Description
This document describes how an Absolute Signal Blocking form must be compiled, cancelled, ended and managed.
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Introduction
Unless a system-generated electronic ASB form is available, NRF 018 Absolute Signal Blocking (ASB) must be used by Signallers to record the details for excluding rail traffic from a portion of track when work is performed using:
Mandatory items
All items must be completed
1 Request
2 Worksite location
3 Protection to be used
4 Assurances
5 Authorisation
8 Ending ASB
Item 1 – Request
If the form is being used for Absolute Signal Blocking (ASB):
- tick the check box
beside the statement ‘ASB’, and - put a cross in the check box
beside the statement ‘Activities associated with in-service rail traffic’.
If the form is being used for protecting activities associated with in-service rail traffic:
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘Activities associated with in-service rail traffic’, and
- put a cross in the check box beside the statement ‘ASB’.
Item 2 – Worksite Location
Record the line names.
If the nominated worksite location is described as being from two reference points:
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘from’ and record the asset details, and
- put crosses in the checkboxes beside the statement ‘between’ and the statement ‘completely within’.
If the nominated activity location is described as being between stations:
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘between’ and record the station details, and
- put crosses in the checkboxes beside the statement “from” and the statement ‘completely within’.
If the nominated activity location is described as being completely within a reference point:
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘completely within’ and record the asset details, and
- put crosses in the checkboxes beside the statement ‘between’ and the statement ‘from’.
If completing the Worksite Location section for an ASB on an adjacent line, enter the details of the adjacent line, not the line being worked on.
Item 3 – Protection to be used
Review the protection to be used and cross out the options that are not applicable.
If protection is required from other Signallers, record their location or panel details in the ‘location/panel’ box.
Item 4 – Assurances
Review each assurance, and when confirmed:
- record the rail traffic identification number and its last known location, and
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘there is no approaching rail traffic between protection and worksite’.
If the Signaller has conducted the required checks and the rail traffic details are not available, the Signaller may record ‘not available’ in the ‘rail traffic ID’ or ‘Location’ box of Item 4.
Item 5 – Authorisation
Record the authorising Signaller’s details and the time that ASB is authorised.
Item 8 – Ending ASB
To end the ASB record the:
- Protection Officer’s name, or
- rail traffic identification number
- review each assurance, and when confirmed:
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘Confirm worksite location’, and
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘Confirm workers and equipment are clear of the Danger Zone’, and
- record the Protection number and cross-reference it with the Protection number in item 5, and
- record the time ASB is ended.
- tick the check box
Optional items
The following items are optional:
6 Suspending ASB
7 Re-establish ASB assurances
Review each item, and:
- put a cross in the numbered box if the item does not apply, or
- tick the numbered box if the item applies and complete the details.
Item 6 – Suspending ASB
If ASB is to be suspended:
- record the Protection Officer’s name, and
- review each assurance and when confirmed:
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘Confirm worksite location’, and
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘Confirm workers and equipment are clear of the Danger Zone’, and
- record the Protection number and cross-reference it with the Protection number in item 5, and
- record the time when ASB is suspended.
- tick the check box
Item 7 – Re-establish ASB assurances
To re-establish ASB, review each assurance and, when confirmed:
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘Confirm worksite location is identical’, and
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘all points of entry into affected portion of track are protected and blocking facilities applied’, and
- record the rail traffic identification number and its last known location, and
- tick the check box beside the statement ‘there is no approaching rail traffic between protection and worksite’, and
- record the time when ASB is re-established.
Item 6 and item 7 must not be used to suspend and re‑establish a request that has been authorised for protecting activities associated with in-service rail traffic.
