5.2 Receiving and Giving Signals
5.2.1 Looking for Signals
To recognize and follow signals correctly, employees must:
- Always be on the lookout for signals.
- Comply with the intent of the signal.
- Not act on any signal that they do not understand or that may be intended for other trains or engines.
5.2.2 Signals Used by Employees
To give clear signals during the day and at night, employees must:A. During the Day
- Use the correct color of flags or lights.
- Use day signals from sunrise to sunset.
- Flagmen only have a red flag, a minimum of eight torpedoes, and six red fusees.
- Use the correct color of reflectorized flags or lights.
- Use night signals from sunset to sunrise or when day signals cannot be seen clearly.
- Flagmen only- have a white
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow flags warn trains to restrict movement because of track conditions or structures. To make sure train movement is restricted at the right location, employees must display a yellow flag 2 miles before the restricted area
B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track bulletin, track warrant, or general order, once the train is 2 miles beyond the yellow flag, crew members must:
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow-red flags warn a train to be prepared to stop because of men or equipment. To make sure the train is prepared to Stop at the right location, employees must display a yellow-red flag 2 miles before the restricted area.
When a yellow-red flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track bulletin, track warrant, or general order, crew members must be prepared to stop short of a red flag 2 miles beyond the yellow-red flag. If a red flag is displayed, proceed as outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). If no red flag is displayed:
Flags for temporary speed restrictions will only be placed for trains moving with the current of traffic.
Flags protecting men or equipment must be placed in both directions on each track affected.
If track bulletin Form B is not in effect, permission must include speed and distance. This speed must not be exceeded until the rear of the train has passed the specified distance from the red flag or red light, unless otherwise instructed by the employee in charge.
Displayed Between Rails. When a red flag or red light is displayed between the rails of a track other than a main track or controlled siding, the train must stop and not proceed until the flag or light has been removed by an employee of the class that placed it.
Flags must be displayed to the right of the track as viewed from an approaching train, except red flags or red lights may be displayed between the rails as outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). Flags will be placed in this manner unless otherwise specified by track bulletin, track warrant, special instructions, or general order.
When flags are displayed beyond the first rail of an adjacent track, the flags will not apply to the track on which the train is moving.
Two Sets of Numbers
When two sets of numbers are shown, the greater number govems trains consisting enfirely of passenger equipment. The lesser number governs all other trains.
Resume Speed Signs
A permanent resume speed sign or a speed sign showing a higher speed will be placed at the end of each restriction.
Crew members must not exceed the speed shown on each permanent speed restriction sign until the rear of the train:
If the unattended burning fusee is beyond the first rail of an adjacent track, the fusee does not apply to the track on which the train is moving.
If the whistle fails, ring the bell continuously while moving.
When other employees are working in the immediate area, sound the required whistle signal before moving.
The radio may be used in place of whistle signals, except signals (1) and (1 1). See following chart.
The required whistle signals are illustrated by "o" for short sounds and "-" for longer sounds:
1. At stations and yards where switching is being done.
1. When the train is stopped in the clear of the main track to meet a train. However, an extinguished headlight does not indicate to an opposing train that a train is clear of the main track.
At night, if headlight and ditch lights fail to operate and no other unit can be used as the lead unit, continue movement with a white light displayed on the lead unit. Stop the train before each public crossing, so a crew member on the ground can provide warning until the crossing is occupied, unless:
Displaying these lights does not modify the requirements of Rule 6.19 (Flag Protection) or Rule 6.23 (Emergency Stop or Severe Slack Action).
When an engine is operating without cars or is at the rear of the train, the trailing headlight illuminated on dim may be used as a marker.
Inspection of Marker
When a highly visible marker is required, a qualified employee must inspect it at the initial terminal and at each crew change point. To determine if the marker is functioning properly, the employee will inspect it by observation or by telemetry display in the cab of the engine. The engineer must be informed of the results of the inspection.
Outfit Car. Any on-track vehicle, including outfit, camp, or bunk car or modular home mounted on a flat car to house railroad employees. Such equipment is not considered an outfit car when placed in a wreck train.
Effective Locking Device. When used in relation to a manually operated switch or a derail, a lock that can be locked or unlocked only by the craft or group of workmen applying the lock.
Rolling Equipment. Engines, cars, and one or more engines coupled to one or more cars.
Switch Providing Direct Access. A switch that if used by rolling equipment could permit the rolling equipment to couple to the equipment being protected.
Warning Signal. A white sign that reads, "OCCUPIED CAMP CAR" in black lettering. At night, an illuminated white light must also be used.
When occupied outfit cars are placed on a track, the employee in charge of the outfit car occupants (or a designated representative) must provide or request protection using one of the following methods:
A. On a Main Track
One of these two methods or a combination of these methods must be provided:
1. Each manually operated switch that provides direct access to that portion of the main track where occupied outfit cars are located must be lined against movement to that track, secured with an effective locking device, and spiked or clamped. Waming signals must be displayed at or near each switch.
b. In addition, a derail capable of restricting access to the portion of main track where occupied outfit cars are located must be placed at least 150 feet from the end of the occupied outfit cars. The derail must be locked in derailing position with an effective locking device. Warning signals must be displayed at each derail.
c. The control operator must maintain for 15 days a written record of each notification. The record must contain the following information:
One of these three methods of protection or a combination of these methods must be provided:
1. Each manually operated switch that provides direct access to the track where occupied outfit cars are located must be lined against movement to that track and secured with an effective locking device. Warning signals must be displayed at or near each switch.
Workmen. Railroad employees assigned to inspect, test, repair, or service railroad rolling equipment or components, including brake systems. Train and yard crews are excluded, except when they perform the above work on rolling equipment not part of the train or yard movement they are handling or will handle.
Rolling Equipment. Engines, cars, and one or more engines coupled to one or more cars.
Blue Signal. During the day, a clearly distinguishable blue flag or light, and at night, a blue light. The blue light may be steady or flashing.
The blue signal does not need to be lighted when it is attached to the operating controls of an engine and the inside of the engine cab area is lighted enough to make the blue signal clearly distinguishable.
Effective Locking Device. When used in relation to a manually operated switch or a derail, a lock that can be locked or unlocked only by the craft or group of workmen applying the lock.
Car Shop Repair Area. One or more tracks within an area where rolling equipment testing, servicing, repairing, inspecting, or rebuilding is controlled exclusively by mechanical department personnel.
Engine Servicing Area. One or more tracks within an area where engine testing, servicing, repairing, inspecting, or rebuilding is controlled exclusively by mechanical department personnel.
Switch Providing Direct Access. A switch that if used by rolling equipment could permit the rolling equipment to couple to the equipment being protected.
A. What a Blue Signal Signifies
A blue signal signifies that workmen are on, under, or between rolling equipment and requires that:
Protection Removed. Blue signals may be removed only by the craft or group who placed them. Remote control display may be discontinued when directed by the craft or group that requested the protection. When blue signal protection has been removed from one entrance of a double-ended track or from either end of rolling equipment on a main track, that track is no longer under blue signal protection.
B. How to Provide Protection
When workmen are on, under, or between rolling equipment and exposed to potential injury, protection must be provided as follows:
On a Main Track. A blue signal must be displayed at each end of the rolling equipment.
On Other than a Main Track. One of these three methods of protection or a combination of these methods must be provided:
Each manually operated switch that provides direct access must be lined against movement onto the track and secured by an effective locking device. A blue signal must be placed at or near each such switch. In addition, any facing point crossover switch must be lined against movement and secured by an effective locking device.
In addition to providing protection as required in 'On a Main Track" and "On Other than a Main Track," when workmen are on, under, or between an engine or rolling equipment coupled to an engine:
Blue signal protection must be provided for workmen when they are:
If a blue signal is not available for employees performing emergency repairs on, under, or between an engine or rolling equipment coupled to an engine, the employee controlling the engine must be notified and appropriate measures taken to provide protection for the employees.
F. Movement in Engine Servicing Area
An engine must not enter a designated engine servicing area until the blue signal protection is removed from the entrance. The engine must stop short of coupling to another engine.
An engine must not leave a designated engine servicing area unless the blue signal is removed from the engine and the track in the direction of movement.
Blue signal protection removed to let engines enter or leave the engine servicing area must be restored immediately after the engine enters or clears the area.
An engine protected by blue signals may be moved on a designated engine servicing area track when:
STOP - MEN WORKING
EMPLOYEES WORKING
SERVICE CONNECTIONS
Promptly report improperly displayed signals or absent fixed signals, flags, or signs to the train dispatcher.
If the signal is not complied with promptly, other crew members must remind the engineer and/or conductor of the rule requirement. If the crew members receive no response or if the engineer is unable to respond, they must immediately take action to ensure safety, using the emergency brake valve to stop the train, if necessary.
5.3 Hand and Radio Signals
5.3.1 Hand Signals
The following diagram illustrates the hand signals for a train or engine to stop, proceed, or back up.
Employees may use other hand signals only if all crew members understand the signals. When employees are not giving hand signals, they must not make any gestures or movements that may resemble a hand signal.5.3.2 Giving Signals
Employees who give signals must:
5.3.3 Signal Disappearance
If a person disappears who is giving the signal to back or shove a train, engine, or car, or the light being used disappears, employees must:
5.3.4 Signal to Stop
5.3.5 Acknowledge Stop Signal
Acknowledge any signal to stop a train unless it is a fixed signal. When flagged, the engineer must obtain a thorough explanation from the flagman before proceeding.5.3.6 Radio and Voice Communication
Employees may use radio and other means of voice communication to give information when using hand signals is not practical. Employees must make sure crew members:
5.3.7 Radio Response
When radio communication is used to make movements, crew members must respond to specific instructions given for each movement. In addition:
5.4 Flags for Temporary Track Conditions
5.4.1 Temporary Restrictions
Track bulletins, track warrants, or general orders may restrict or stop train movements because of track conditions, structures, men, or equipment working. Yellow flags will be used for temporary speed restrictions. Yellow-red flags will be used when a train may be required to stop.5.4.2 Display of Yellow Flag
A. Restriction Specified in Writing
5.4.3 Display of Yellow-Red Flag
A. Restriction Specified in Writing
5.4.4 Authorized Protection by Yellow or Yellow-Red Flag
On subdivisions where maximum speed does not exceed 40 MPH, and it is authorized by special instructions, yellow or yellow-red flags may be displayed without the use of track bulletins, track warrants, or flagmen. Yellow or yellow-red flags must be displayed 2 miles before the restricted area. Protection will begin at a point 2 miles beyond the yellow or yellow-red flag and continue for 2 more miles, as outlined in Rule 5.4.2 (Display of Yellow Flag) and Rule 5.4.3 (Display of Yellow-Red Flag).
5.4.5 Display of Green Flag
A green flag indicates the end of a restricted area. If a series of locations require reduced speeds or protection for men or equipment, the green flags could overlap yellow or yellow-red flags. When this is the case, employees must:
5.4.6 Display of Flags Within Current of Traffic
A. Yellow and Green Flags
5.4.7 Display of Red Flag or Red Light
A red flag or red light is displayed where trains must stop. When approaching a red flag or red light, the train must stop short of the red flag or red light and not proceed unless the employee in charge gives verbal permission. If permission to proceed is received before the train stops, the train may pass the red flag or red light without stopping.5.4.8 Flag Location
Flags will be displayed only on the track affected. However, when yellow, yellow-red, or red flags or red lights are used for protection without a flagman, track bullefin, track warrant, or general order, these flags must be placed to protect all possible access to the restricted area.5.5 Permanent Speed Signs
Permanent speed restriction signs will be placed in advance of permanent speed restrictions. Numbers on the face of these signs indicate the highest speed permitted over the limits of the restriction.
5.6 Unattended Fusee
If a train approaches an unattended fusee burning on or near its track, the train must stop before passing the fusee, if consistent with good train handling.
5.7 Torpedoes
If one or more torpedoes explode, the train must slow to restricted speed immediately and remain at this speed until the head end is 2 miles beyond where the torpedoes exploded.
5.8 Bell and Whistle Signals
5.8.1 Ringing Engine Bell
Ring the engine bell under any of the following conditions:
5.8.2 Sounding Whistle
When weather conditions impair visibility, sound the whistle frequently.
Sound Indication
(1) Succession of short Use when an emergency exists, or persons
sounds or livestock are on the track. When crews on
other trains hear this signal, they must stop
until it is safe to proceed.
(2) - When stopped: air brakes are applied,
pressure equalized.
(3) - - Release brakes. Proceed.
(4) o o Acknowledgment of any signal not
otherwise provided for.
(5) o o o When stopped: back up. Acknowledgment
of hand signal to back up.
(6) o o o o Request for signal to be given or repeated or
not understood.
(7) - o o o Flagman protect rear of train.
(8) o o o - Flagman protect front of train.
(9) - - - - Flagman may return from west or south.
(10) - - - - - Flagman may return from east or north.
(11) - - o - Approaching public crossings at grade with
engine in front, start signal not less than 1/4
mile before reaching crossing, if distance
permits. If distance does not permit, start
signal soon enough before the crossing to
provide wan-dng. Prolong or repeat signal
until engine occupies the crossing.
Use this signal to warn employees when
view is restricted.
(12) 0 - Inspect brake system for leaks or sticking
brakes.
5.9 Headlight Display
Turn the headlight on bright to the front of every train, except when the light must be dimmed as outlined in Rule 5.9.1 (Dimming Headlight) or turned off as outlined in Rule 5.9.2 (Headlight Off).5.9.1 Dimming Headlight
Except when the engine is approaching and passing over a public crossing at grade, dim the headlight during any of the following conditions:
5.9.2 Headlight Off
Turn the headlight off under either of the following conditions:
5.9.3 Headlight Failure
5.9.4 Displaying Headlights Front and Rear
When engines are moving, crew members must tum on the headlight to the front and rear, but may dim or extinguish it on the end coupled to cars.5.9.5 Displaying Ditch Lights
Display ditch lights, if available, to the front of the train when the headlight is on bright.5.9.6 Displaying Oscillating White Headlight
If the leading engine is equipped with an oscillating white headlight, tum the light on when the engine is moving. However, turn the light off when meeting trains, passing trains, or during switching operations, unless movement involves public crossings at grade.5.9.7 Displaying Oscillating or Flashing Red Light
If the leading engine is equipped with an oscillating or flashing red light, tum the light on under any of the following conditions:
The red light signals an approaching train on the same or adjacent track to stop at once and to proceed only after the track is safe for train passage. Extinguish red flashing lights when they are no longer needed.5.9.8 Displaying Cab Roof Light
If engine is equipped with an amber or white cab roof light that revolves or flashes, display the light on the occupied controlling unit.5.10 Markers
A marker of the prescribed type must be displayed on the trailing end of the rear car to indicate the rear of the train.5.10.1 Highly Visible Markers
Display a highly visible marker at the rear of every train as follows:
5.10.2 Alternative Markers
Display a reflector, red flag, or light fixture at the rear of the train as the marker when any of the following conditions exists:
5.11 Engine Identifying Number
Trains will be identified by engine number, adding the direction when required. When an engine of another company is used, the initials of the company will precede the engine number. When an engine consists of more than one unit or when two or more engines are coupled, the number of one unit only will be illuminated as the identifying number. When practical, use the number of the leading unit.5.12 Protection of Occupied Outfit Cars
This rule outlines the requirements for protecting occupied outfit cars. As used in this rule, the following definitions apply:
3. A derail capable of restricting access to that portion of the track where occupied outfit cars are located will fulfill the requirements of protection when the derail is:
Warning signals must be displayed at each derail.
5.13 Blue Signal Protection of Workmen
This rule outlines the requirements for protecting railroad workmen who are inspecting, testing, repairing, and servicing rolling equipment. In particular, because these tasks require the workmen to work on, under, or between rolling equipment, workmen are exposed to potential injury from moving equipment.Blue Signal Protection of Workmen
As used in this rule, the following definitions apply:
Group of Workmen. Two or more workmen of the same or different crafts who work as a unit under a common authority and communicate with each other while working.
Blue signals or remote control blue signals must be displayed for each craft or group of workmen who will work on, under, or between rolling equipment.
A blue signal must be displayed at each derail.
E. Protection for Emergency Repair Work
G. Movement in Car Shop Repair Area
When rolling equipment on car shop repair tracks is protected by blue signals, a car mover may reposition the equipment if:
5.14 Signs Protecting Equipment
When a sign reading:5.15 Improperly Displayed Signals
If a signal is improperly displayed, or a signal, flag, or sign is absent from the place it is usually shown, regard the signal as showing the most restrictive indication it can give. However, if a semaphore arm is visible, it will govern.5.16 Observe and Call Signals
Crew members in the engine control compartment must be alert for signals. As soon as signals become visible or audible, crew members must communicate clearly to each other the name or aspect of signals affecting their train. They must continue to observe signals and announce any change of aspect until the train passes the signal.
Next Chapter - Movement of Trains and Engines