09-09-2010, 09:02 AM
Both NR and LUL run safety critical communication courses to ensure that there is a process for communication to follow in a manner the message is fully understood by both parties and is not open to interpretation.
Here is an imaginary call to give an example of safety critical communication.
Driver: [pick up SPT, it rings]
Signaller: This is signaller Fred on workstation 3 at signalbox Gertie. Over.
Driver: Signaller Fred on workstation 3 at signalbox Gertie, this is driver Bert on train zero alpha nine three standing at signal Juliette Romeo three five one two signal. I have a red aspect and would like permission to proceed passed the signal. Over.
Signaller: You are driver Bert on train zero alpha nine three standing at signal Juliette Romeo three five one two signal. You have asked for permission to pass signal Juliette Romeo three five one two signal at red. Permission is not granted for train zero alpha nine three to pass signal Juliette Romeo three five one two which is at danger due to vandalism. If the signal clears, can you proceed at caution. If it does not clear can you call me back in five minutes and I will give you further information. Over.
Driver: Signaller Fred on workstation 3 at signalbox Gertie, you have instructed me that; Permission is not granted due to vandalism. If the signal clears, can you proceed at caution. If it does not clear can you call me back in five minutes and I will give you further information. Over.
Signaller: Yes, that is correct. Over.
Driver: Understood. Out.
Note that 'over and out' is not a valid statement. I would also hope that a signaller would refuse access to the railway for anyone who fails to communicate in a manner where the signaller was assured that those requesting access were competent. It is more imperative when the safe system of work isn't pre-planned or when the pre-planned works are being changed. However, the worst periods for problems is when someone is new to the railway or has got into bad habit (laxness, apathy etc.). Read the RAIB reports on track-worker fatalities, or even those of public deaths on level crossings to see the effect!
Jerry
Here is an imaginary call to give an example of safety critical communication.
Driver: [pick up SPT, it rings]
Signaller: This is signaller Fred on workstation 3 at signalbox Gertie. Over.
Driver: Signaller Fred on workstation 3 at signalbox Gertie, this is driver Bert on train zero alpha nine three standing at signal Juliette Romeo three five one two signal. I have a red aspect and would like permission to proceed passed the signal. Over.
Signaller: You are driver Bert on train zero alpha nine three standing at signal Juliette Romeo three five one two signal. You have asked for permission to pass signal Juliette Romeo three five one two signal at red. Permission is not granted for train zero alpha nine three to pass signal Juliette Romeo three five one two which is at danger due to vandalism. If the signal clears, can you proceed at caution. If it does not clear can you call me back in five minutes and I will give you further information. Over.
Driver: Signaller Fred on workstation 3 at signalbox Gertie, you have instructed me that; Permission is not granted due to vandalism. If the signal clears, can you proceed at caution. If it does not clear can you call me back in five minutes and I will give you further information. Over.
Signaller: Yes, that is correct. Over.
Driver: Understood. Out.
Note that 'over and out' is not a valid statement. I would also hope that a signaller would refuse access to the railway for anyone who fails to communicate in a manner where the signaller was assured that those requesting access were competent. It is more imperative when the safe system of work isn't pre-planned or when the pre-planned works are being changed. However, the worst periods for problems is when someone is new to the railway or has got into bad habit (laxness, apathy etc.). Read the RAIB reports on track-worker fatalities, or even those of public deaths on level crossings to see the effect!
Jerry
Le coureur