GERT8000-S5 Iss 13

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of a driver, guard, shunter or signaller. You will also need this module if you carry out the duties of a competent person for extended block working.

Section 8.3 ‘Signaller’s actions’ (section 9.3 in issue 12) has been changed to allow a train being moved to a more convenient location to pass a main aspect signal or block marker if this is permitted in the ‘Signal Box Special Instructions’. The wording has also been changed in the interests of clarity to explain that the object of moving any train is to allow it to be fully accommodated in a platform.

The above changes form part of the suite of general updates issued annually which are intended to improve understanding and application of the content of the Rule Book and provide opportunities for duty holders to operate more efficiently.  

Temporary block working (TBW) is intended for planned signalling work, with emergency special working (ESW) used for unplanned signalling failures. TBW has been removed from GERT8000-S5 and a single method of operation is now in place for both planned and unplanned situations. This method, based upon the previous ESW instructions, is called extended block working (EBW). This descriptive name has been chosen to ensure that the updated instructions are not confused with the previous TBW and ESW instructions. 

Section 5, which was ‘Emergency Special Working’ in issue 12, has been renamed ‘Extended Block Working’. Instructions regarding the location of the exit signal and provision of the ‘end of degraded working sign’ have been clarified. New instructions relating to the use of a GSM-R berth-triggered advisory broadcast to advise drivers of the presence of the ‘end of degraded working’ sign following withdrawal of EBW have been added.

The removal of section 6 on ‘Temporary Block Working’ has resulted in the renumbering of subsequent sections.

The introduction of extended block working to replace ESW and TBW ensures trains can continue to be moved safely and efficiently both after a signalling failure and following a return to normal working.