NPR 740 Responding to faulty points

Introduction

Unless a safe place exists or can be created, Qualified Workers responding to faulty points must make sure that safety measures are in place before entering the Danger Zone.

Responding to faulty points

Signaller or Signaller’s delegate

1. If points do not respond correctly to signal box control:
   1. apply blocking facilities, and
   2. tell a Signals Maintenance Representative, and
   3. tell the Network Controller.
2. If possible, tell a Qualified Worker to:
   1. inspect the points, and
   2. if necessary, remove obstructions, and
   3. if necessary, operate the points manually.
3. Tell a Qualified Worker who needs to operate the points manually:
   1. the equipment identification number of the set of points, and
   2. where to find the points emergency cabinet, and where to get the key, and
   3. how many points machines are fitted, and
   4. the types of points, and
   5. whether to change the route setting.
4. Have the points clipped and locked if:
   1. you are not sure that the points-locking mechanism is working correctly, or
   2. the points-locking mechanism is not working or is faulty.

Inspecting the points

Qualified Worker

1. Check the equipment identification number of the points.
2. Check the current position of the points.
3. Check whether point clips are fitted.
4. If possible, check whether the points-locking mechanism of each machine is engaged.
5. Look to see why the points are not working correctly.
6. Get instructions from the Signaller.

Removing obstructions

Qualified Worker

There may be an obstruction between a switch rail and the stock rail, or interference with a points-locking mechanism.

1. If points need to be moved to remove an obstruction, ask the Signaller to move the points.

Signaller

1. Move the points and apply and remove blocking facilities only as required by the Qualified Worker.

Qualified Worker

1. Use a suitable tool to remove the obstruction.
2. Ask the Signaller to test the points.
3. Confirm with the Signaller that the points operate correctly.
4. If they do not, get instructions from the Signaller.