Transport Railways Hazards and Features

Aim To instruct students on the features, hazards and operational procedures when attending incidents on or near railways.

Learning Outcomes State the two methods of electrification List the other hazards which may be encountered List the various types of trains and emergency features State the operational problems associated with tunnels. At the end of the session students will be able to:

Signals Two major types; Mechanically operated semaphore. Electrically operated

Track terminology.

Points May move without warning May be fitted with heaters to prevent freezing Do not stand on rodding, wires or between blades Note the propane cylinders for heating.

Overhead line equipment (OLE) Operates at 25Kv, AC Height normally between m May be as low as 4.2m at low bridges Increased to 5.6m at level crossings I.D. number on supports.

Telephones Signal post to signal box - black and white hatching on cabinet lid Electrification - red telephone symbol on white background Other telephones - telephone cabinet will carry instructions. 

Miscellaneous hazards Electric Cables - run alongside railway lines, usually in concrete troughing Detonators - used to warn train drivers of work on the track, may explode in fire, may be up to 120 in trackside huts Thermit - magnesium based powder, used to fusion weld lengths of track together, toxic when exposed to heat or flame, produces its own oxygen supply.

Types of trains Multiple unit (speeds up to 145kph) 4 Types; Diesel mechanical Diesel electric AC electric DC electric.

Types of trains High speed trains - Inter City 125 (speeds up to 200 kph) Motorail trains - convey sleeping cars, compartment coaches and flat trucks carrying cars. Locomotive hauled or propelled (speeds up to 160kph)

Types of trains All trains which can travel in excess of 160kph (100mph) have their headlights on permanently.

Carriages Height - access, may be as much as 2metres to bottom of window from ballast level Doors - if hinged type may jam as a result of collision Windows - fixed closed, consist of double glazed units. Many different types in use on all routes, but the following problems are common to most;

Carriage floor Integrated construction of steel sheet, fibreglass packing and fibreboard mm depth containing underfloor ventilation ducts Very difficult and time consuming access, not recommended.

Carriage roof Corrugated steel sheet gives strength Inside is 50mm thickness of foil-backed fibreglass Melamine or melaluminium sheet forms interior Very difficult and time consuming access.

Tunnels Divided attendance Deep penetration Rescue Length of hose lines Transporting equipment. Tunnels present particular operational problems including;

Tunnels B.A. control Underfoot conditions Excessive heat Thick smoke. Communications

Health and safety Full firefighting kit with high visibility jackets to be worn at all times Points may be fitted with electric motors that will remain live after traction power is isolated OLE operates at 25,000v AC Hazards - cables, detonators, thermit.

Confirmation Assessments will be based on this lesson and the corresponding study note Learning Outcomes State the two methods of electrification List the other hazards which may be encountered List the various types of trains and emergency features State the operational problems associated with tunnels.

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