GSR Rule Book - 1933

FIXING, REMOVING, OR REPAIRING SIGNALS OR APPARATUS FOR WORKING SIGNALS AND POINTS.

77. (a) When any work involves the disarrangement of the interlocking apparatus, or the disconnection of signals (other than automatic, as to which see clause (i) ), opints, derailers, facing point bars or locks, fouling bars, detectors, track circuits, tradles, bridge bolts, turntable bolts, or level crossing gates, the man in charge, before the work is commenced, must give to the Signalman full particulars of what is about to be done and the latter must enter in the train register, or other book provided, the works, "Locking disarranged," with the numbers of the levers which will be interfered with and the time. This entry must be signed by both men.

Should a change of Signalmen take place during the progress of the work the man coming on duty must countersign the entry.

(b) A Handsignalman must always be appointed in connection with the work referred to in clauses (c), (d), (e) and (i), and must be appointed when necessary in connection with other work mentioned in clause (a); this Handsignalman must act as laid down in Rule 78.

(c) Before interlocking is disarranged, or a facing point, switch diamond, facing point bar or lock, bridge bolt, or turntable bolt is disconnected, the man in charge of the work must satisfy himself that the Handsignalman is at his post and act in accordance with the following instructions :--

(i.) Mechanically and power operated (two-aspect) signals.

The man in charge of the work must disconnect and fix at Caution the distant signals applicable to the lines affected.

(ii.) Power operated multiple-aspect signals.

The man in charge of the work must disconnect the electrical circuit or circuits controlling the signal in rear of the signal protecting the work so that it will not be possible for it to exhibit any aspect other than Caution (one yellow) or Danger.

(d) Before repairs to level crossing gates involving the disconnection of the interlocking are commenced, the man in charge of the work must comply with clause (c).

(e) When a signal controlling the entrance to the section ahead is locked at Danger by the disconnection of a track circuit or other apparatus performing a similar function, the Handsignalman must be stationed at the signal and he must instruct Drivers of all train sto proceed cautiously through the section. If necessary a competent man must also be appointed at the signal ahead of the track circuit or apparatus which is disconnected, to advise the Signalman of the arrival of trains stopped at that signal.

When a track circuit (except as described above) or other apparatus performing a similar function is disconnected, a competent man must be appointed to advise the Signalman immediately the portion of line converned is occupied, and also when it is clear. If the disconnection locks a signal in rear worked from the same box, such signal must be regarded as a defective signal and dealt with accordingly.

(f) When the work is completed, the Signalman, after receiving an assurance from the man in charge of the work that everything is in order, must test the locking. If the locking is found to be correct the Signalman must enter in the train register, or other book provided, the works "Locking restored" and the time, and the entry must be signed by both men.

(g) When signals or points are disconnected for repair or other purpose and the interlocking is in order the Signalman must use the lever applicable to such signal or points to obtain the security of the interlocking, and the signal and couter-balance weight must be disconnected from the lever, when necessary, by the man in charge of the work.

(h) When the interlocking is being repaired, altered or cleaned the man in charge of the work must not (except for testing purposes, and then only with the permission of the Signalman) move any lever, but must ask the Signalman to move it for him; nor must the Signalman move any lever concerned without first obtaining the permission of the man in charge of the work.

(i) When an automatic signal is inpoerative during repair or other wokr, the Handsignalman must be stationed at it and he must there exhibit a Danger signal to the Driver of every approaching train until the signal has been repaired. After the train has been brought to a stand the Driver must be advised of the circumstance and instructed to proceed with caution to the next stop signal.

When arrangements have not previously been made between the Engineering and Traffic Departments and the necessary notice has not been issued by the Operatin g Superintendent, the Signalman at the box in rear of such signal must be informed of what is to be done, and he must stop all trains proceeding towards the signal concerned and advise the Drivers of the circumstance.

78. (a) The Handsignalman must be provided with hand signals and detonators. He must act under the instructions of the Signalman and the latter must see that htis man is instructed as to his duties and understands what he is to do. If necessary, more than one Handsignalman must be provided.

(b) The Handsignalman must ascertain from the Signalman what train is to be brought forward, and satisfy himself that any facing points or switch diamonds concerned are in their proper position and secured by clip or scotch, and inform the Signalman accordingly before signalling the train forward, The Handsignalman must also satisfy himself that any trailing points are in the proper position for the train to pass.

(c) When signalling a train past a fixed signal, the Handsignalman must stand near to such signal in order that his hand signal may not be taken by a Driver on any other line. Should it be necessary to reduce the speed of, or stop, an apporaching train at a stop signal, the Handsignalman must exhibit a red hand signal to the Driver. When permission can be given for the train to proceed, the Handsignalman must exhibit stedily a green hand signal when at a two-aspect signal, and a yellow hand signal when at a multiple-aspect signal, In the case of a distant signal a hand Caution signal, held steadily, must be exhibited to the Driver of an approaching train.

During fog or falling snow in the case of a stop signal on a post carrying a distant signal the Handsignalman, after verbally authorising the Driver to proceed, must exhibit a yellow hand signal as an indication of the position of the distant signal.

When a stop signal with a lower distant arm under it is out of order, or has been temporarily removed, a Handsignalman will be stationed to had signal Drivers past the spot. Until it is right for the train to proceed the Handsignalman will place and maintain 3 detonators on the line, 10 yards apart, and exhibit a red hand signal. When the Handsignalman is advised by the Signalman that all is right for the train to proceed, the Handsignalman will exhibit a green hand signal in respect of the top arm, and leave one detonator on the line to act as a Caution signal in respect of the lower arm.

(d) Where repairs to level crossing gates involve the disconnection of the interlocking, a Handsignalman must attend to the working of the gates and the protection of the crossing.

(e) When it is necessary to pass a train over points which are disconnected, the Signalman must obtain an assurance from the Handsignalman that the points are in their proper position and sicured by clip or scotch.

(f) Where points are to be disconnected from the signal box, it may be necessary to assist the Handsignalman by employing a man at each pair of points, or to attend to a number of points. When not required for the passage of a train, the points may be moved by the men assisting the Handisgnalman as required by the men wokring at them. When a train is required to pass, the Handsignalman must so inform the men assiting him and see that the points concerned are in their proper position and secured by clip or scotch for the passage of the train ans set to avoid any conflicting movement; after the points have been so set they must not again be altered until the Handsignalman gives authority for this to be done.

79. When arrangements have not previously been made between the Engineering and Traffic Departments and the necessary notice has not been issued by the Traffic Manager respecting the erection or removal of signals, or other work affecting points, isgnals, track circuits or other apparatus which may interfere with the safe working of the line, the man in charge must, before commencing the work, communicate with the District Superintendent, District Controller, Traffic Inspector, or Station Master, as the case may be, who must make the necessary arrangements for the working of the traffic during the time such alterations are being effected. Where there is no Station Master or Signalman, and special arrangements have not been made with the Traffic Department, the man in charge of the work must provide for the safety of the line in accordance with Rule 217.

80. (a) A new signal must not be brought into use, and an alteration must not be made in the position or use of an existing signal, without the authority of the Traffic Manager.

(b) Semaphore isgnals not in use are distinguished by two pieces of wood nailed over each other in the form of a cross (see below).

New colour light signals, other than those referred to in clause (c), will either be fitted with a cross or covered over so that no light will be shown.

(c) Disc and colour light ground signals not in use will not be fitted with discs or lamps.