is damaged; signals that govern movements on affected routes must display a Stop indication.
Authority to Proceed – Except when a signal is used to provide protection within CTC limits or at manual interlockings, control operators must not give hand signals or verbally authorize movement beyond a Stop indication when a proceed indication can be displayed for the movement.
Change of Signal Indication – If a signal displaying a proceed indication changes to an indication requiring a train to stop, the train must stop at once. Report such a signal change to the TD.
Signal Aspects (Potential False Proceeds) – When it has been determined that a potential false proceed exists, do the following:
- Block signals governing access to the affected signal at adjacent control points in all directions or use restrictive tags or track blocks in areas that would prevent signals at adjacent control points from clearing into the limits.
- Promptly notify the Chief Dispatcher.
- Promptly notify the signal call desk and be governed by their instructions or as directed by the Corridor Superintendent or AGST.
- Prohibit train movements in the affected area until the signal system has been tested by the signal team and has been released for normal operation by the Signal Supervisor (or their designee) or further instructions are received from the General Superintendent Transportation (or their designee).
Movement from Signal Requiring Restricted Speed – When a train passes a signal requiring movement at restricted speed, the train must move at restricted speed until its leading wheels have passed the next governing signal. When leaving block system limits, trains operating on the main track must move at restricted speed for two miles or until leading wheels pass the opposing distant signal.
Stop Indications (CTC Territory) – At a signal displaying a Stop indication, if no conflicting movement is evident, the train will be governed as follows:
- A crew member must immediately contact the CO, unless the train is within T&T limits or entering the track and time limits from any point other than either end of the track and time limits.
- When the train receives these instructions: “After stopping (train) at (location) has authority to pass signal displaying Stop indication,” the train must move at restricted speed.
Manual Interlockings – Same first line as above and crew must immediately contact CO. Before proceeding into or continuing in CTC Territory, the manual interlocking CO must be sure the CTC CO has given authority to proceed. [Exception] Conflicting Movement – When the CO…