Description
This document describes the procedure for using bell signals.
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Introduction
Bell signals are coded messages sent between signal boxes. They are sent as groups, of keystrokes or plunger presses, separated by pauses.
Bell signals
Message | Bell signal | ||
---|---|---|---|
SPEAK ON TELEPHONE | 1 | ||
IS LINE CLEAR FOR PASSENGER TRAIN? | 4 | ||
IS LINE CLEAR FOR LIGHT LOCOMOTIVE? | 2 | 3 | |
IS LINE CLEAR FOR FREIGHT TRAIN? | 1 | 2 | 1 |
TRAIN DEPARTURE | 2 | ||
TRAIN ARRIVED | 3 | ||
CANCEL LAST BELL SIGNAL SENT | 3 | 5 | |
SWITCHING IN A SIGNAL BOX | 3 | 3 | 3 |
SWITCHING OUT A SIGNAL BOX | 3 | 4 | 3 |
TESTING BELLS AND INSTRUMENTS | 3 | 5 | 3 |
OBSTRUCTION DANGER | 6 |
Exchanging bell signals
Qualified Workers
- Use the standard bell signals shown in the table.
- Use distinct keystrokes or plunger presses.
- Repeat a signal until it is acknowledged.
Do not assume that a bell signal has been received and understood before the same signal has been repeated back to acknowledge its receipt.
- Acknowledge a bell signal by sending the same signal back to the sender.
- Send the SPEAK ON TELEPHONE bell signal, and speak to the message sender, to:
- confirm the meaning of a signal, or
- give a negative response to a signal.