Glossary

Question 1

What does SPAD mean?

Answer 1

Signal Passed At Danger (Without Authority)

Question 2

What does ECO stand for?

Answer 2

Electrical Control Operator

Question 3

What is CRE?

Answer 3

Conductor Rail Equipment.
It is 750v DC

Question 4

What is OLE?

Answer 4

Overhead Line Equipment.
Alternating Current 25000 v

Question 5

What does OBS stand for?

Answer 5

On Board Supervisor

Question 6

Is an OBS PTS trained?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

What does PTS stand for?

Answer 7

Personal Track Safety

Question 8

What is the P-Way?

Answer 8

It is the permanent way, the infrastructure around the network, maintained by network rail.

Question 9

What does TPWS stand for?

Answer 9

Train Protection Warning System.

Question 10

What does AWS stand for?

Answer 10

Automatic. Warning System

Question 11

What is an AWR?

Answer 11

Authorised walking route

Question 12

How do we come to a clear understanding?

Answer 12

Repeat it back

Question 13

What does PON stand for?

Answer 13

Periodic Operating Notice

Question 14

What does it mean to be ‘on or near the line’

Answer 14

To be on the line itself.
To be within 3 metres of the nearest running rail within the boundary fence.
To be undertaking engineering or technical work within 1.25 metres of a platforms edge.

you are not on the line if on a level crossing

Question 15

What does it mean to be lineside?

Answer 15

further than 3 metres from the nearest running rail, and within the boundary fence.

you are not considered line side if you are on a station platform

Question 16

What is the position of safety if a train is approaching at 100mph or less?

Answer 16

The position of safety is at least 1.25 metres from the nearest line.

Question 17

What is the position of safety if a train is approaching at 101mph or more?

Answer 17

The position of safety is at least 2 metres from the nearest line.

Question 18

What is a line block?

Answer 18

When the signaller changes the signal to red (danger) to stop any oncoming trains

Question 19

What is an emergency switch off?

Answer 19

The electrical control operator (ECO) will cut off the supply of electricity to either the conductor rail or OLE in the area

Question 20

When using the radio, what word is used to show that you are finished talking, but you are waiting for a response?

Answer 20

Over

Question 21

When using the radio, what word is used to show that you are finished talking and you do not need a response?

Answer 21

Out

Question 22

What term must not be used when communicating via radio?

Answer 22

Never say “Not clear”

Instead, say “The line is blocked”

Question 24

Where will you find signals?

Answer 24

Signals are usually located to the left of the line to which the signal appears.
Each line is signalled separately.

Question 25

What will you find on a signal plate

Answer 25

A combination of letters and numbers that are used to identify the signal

Question 26

What is a Bi-mode train?

Answer 26

A train that can either provide its own reactive power, or take power from an AC line

Question 27

What is a Dual Voltage train?

Answer 27

A train that can use more than one electrification system

Question 28

What is the definition of an electric train?

Answer 28

A train that takes its power from the electrification system on an ac line. A bi-mode train that is using electricity is would normally be treated as an electric train.

Question 29

What is Emergency Switch-Off?

Answer 29

It is when the electrical control operator (ECO) switches off the electrical supply immediately, for instance when someone is in danger from live OLE.

Question 30

What is a self powered train?

Answer 30

A train the provides its own tractive power

Question 31

When rescuing a person from OLE, what criteria MUST be met?

Answer 31

The person is alive and can be reached from the ground. An emergency switch off is in place. The person is 600mm away from the OLE and any equipment. You or anything you are holding will not come within 600mm of a he OLE.