Abnormal situations, incidents and emergency procedures
What this domain tests
The exam tests priorities under pressure: protect, secure, inform. You must know how to protect the line in both directions, secure the train, make an emergency call, evacuate safely, and report the incident. Scenarios may involve derailment, fire, collision, stranded trains, or a person on the line.
Emergency priorities
- Protect the line: use track circuit clips, detonators, and hand signals as required; protect in both directions.
- Secure the train: apply the brake, isolate where necessary, and prevent movement.
- Inform: make a GSM-R emergency call or contact the signaller with location, nature of incident, and assistance needed.
- Evacuate only when safe: never evacuate passengers onto or across an adjacent live line.
Worked example
A train derails at low speed on a level crossing. There is no fire, but passengers are shaken. What do you do first?
Reasoning: protect before assisting. The train may be foul of another line, and road traffic may be at risk. Place track circuit clips, detonators, and hand signals as required, then secure the train and make the emergency call. Do not move passengers across the crossing or onto the adjacent line until protection is confirmed. Then assess injuries and report.
Traps that cost marks
- Evacuating passengers onto an adjacent line.
- Protecting only the direction of travel.
- Leaving the train without securing it.
- Giving an incomplete location in the emergency call.