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CHAPTER 4 |
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RULES FOR MOVEMENT AND WORKING OF TRACK MACHINES |
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(i) |
Track machines are self propelled machines, hereinafter referred to as machines. These machines shall be worked as a train except when attached in the rear of a train, they will be treated as part of that train. However, when self propelled, there is no need for a guard or a brake van. Hauling of another machine/coach/wagon which may be un-braked shall also be permitted. The machine operator should take adequate care to ensure safe running , especially in steep gradient sections. |
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(ii) |
When more than one machines are required to work within the same block section, these machines may be allowed to move into the block section in a convoy under one authority as detailed in this chapter. In such situation all the track machines must leave and enter the section simultaneously one after another keeping adequate distance among them and with proper authority as detailed further in the following paras. |
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(iii) |
Incase of run through movement from one station to another station, upto three machines may be allowed under one authority to enter in a section with ruling gradient not steeper than 1 in 100. For gradient steeper than 1 in 100, only one machine shall be allowed at a time in the block section in case of run through movement. |
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(iv) |
Whenever the track machines are working in an integrated traffic block where other railway agencies are also working, the relevant instructions for integrated block working should be followed. |
4.2.1 Each machine shall be under the direct
charge of Section Engineer/Junior Engineer (machine) hereinafter called the 'Operator'.
Number of railway staff on driving cab of each machine shall not exceed five.
The operator shall have valid competence as defined in para
4.3.
4.2.2 The track machine shall work under the direct supervision of an Engineering official, not below the rank of Section Engineer (P. Way), who will be responsible for taking the traffic block and for protection of the line while the work is in progress and also timely clearance of block after the completion of the work ensuring the safety of the track.
4.3.1
Revised as per correction slip no.7
4.3.2 The operator shall
undergo training in train working rules at the zonal training centre/ IRTMTC, Allahabad . On successful
completion of training, he shall be examined and if found competent shall be
issued a competency certificate by Dy. Chief engineer of machines which shall
be valid for 3 years and shall be kept in personal custody of the operator .
The certificate shall be produced promptly when required.
4.3.3 Revised as per correction slip no.6 para A
4.4 Safety Equipments
4.4.1 The operator shall be responsible to ensure that the following equipments complete in all respects and in working condition are available on his track machine before the machine is put on a running line:-
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i) |
Two red and one green hand signal flags. |
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ii) |
Two tri-colour hand signal lamps. |
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iii) |
Two chains with padlocks. |
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iv) |
Two Clamps with padlocks. |
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v) |
Twelve Fog signals (detonators) in a tin case. |
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vi) |
A copy of the working timetable of the section where the machine is working. |
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vii) |
G&SR book with upto date amendment slips. |
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viii) |
One 4 cells flasher light. |
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ix) |
One portable field telephone. |
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x) |
Two banner flags. |
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xi) |
One first aids box. |
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xii) |
Two Skids. |
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xiii |
Patromax/LPG lamp |
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xiv |
Safety helmets for all machine staff |
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xv |
Protective clothing, safety shoes and safety gloves |
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xvi |
Track Machine Manual |
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xvii |
Accident Manual |
Each track machine must be equipped with prescribed head and tail lights, marker lights and flasher lights as per GR 4.14 & 4.15 & 4.16 and SRs thereof. Each machine shall display LV board/tail lamp shall be fixed on the if moving alone. While moving in convoy, the LV board/tail lamp shall be fixed on the last machine in the direction of movement.
4.4.3-The following equipments should be available on the machines during block working to meet the exigencies:
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(i) |
Fire extinguisher: |
One |
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(ii) |
Hooter (manual): |
Two |
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(iii) |
Jack 50 t. |
Two |
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(iv) |
Wooden blocks |
Four |
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(v) |
Crow bars |
Four |
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(vi) |
Trifor (3t.) |
Four |
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(vii) |
Hydraulic hand pump |
One |
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(viii) |
Emergency pneumatic/hydraulic hose off sizes suiting to different machines (Complete with end fitting) |
One |
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(ix) |
Wire rope with close loops at both ends 2 meters and 9 metres for BCM |
One each |
4.5 Rules For Operation
i) When the track machine(s) is/are stabled at a station, necessary precautions against rolling down such as pinning down hand brakes, chaining and provision of skids, shall be taken.
ii) No track machine shall be moved between a running line and the siding/stabling line without the written permission of the Station Master on duty in the form of shunting order/shunt signals.
iii) When the track machine is required to move from one block station to
another block station, the operator(s) shall run the machine only with proper
authority to proceed.
The track machine(s) shall work under line block only, The Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall give the requisition for block in duplicate to Station Master on duty, indicating therein the number of track machine(s) that will work, the duration of block required and whether the machine(s) will proceed to the next station or return back to the starting station after the work. After the block is granted and the Station Master returns, the copy of the requisition endorsing the duration and other special instructions like work and proceed, work and return via right or wrong direction, the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall accompany the machine(s) to the work site.
Station Master will issue a special caution order indicating number of machines and other railway agencies permitted and their work in the block period. Special Caution Order will be got signed by the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way), from the operators of track machines.
4.5.2 Single Line Sections - Work and Proceed
Station Master will obtain line clear, take off dispatch signals and issue special caution order indicating the number of machines permitted and the work in the block section. Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall move thereafter with token if any, shunting key, OPT form etc., ensuring piloting if due. He shall travel in the last machine in case proceeding ahead.
On completion of the work, the machine(s) will be received by lowering reception signals, display of signal at the foot of first stop signal by station porter till the last machine and enters the station.
At the station in advance, the token and the key etc. if any, shall be handed over after the last machine has cleared the block section. The Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall certify the fitness of track then only the Station Master will clear the line for normal train operation subject to the observations of speed restriction.
4.5.3 Single Line Section-Work and Return
i) With Taken Tablet instrument
Station Master will obtain line clear from station in advance, lower last stop signal, issue special caution order indicating the number of track machine(s) permitted to work within the block section, the stations where they will return etc. The special caution order will be handed over to the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) along with token/tablet. Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) Incharge shall travel on the first track machine.
On completion of the work, the machine(s) will be received by lowering reception signals. Station porter shall display green flag/signals at the foot of first stop signal till the last machine enters the station. Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall hand over the token as well as special caution order to the Station Master on duty only when all the machines have cleared the block section, he will also issue a certificate to the Station Master that track is fit for train movement. 'Then only Station Master will cancel the line clear and normalise the block instrument.
Similar procedure shall be followed in case of block working through axle counters. However, no physical authority to proceed will be handed over to Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way).
i)With Tokenless Block Instrument
Station Master will block back the section, take out the shunting key, issue a special caution order indicating the number of track machine(s) permitted to work within the block section, the station where they will return etc. which will be signed by all the operators of track machines and will be handed over to the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) alongwith the shunting key. In addition to it, requisite written authority for passing signal at danger as prescribed will also be issued. Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall travel on the first track machine.
On completion of the work, the machine(s) will be received by lowering reception signals. Station Porter shall display green flag/signals at the foot of first stop signal till the last machine enters the station.
Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall hand over the shunting key as well as the special caution order to the Station Master on duty only when all the tack machines have cleared the block section. He will also issue a certificate to the Station Master that the track is fit for train movement. Then only, Station Master will remove the 'Block Back'.
4.5.4 Double Line Section-Work and Proceed
Station Master will obtain line clear from station in advance, lower last stop signal, issue a special caution order indicating the number of track machine(s) permitted to work within the block section which will be signed by all the operators of track machines and will be handed over to the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way). Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) Incharge shall travel on the last track machine.
On completion of the work, the machines will be received by lowering reception signals, Station porter shall display green flag/signals at the foot of first stop signal till the last machine enters the station.
On reaching the station in advance, Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall hand over the special caution order only when the last machine clears the block section. He will also certify that the track is fit for train movement. Then only, the Station Master will clear the block.
Station Master will take the line clear from station in rear on block telephone indicating the number of track machines which will work from that station upto the next station, prepare paper line clear ticket, issue special caution order clearly indicating the number of tack machines to the station to which the machines will go on completion of work. The paper line clear ticket and the special caution order shall be signed by all the operators and then shall be handed over to the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) who shall travel on the last machine.
The machine(s) shall be piloted out of the station on a written authority issued by the Station Master after all the facing points have been correctly set and locked and trailing points correctly set over which the machine(s) will pass.
On approaching the next station after completion of the work, the operators shall bring their machines to stop opposite the first stop signal pertaining to the right line or at the last stop signal pertaining to the wrong line (on which they are running) whichever they come across first and wait and proceed as piloted or follow GR 4.44.
The Station Master at the other end of the block section shall depute a Railway staff in uniform at the foot of the signal (whichever the machines would encounter first) who shall stop the machines on danger hand signal and thereafter pilot them into the station on a written authority issued by the station Master.
If the operators find that no Railway servant in uniform has been deputed at the foot of the signal to pilot the train into the station GR 4.44 shall be observed.
All the crossover points in the facing direction, over which the machines shall proceed, shall be clamped and pad locked.
On reaching the station at the other end of the block section, Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) will handover the paper line clear ticket, special caution order to Station Master only when the last machine clears the block section. He will also certify that the track is fit for train movement. Then only the Station Master will close the line and normal train running can be resumed.
4.5.5 Double Line Section - Work and Return
Station Master will block forward the section and arrange to put the needle of the block instrument directly to "Train on Line", take out the shunting key in case of 'Daido' Double Line block Instrument, issue special caution order indicating the number of track machines permitted to work within the block section, station where they will return etc. which will be signed by all the operators and will be handed over to the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) along with the shunting key, if any, Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall travel on the first track machine. In addition, requisite written authority will be issued for passing the last stop signal at danger.
On completion of the work, the operators shall bring their machine to stop opposite first stop signal pertaining to the right line or at the last stop signal pertaining to the line on which they are running whichever comes across first.
Station Master shall depute a railway servant in uniform at the foot of the signal (whichever the machine would encounter fist) who shall stop the machine(s) on danger signals and thereafter pilot them into the station on a written authority issued by the Station Master.
If the operators find that no railway servant has been deputed to pilot the train, GR 4.44 shall be observed.
All the crossover points in the facing direction over which the machines shall proceed, shall be clamped and pad locked.
On reaching the station, Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) will hand over the special caution order to the Station Master only when the last machine clears the block section. He will also certify that the track is fit for train movement. Then only the Station Master will closes the line and normal working can resume.
Station Master will block back the section as per extant instructions, put the needle of the block instrument directly to "Train on Line" take out the shunting key in case of 'Daido' double line block instrument issue special caution order indicating the number of track machine(s),station where they will return etc. which will be signed by the operators and then will be handed over to the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) along with the shunting key, if any. Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) will travel on the first track machine.
The machines shall be piloted out of the station on a written authority issued by the Station Master after all the facing points have been correctly set and locked and trailing points correctly set over which the machines will pass.
On completion of the work the machines will be received by lowering reception signals. Station porter shall display green flag/hand signal at the foot of first stop signal till the last machine enters the station .
Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall hand over the shunting key, if any, as well as the special caution order to the Station Master on duty, only when all the track machines have cleared the block section. He will also issue a certificate that the track is fit for train movement then only the Station Master will remove the block back.
4.6.1 The Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) is responsible for protection of the site of work and also for protection of adjoining track(s) in case of infringement. He shall be conversant with the infringing conditions of the various machines. He shall also be responsible for safe condition of track before clearing the block after machine working.
4.6.2 Some machines tend to foul the adjacent line, while working on double line section or in the yard like BRM,T-28 etc. If any part of a machine is likely to foul the adjacent line(s) while working, the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) shall request Station Master in writing to block the line(s). Such work shall only be undertaken if blocking of such adjoining line(s) has been permitted by the control and the Station Master and such adjoining lines have been protected.
4.6.3 While exchanging private numbers with level crossings, the Station Master on either side shall inform all the level crossings equipped with telephones falling in the block section.
4.6.4 While the track machines are moving in the block section in convoy, it will be the responsibility of the operators of these machines to maintain a minimum safe distance of 120 mtrs. from each other. If any of the machines is required to slowdown or stop due to some reason, the machine operator should ensure that red hand signal is displayed by waving vigorously. Where visibility is poor such as curves and cuttings, appropriate speeds and safe distance should be maintained by the machine operators. While approaching the level crossings, operators of all track machines shall keep a vigil for any obstruction and whistle freely till the machine passes the level crossing.
4.6.5 When the machine is stabled, the operator shall ensure that it is clear of fouling marks and traps and not obstructing the adjacent line(s). He shall apply the hand brakes, skid etc., to prevent movement of the machine.
4.6.6 The concerned points shall be set against the line on which the track machine is stabled and such points shall be secured with clamps or cotter bolts and pad locks. The keys of such pad locks shall be kept in the personal custody of Station Master until the machine is ready to leave from siding or running line. The operator shall not relinquish charge until he has satisfied himself that the machine has been properly secured and protected as prescribed herein.
During shunting on a line occupied by track machines, no machine shall be shunted without the presence of competent machine staff.
4.6.7 Temporary buffers or skids shall be provided to prevent rolling of stabled machines.
4.6.8 See correction slips no.3 and 4
4.7 Failure Of Track
Machines In Mid-section
4.7.1 In the event of break-down, the track machines shall be protected as per GR 6.03 and SR thereto by the machine staff, as directed by machine incharge.
4.7.2 Failures in block sections of the track machines will be treated as accident under class 'H'. Accidents involving track machines shall be treated as train accidents under the appropriate class and action shall be taken as per the rules in force.
4.7.3 In case of failure of track machine in block section, the Junior Engineer/Section Engineer (P. Way) may decide to push the disabled unit to the nearest station provided the brake power is in good condition. Otherwise, intimation shall be sent to the nearest Station Master through a messenger and to the Control through portable telephone asking for a light engine to tow the unit.
In case, machine incharge feels clearance of section is going to take long time, the assistance of Accident Relief Train shall be asked for immediately. Meanwhile the machine incharge shall take necessary action to rectify the defect(s).
Each machine will run within the maximum permissible speed sanctioned for that type of machine on a particular section.
4.9
Procedure for Introduction of New Type of Machine on Open Line
Sanction of Commissioner of Railway Safety is required for introduction of new type of machine on the open line. Application to the Commissioner of Railway Safety for sanctioning the running of new type of machine or increasing the maximum permissible speed on specified section(s) should ordinarily be made by Chief Engineer one month in advance. Application should be accompanied by following documents:-
i) Load diagram.
ii) Certificates for track strength.
iii) Certificates for strength of bridges.
iv) Certificate on form (Annexure 4.1) signed jointly by Chief Engineer and Chief mechanical Engineer. The certificate should also be signed by the Chief Operating Manager and Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer of the Railway, where maximum permissible speed for machine is proposed to be raised.
v) Statement in form-XII (Annexure 4.2) of the "Rules for Opening of railway or sections of railway for the public carriage of passengers" detailing any infringement of maximum and minimum dimensions involved in the running of the track machine .
(vi) Speed certificate issued by RDSO. The maximum permissible speeds of various track machines is given in Annexure 4.3.
(vii) Report of the oscillation trails/speed runs, to be supplied from RDSO, if required by CRS.
On receipt of such application, the Commissioner of Railway of Safety will, if he so desires to inspect and try out new machine. Railway Administration will afford him necessary assistance to do so.
4.10 Infringements
Some of the track machines infringe various dimensions as given in Schedule of Dimensions-1939. Machine-wise details of such infringements are given in Annexure 4.3
