glossary of railway terminology iss 5.pdf · superseded gert8000-gloss iss 4 with effect from...

Glossary of RailwayTerminology

Issue 5

Glos

sary

of Ra

ilway

Term

inolog

y

December 2018

Uncontrolled when printed Superseded GERT8000-Gloss Iss 4 with effect from 01/12/2018

Published by:RSSBThe authoritative version of this document is available atwww.rssb.co.uk

Contents approved by Traffic Operations and ManagementStandards Committee.

Enquiries on this document can be forwarded to:https://customer-portal.rssb.co.uk/

Issue 501 December 2018

© Copyright 2018Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited


IntroductionTo meet the requirements of the European Rail Agency, theglossary is now presented by two methods - by subject matter andby alphabetical listing.

Terms by subject matter Page 2 to 16Terms in alphabeticalorder

Page 17 to 30

Conventions used in thisGlossary

Example

A black line in the margin indicates achange to that term and is shownwhen published in the glossary forthe first time

09/18 1


Electrified LinesConductor rail A rail through which electricity is supplied to

electric-powered trains.

Earthed The term ‘earthed’ when applied to theoverhead line equipment which is normallylive, means connected to the traction returnrunning rail either directly or to a structurewhich is itself connected thereto.

Electrified line A line that is electrified either by 25,000 voltsAC overhead lines or by 750 volts DCconductor rails. Local instructions are issuedfor certain sections of route electrified by1500 volts DC overhead lines.

Isolated Electrical equipment is isolated when it isdisconnected from all sources of electricitysupply in a secure way.

Isolation Isolation is the action of causing electricalsections or sub-sections of the OLE or CREto be isolated. For AC it includes the entireprocess of switching off, securing, testing andearthing and issue of the overhead linepermit. For DC it includes the entire processof switching off, securing and testing andissue of the conductor rail permit.

Live Connected to an electrical supply.

Overhead lineequipment

Wires and associated equipment, suspendedover or adjacent to the railway line forsupplying electricity to electric trains.

Switched off Electrical equipment that is disconnected andseparated from all sources of supply.

Terms by subject matter

2 09/18


Engineering WorkAffect thenormal passageof trains

Any activity or event that allows train workingto continue but causes diversion, inability tocall at a planned destination or introduction ofdegraded-mode operations such as passingsignals at danger, handsignalling, manualroute setting or single line workingarrangements.

Affect thesafety of trainworking

Any activity or event that may, during itscourse, render a movement control orinterlocking system unusable for the signalingof trains.

Engineeringtrain

Includes an on-track machine.

EngineeringPossessionReminder (EPR)

A reminder applied by the signaller to one ormore axle counter sections in advance ofpre-planned engineering works in order toindicate the area affected. When removedfrom an axle counter section indicatingoccupied, this initiates an unconditional reset/restoration of the axle counter without aspectrestriction.

Intermediatepoint to apossession

A location other then the limits at the ends ofthe possession where an engineering traincan enter or leave the possession to:• an open line• a siding not under possession.

On-track plant A road-rail vehicle (RRV) or rail mountedmaintenance machine (RMMM) also knownas ‘in possession only’ vehicles.

PossessionLimit Board(PLB)

A double-sided board, red on both sides, witha red light (which may be steady or flashing).The board also has the word STOP printedon both sides.

09/18 3


Track circuitoperatingdevice (T-COD)

A special device that can be placed on theline to provide protection by operating thetrack circuit, to hold a signal at danger.

Incidents & EmergenciesControlledevacuation

The evacuation of passengers from a trainafter the signaller has confirmed that all lineshave been protected.

Detonator A small disc-shaped warning device,designed to be placed on the railhead forprotection and emergency purposes. Itexplodes when a train passes over it.

DetonatorProtection

Detonator protection consists of threedetonators placed 20 metres (approx 20yards) apart on the same rail with apossession limit board at the first detonator inthe direction of travel.

Emergencyevacuation

The evacuation of passengers from a train ifthe signaller states that protection cannot begiven or the signaller cannot be contacted.

Emergencyprotection

The means of protecting a train by trackcircuit operating clips, hand danger signalsand detonators when:• a driver or guard cannot contact the

signaller, or• the signaller cannot provide signal

protection.

Protection Ways of making sure that a line is protected.This includes keeping signals at danger,placing detonators on the line, using a trackcircuit operating clip and showing a handdanger signal.

Track circuitoperating clip

A device which, in an emergency can beplaced on top of each running rail to operatethe track circuit and protect an obstruction.


4 09/18


Uncontrolledevacuation

The self evacuation of passengers from atrain, which is not initiated by the driver orguard.

Level crossingsAutomatic levelcrossing

Any of the following level crossings:• Automatic half-barrier (AHBC)• Automatic barrier crossing, locally

monitored (ABCL)• Automatic open crossing, locally

monitored (AOCL)• Crossing with red and green warning

lights (R/G).

Barrowcrossing

A crossing (often at the end of a platform) forrailway personnel to use. Some barrowcrossings have white-light indicators which,when lit, indicate to the user that it is safe tocross.

Controlledcrossing

Any of the following level crossings.• Manned crossing with barriers (MCB).• Manned crossing with gates (MG).• Remotely controlled crossing with barriers

(RC).• Barrier crossing with closed-circuit

television (CCTV).• Barrier crossing with obstacle detection

(OD).

Level crossing Any manned, automatic, controlled, or opencrossing shown in Table A of the SectionalAppendix.

Manned levelcrossing

A level crossing that is operated locally by asignaller or crossing keeper (MCB or LC).

09/18 5


Open levelcrossing

An unmanned level crossing that has nobarriers, gates or road traffic signals. It has a‘Give Way’ sign on each road approach.

Lines, Stations and DepotsAdjacent line A line or siding next to the line you are on.

Bi-directionalline

A line on which the signalling allows trains torun in both directions.

Goods line A line that has not been signalled to thestandard required for running passengertrains.

Maintenancedepot

A location defined in a train operator’sContingency Plan with the facilities to repairor replace specified items of defectiveon-train equipment.

No-block line A line on which the signaller does not monitorthe condition of the block section.

Running line A line as shown in Table A of the SectionalAppendix as a passenger line or as anon-passenger line.

Siding A line on which vehicles are marshalled,stabled, loaded, unloaded or serviced clear ofa running line.

Single line One line is available for movements in bothdirections.

Station Terminal, depot, yard or halt.

Lineside EquipmentAspect The indication of a colour light signal that the

driver sees.


6 09/18


ATWS Automatic track warning system.An individual or lineside warning system thatcan be installed at a site of work to:• detect an approaching train• alert personnel who are on or near the

line.It may be installed temporarily for the periodof work or it may be installed permanently ata location. This definition does not includeTOWS or LOWS

AutomaticSignal

A signal operated by the passage of trains.The signaller or a person operating a signalpost replacement switch can place someautomatic signals to danger.

Axle counter A method of detecting the presence of a trainor vehicle on a line. Track-mountedequipment, at each end of a portion of line,counts the number of axles passing over.This is used to identify when a portion of lineis occupied or clear.

Axle counterhead

A device that detects the passage of a wheelpassing over a running rail.

Block marker Reflective board that serves as a physicalindication of signalling sections withinERTMS. Used when degraded working isrequired.

Home signal The first stop signal on the approach to asignal box on a line not signalled by the trackcircuit block system of signalling.

Interlocking A general term applied to equipment thatcontrols setting and releasing signals andpoints to prevent an unsafe condition of thesignalling system arising during the passageof trains.

09/18 7


Intermediateblock homesignal

A stop signal that controls the exit from anintermediate block section. (Although anintermediate block home signal controls theentrance to an absolute block section, it isreferred to as the intermediate block homesignal).

Junction signal A signal that controls more than one runningroute and can display an indication of route.

LOWS Lookout operated warning system. A linesidewarning system, used to warn personnel onor near the line about an approaching train. Itis operated by a lookout.

Main aspect The following aspects of a colour light signal:• red• yellow• two yellows• flashing yellow• two flashing yellows• green.

PoSA Proceed-on-sight authority. A signal used forcontrolling movements into a section affectedby a failure of signalling equipment.

Right-sidefailure

A failure that does not reduce the protectiongiven by signalling equipment.

Section signal A stop signal that controls the entrance to ablock section or intermediate block sectionahead.

Semi-automaticsignal

A signal normally operated by the passage oftrains, but can also be controlled from thesignal box or from a ground frame, or by aperson operating a signal post replacementswitch.


8 09/18


Shunt entryboard

A lineside indicator board that indicates theentry of a shunt route on ERTMS cabsignalled lines where lineside signals are notprovided.

Shunting signal A signal that is provided for shuntingpurposes only.

Signal postreplacementkey

The key used to operate a signal postreplacement switch.

Signal postreplacementswitch

A switch on the post of an automatic orsemi-automatic colour light signal that can beoperated by a key to turn it to, and keep it at,danger.

Stop signal A signal that can show a stop aspect orindication.

Subsidiarysignal

A semaphore signal used for controllingshunting movements and movements ontooccupied tracks. It is always positioned belowthe main semaphore arm with which it isassociated.

TOWS Train operated warning system. An audiblewarning system at locations listed in theSectional Appendix. When switched on, it isused to warn personnel on or near the lineabout an approaching train.

TPWS Train protection and warning system. Asystem by which a train is stopped by anautomatic application of the brakes whenactivated by lineside equipment.

Track circuit A method of detecting the presence of a trainor vehicle on a line. An electrical device,using the rails as an electrical circuit, detectsthe absence of a train or vehicle. If theserules refer to track circuits, this also includesdetection by axle counters unless speciallyexcluded.

09/18 9


Wrong-sidefailure

A failure that reduces or removes theprotection given by signalling equipment.

PointsCatch points Points designed to derail vehicles running

back on a gradient in the wrong direction.These points may be unworked if trainsnormally pass over them in one directiononly.

Derailer A device at an exit from a siding or bayplatform that derails an unauthorisedmovement.

Detection An electrical or mechanical indication thatpoints are set in the correct position.

Facing pointlock

Equipment that physically locks facing pointsso that they cannot move.

Facing points Points where two routes diverge.

Ground frame A control point containing levers or switchesto allow points in running lines and sidings,and any associated signals, to be operatedlocally. This local operation is only possiblewhen the signaller at the controlling signalbox gives a release. Also includes aground-switch panel.

Hand points Points that are worked manually by leverindependent of any other signalling controls.

Mechanicalpoints

Points that are mechanically operated withoutany other form of power operation.

Power-operatedpoints

Points that are operated by means other thanmechanically.

Run through (ofpoints)

An incident where a movement runs througha trailing set of points that are not set in thecorrect position for the movement.

Trailing points Points where two routes converge.


10 09/18


Train-operatedpoints

Points that are continuously driven to oneposition such that facing movements alwayspass through them in the same direction.Trains themselves operate the points in thetrailing reverse direction.

Trap points Facing points at an exit from a siding orconverging route that derail an unauthorisedmovement, so protecting the adjacent line.

Unworkedpoints

Points that are not operated from a signal boxor ground frame.

Worked points Points that are operated from a signal box orground frame.

Train Signalling RegulationsAbsolute block A signalling system that allows only one train

to be in a block section at the same time. Theblock indicator is used to indicate whether theline between adjacent signal boxes is clear oroccupied.

Block section The section of the line between the sectionsignal of one signal box and the home signalof the next signal box ahead.

ERTMS European rail traffic management system. Asignalling system that uses in cab indicationsas opposed to external track bourne signals.

Intermediateblock section

The line between the section signal and theintermediate block home signal worked by thesame signal box in the same direction oftravel.

Overlap The distance beyond a stop signal up towhich the line must be clear before theprevious signal can show a proceed aspect.

Route settingposition

Location on a signalling control panel orworkstation from which a route can be set orclosed.

09/18 11


Station limits The line between the home signal and thesection signal worked by the same signal boxand in the same direction of travel. This doesnot apply on a track circuit block line.

Track circuitblock

A method of signalling trains in a section ofline using track circuits or other means ofautomatic train absence detection andwithout using block instruments.

Train signallingregulations

Instructions for use by the signaller that givedetails of the rules, regulations andinstructions relating to each different kind ofsignalling system.

Transition The process of the onboard ERTMS signalingsystem transferring from one signallingsystem to another. This process has to beacknowledged by the driver.

Train WorkingBrakingdistance

The distance a train needs in which to stop orreduce speed, from travelling at a givenspeed.

Coupled inmultiple

Traction units coupled to allow throughcontrols by one driver.

Coupled intandem

Each traction unit is separately controlled byits own driver, with through control of theautomatic brake only.

Driver only (orDO) train

A train that is worked only by a driver anddoes not have a guard.

In service A train is in service from the time it is ready tostart its journey until the time it completes itsjourney. A vehicle is in service when it formspart of a train which is in service.

End of authority The location to which a train is permitted toproceed. The boundary of a movementauthority.


12 09/18


Full supervision The normal movement used by ERTMS, anauthority that gives comprehensive protectionto all trains.

Journey The route from the starting point of a train(siding, platform line or other place) to itsplanned destination (siding, platform line orother place), or where:• is required to reverse before continuing to

its destination• vehicles are attached or detached• it is terminated short of its destination.Any light locomotive movement, emptycoaching stock movement or short distanceshunting movement is a separate journeyfrom the associated train movement.

Movementauthority

Permission for a train to run to a specificlocation as a signalled move.

On sight A type of movement authority used byERTMS that allows entry into an occupiedsection. The driver will be presented with amaximum speed and must ensure that thetrain is stopped short of any obstruction.

One-trainworking

Method of signalling on a single line, with orwithout a train staff, where only one train at atime is permitted.

Out of service(train)

A train is out of service between the time thatit completes its journey and the time it isready to start another journey.

Out of service(vehicle)

A vehicle is out of service when it forms partof a train that is out of service, or when it hasbeen detached from a train in a depot, siding,platform line or other authorised place. Thedetraining of passengers does not in itselfmean a vehicle has been taken out ofservice.

09/18 13


Passengerservice

A train that is in service carrying passengers.

Permissiblespeed

The maximum permitted speed as shown inthe Sectional Appendix.

Shuntingmovement

Any movement of a train or vehicle other thana train passing normally along a running line.

Tail lamp Includes an illuminated built-in red light orblind.

Token Any single line token, staff or tablet.

TrainsBrake van Any vehicle with a brake compartment.

Cant rail The point on the side of a locomotive orcoach where the bodyside meets the roof(sometimes marked by an orange stripe).

Central door-locking

A secondary locking system fitted to certainslam-door passenger vehicles and controlledby the guard that prevents passengers fromopening the doors.

Defective on-train equipment

On-train equipment that:• is not performing its intended

safetyfunction, either fully or partly• is isolated• is missing.

Driver machineinterface (DMI)

The device used by a driver to interact withERTMS onboard equipment. Typically acomputer screen located in the driving cab.

Driver’sreminderappliance (DRA)

A device in a driving cab that allows the driverto set a reminder that the signal ahead is atdanger. While the DRA is set, the drivercannot take power.

Power-operateddoors

Doors on a train where the opening andclosing are controlled by the driver or guard.


14 09/18


TASS Tilt authorisation and speed supervision. Asystem on tilting trains that controls:• the operation of the tilt system• the speed of the train on routes where

enhanced permissible speeds apply onTASS fitted lines.


Track circuitactuator

Equipment provided on certain trains toimprove the operation of track circuits.

Traction unit Locomotive, multiple unit, self-propelled railvehicle or road-rail vehicle operating in railmode.

Train This includes light locomotive, self-propelledrail vehicle or road-rail vehicle in rail mode.

WorkforceCompetentperson

A person who is passed as being qualifiedand has the required knowledge and skills tocarry out a particular rule, regulation,instruction or procedure.

Operationscontrol

The term used for Network Rail OperationsControl Offices.

Pilotman A person who has been appointed to managethe passage of trains over a single line duringa failure of equipment, during repairs or dueto an obstruction.

Rolling stocktechnician

A person who is authorised and has thenecessary technical competence to examineor repair specified items of equipment formingpart of a train or vehicle.

Traincrew Driver and guard.

09/18 15


Train operator The company responsible for operating atrain.

Your employer The company, or subsidiary of a largerorganisation for whom you work.


16 09/18


AAbsolute block A signalling system that allows only one train

to be in a block section at the same time. Theblock indicator is used to indicate whether theline between adjacent signal boxes is clear oroccupied.

Adjacent line A line or siding next to the line you are on.

Affect thenormal passageof trains

Any activity or event that allows train workingto continue but causes diversion, inability tocall at a planned destination or introduction ofdegraded-mode operations such as passingsignals at danger, handsignalling, manualroute setting or single line workingarrangements.

Affect thesafety of theline

Any activity or event that may, during itscourse, render the track, the formation or astructure unsafe for the passage of trains, orunsafe for the passage of trains at normalspeed.

Affect thesafety of trainworking

Any activity or event that may, during itscourse, render a movement control orinterlocking system unusable for the signalingof trains.

Aspect The indication of a colour light signal that thedriver sees.

09/18 17


ATWS Automatic track warning system.An individual or lineside warning system thatcan be installed at a site of work to:• detect an approaching train• alert personnel who are on or near the

line.It may be installed temporarily for the periodof work or it may be installed permanently ata location. This definition does not includeTOWS or LOWS

Automatic levelcrossing

Any of the following level crossings:• Automatic half-barrier (AHBC)• Automatic barrier crossing, locally

monitored (ABCL)• Automatic open crossing, locally

monitored (AOCL)• Crossing with red and green warning

lights (R/G).

AutomaticSignal

A signal operated by the passage of trains.The signaller or a person operating a signalpost replacement switch can place someautomatic signals to danger.

Axle counter A method of detecting the presence of a trainor vehicle on a line. Track-mountedequipment, at each end of a portion of line,counts the number of axles passing over.This is used to identify when a portion of lineis occupied or clear.

Axle counterhead

A device that detects the passage of a wheelpassing over a running rail.

Terms by alphabetical order

18 09/18


BBarrowcrossing

A crossing (often at the end of a platform) forrailway personnel to use. Some barrowcrossings have white-light indicators which,when lit, indicate to the user that it is safe tocross.

Bi-directionalline

A line on which the signalling allows trains torun in both directions.

Block marker Reflective board that serves as a physicalindication of signalling sections withinERTMS. Used when degraded working isrequired.

Block section The section of the line between the sectionsignal of one signal box and the home signalof the next signal box ahead.

Brake van Any vehicle with a brake compartment.

Brakingdistance

The distance a train needs in which to stop orreduce speed, from travelling at a givenspeed.

CCatch points Points designed to derail vehicles running

back on a gradient in the wrong direction.These points may be unworked if trainsnormally pass over them in one directiononly.

Cant rail The point on the side of a locomotive orcoach where the bodyside meets the roof(sometimes marked by an orange stripe).

Central door-locking

A secondary locking system fitted to certainslam-door passenger vehicles and controlledby the guard that prevents passengers fromopening the doors.

09/18 19


Competentperson

A person who is passed as being qualifiedand has the required knowledge and skills tocarry out a particular rule, regulation,instruction or procedure.

Conductor rail A rail through which electricity is supplied toelectric-powered trains.

Controlledcrossing

Any of the following level crossings.• Manned crossing with barriers (MCB).• Manned crossing with gates (MG).• Remotely controlled crossing with barriers

(RC).• Barrier crossing with closed-circuit

television (CCTV).• Barrier crossing with obstacle detection

(OD).

Controlledevacuation

The evacuation of passengers from a trainafter the signaller has confirmed that all lineshave been protected.

Coupled inmultiple

Traction units coupled to allow throughcontrols by one driver.

Coupled intandem

Each traction unit is separately controlled byits own driver, with through control of theautomatic brake only.

DDefective on-train equipment

On-train equipment that:• is not performing its intended

safetyfunction, either fully or partly• is isolated• is missing.

Derailer A device at an exit from a siding or bayplatform that derails an unauthorisedmovement.


20 09/18


Detection An electrical or mechanical indication thatpoints are set in the correct position.

Detonator A small disc-shaped warning device,designed to be placed on the railhead forprotection and emergency purposes. Itexplodes when a train passes over it.

DetonatorProtection

Detonator protection consists of threedetonators placed 20 metres (approx 20yards) apart on the same rail with apossession limit board at the first detonator inthe direction of travel.

Driver only (orDO) train

A train that is worked only by a driver anddoes not have a guard.

Driver machineinterface (DMI)

The device used by a driver to interact withERTMS onboard equipment. Typically acomputer screen located in the driving cab.

Driver’sreminderappliance (DRA)

A device in a driving cab that allows the driverto set a reminder that the signal ahead is atdanger. While the DRA is set, the drivercannot take power.

EEarthed The term ‘earthed’ when applied to the

overhead line equipment which is normallylive, means connected to the traction returnrunning rail either directly or to a structurewhich is itself connected thereto.

Electrified line A line that is electrified either by 25,000 voltsAC overhead lines or by 750 volts DCconductor rails. Local instructions are issuedfor certain sections of route electrified by1500 volts DC overhead lines.

Emergencyevacuation

The evacuation of passengers from a train ifthe signaller states that protection cannot begiven or the signaller cannot be contacted.

09/18 21


Emergencyprotection

The means of protecting a train by trackcircuit operating clips, hand danger signalsand detonators when:• a driver or guard cannot contact the

signaller, or• the signaller cannot provide signal

protection.

End of authority The location to which a train is permitted toproceed. The boundary of a movementauthority.

EngineeringPossessionReminder (EPR)

A reminder applied by the signaller to one ormore axle counter sections in advance ofpre-planned engineering works in order toindicate the area affected. When removedfrom an axle counter section indicatingoccupied, this initiates an unconditional reset/restoration of the axle counter without aspectrestriction.

Engineeringtrain

Includes an on-track machine.

ERTMS European rail traffic management system. Asignalling system that uses in cab indicationsas opposed to external track bourne signals.

FFacing pointlock

Equipment that physically locks facing pointsso that they cannot move.

Facing points Points where two routes diverge.

Full supervision The normal movement used by ERTMS, anauthority that gives comprehensive protectionto all trains.


22 09/18


GGoods line A line that has not been signalled to the

standard required for running passengertrains.

Ground frame A control point containing levers or switchesto allow points in running lines and sidings,and any associated signals, to be operatedlocally. This local operation is only possiblewhen the signaller at the controlling signalbox gives a release. Also includes aground-switch panel.

HHand points Points that are worked manually by lever

independent of any other signalling controls.

Home signal The first stop signal on the approach to asignal box on a line not signalled by the trackcircuit block system of signalling.

IIn service A train is in service from the time it is ready to

start its journey until the time it completes itsjourney. A vehicle is in service when it formspart of a train which is in service.

Interlocking A general term applied to equipment thatcontrols setting and releasing signals andpoints to prevent an unsafe condition of thesignalling system arising during the passageof trains.

Intermediateblock homesignal

A stop signal that controls the exit from anintermediate block section. (Although anintermediate block home signal controls theentrance to an absolute block section, it isreferred to as the intermediate block homesignal).

09/18 23


Intermediateblock section

The line between the section signal and theintermediate block home signal worked by thesame signal box in the same direction oftravel.

Intermediatepoint to apossession

A location other then the limits at the ends ofthe possession where an engineering traincan enter or leave the possession to:• an open line• a siding not under possession.

Isolated Electrical equipment is isolated when it isdisconnected from all sources of electricitysupply in a secure way.

Isolation Isolation is the action of causing electricalsections or sub-sections of the OLE or CREto be isolated. For AC it includes the entireprocess of switching off, securing, testing andearthing and issue of the overhead linepermit. For DC it includes the entire processof switching off, securing and testing andissue of the conductor rail permit.

JJourney The route from the starting point of a train

(siding, platform line or other place) to itsplanned destination (siding, platform line orother place), or where:• is required to reverse before continuing to

its destination• vehicles are attached or detached• it is terminated short of its destination.Any light locomotive movement, emptycoaching stock movement or short distanceshunting movement is a separate journeyfrom the associated train movement.


24 09/18


Junction signal A signal that controls more than one runningroute and can display an indication of route.

LLevel crossing Any manned, automatic, controlled, or open

crossing shown in Table A of the SectionalAppendix.

Lever Includes a switch, button or workstationcontrol.

Live Connected to an electrical supply.

LOWS Lookout operated warning system. A linesidewarning system, used to warn personnel onor near the line about an approaching train. Itis operated by a lookout.

MMain aspect The following aspects of a colour light signal:

• red• yellow• two yellows• flashing yellow• two flashing yellows• green.

Maintenancedepot

A location defined in a train operator’sContingency Plan with the facilities to repairor replace specified items of defectiveon-train equipment.

Manned levelcrossing

A level crossing that is operated locally by asignaller or crossing keeper (MCB or LC).

Mechanicalpoints

Points that are mechanically operated withoutany other form of power operation.

Movementauthority

Permission for a train to run to a specificlocation as a signalled move.

09/18 25


NNo-block line A line on which the signaller does not monitor

the condition of the block section.

OOn sight A type of movement authority used by

ERTMS that allows entry into an occupiedsection. The driver will be presented with amaximum speed and must ensure that thetrain is stopped short of any obstruction.

One-trainworking

Method of signalling on a single line, with orwithout a train staff, where only one train at atime is permitted.

On-track plant A road-rail vehicle (RRV) or rail mountedmaintenance machine (RMMM) also knownas ‘in possession only’ vehicles.

Open levelcrossing

An unmanned level crossing that has nobarriers, gates or road traffic signals. It has a‘Give Way’ sign on each road approach.

Operationscontrol

The term used for Network Rail OperationsControl Offices.

Out of service(train)

A train is out of service between the time thatit completes its journey and the time it isready to start another journey.

Out of service(vehicle)

A vehicle is out of service when it forms partof a train that is out of service, or when it hasbeen detached from a train in a depot, siding,platform line or other authorised place. Thedetraining of passengers does not in itselfmean a vehicle has been taken out ofservice.

Overhead lineequipment

Wires and associated equipment, suspendedover or adjacent to the railway line forsupplying electricity to electric trains.


26 09/18


Overlap The distance beyond a stop signal up towhich the line must be clear before theprevious signal can show a proceed aspect.

PPassengerservice

A train that is in service carrying passengers.

Permissiblespeed

The maximum permitted speed as shown inthe Sectional Appendix.

Pilotman A person who has been appointed to managethe passage of trains over a single line duringa failure of equipment, during repairs or dueto an obstruction.

PoSA Proceed-on-sight authority. A signal used forcontrolling movements into a section affectedby a failure of signalling equipment.

PossessionLimit Board(PLB)

A double-sided board, red on both sides, witha red light (which may be steady or flashing).The board also has the word STOP printedon both sides.

Power-operateddoors

Doors on a train where the opening andclosing are controlled by the driver or guard.

Power-operatedpoints

Points that are operated by means other thanmechanically.

Protection Ways of making sure that a line is protected.This includes keeping signals at danger,placing detonators on the line, using a trackcircuit operating clip and showing a handdanger signal.

RReminderappliance

A device or control used to remind thesignaller that a particular lever, button orswitch must not be operated at all, or usedonly under certain conditions.

09/18 27


Repeater (in asignal box)

A dial or indicator in a manual signal box thatshows the position of a signal arm andwhether the signal lamp is lit.

Right-sidefailure

A failure that does not reduce the protectiongiven by signalling equipment.

Rolling stocktechnician

A person who is authorised and has thenecessary technical competence to examineor repair specified items of equipment formingpart of a train or vehicle.

Route settingposition

Location on a signalling control panel orworkstation from which a route can be set orclosed.

Running line A line as shown in Table A of the SectionalAppendix as a passenger line or as anon-passenger line.

Run through (ofpoints)

An incident where a movement runs througha trailing set of points that are not set in thecorrect position for the movement.

SSection signal A stop signal that controls the entrance to a

block section or intermediate block sectionahead.

Semi-automaticsignal

A signal normally operated by the passage oftrains, but can also be controlled from thesignal box or from a ground frame, or by aperson operating a signal post replacementswitch.

Shunt entryboard

A lineside indicator board that indicates theentry of a shunt route on ERTMS cabsignalled lines where lineside signals are notprovided.

Shuntingmovement

Any movement of a train or vehicle other thana train passing normally along a running line.


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Shunting signal A signal that is provided for shuntingpurposes only.

Siding A line on which vehicles are marshalled,stabled, loaded, unloaded or serviced clear ofa running line.

Signal postreplacementkey

The key used to operate a signal postreplacement switch.

Signal postreplacementswitch

A switch on the post of an automatic orsemi-automatic colour light signal that can beoperated by a key to turn it to, and keep it at,danger.

Single line One line is available for movements in bothdirections.

Station Terminal, depot, yard or halt.

Station limits The line between the home signal and thesection signal worked by the same signal boxand in the same direction of travel. This doesnot apply on a track circuit block line.

Stop signal A signal that can show a stop aspect orindication.

Subsidiarysignal

A semaphore signal used for controllingshunting movements and movements ontooccupied tracks. It is always positioned belowthe main semaphore arm with which it isassociated.

Switched off Electrical equipment that is disconnected andseparated from all sources of supply.

TTail lamp Includes an illuminated built-in red light or

blind.

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TASS Tilt authorisation and speed supervision. Asystem on tilting trains that controls:• the operation of the tilt system• the speed of the train on routes where

enhanced permissible speeds apply onTASS fitted lines.

Token Any single line token, staff or tablet.

TOWS Train operated warning system. An audiblewarning system at locations listed in theSectional Appendix. When switched on, it isused to warn personnel on or near the lineabout an approaching train.


Track circuit A method of detecting the presence of a trainor vehicle on a line. An electrical device,using the rails as an electrical circuit, detectsthe absence of a train or vehicle. If theserules refer to track circuits, this also includesdetection by axle counters unless speciallyexcluded.

Track circuitactuator

Equipment provided on certain trains toimprove the operation of track circuits.

Track circuitblock

A method of signalling trains in a section ofline using track circuits or other means ofautomatic train absence detection andwithout using block instruments.

Track circuitoperating clip

A device which, in an emergency can beplaced on top of each running rail to operatethe track circuit and protect an obstruction.

Track circuitoperatingdevice (T-COD)

A special device that can be placed on theline to provide protection by operating thetrack circuit, to hold a signal at danger.


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Traction unit Locomotive, multiple unit, self-propelled railvehicle or road-rail vehicle operating in railmode.

Trailing points Points where two routes converge.

Train This includes light locomotive, self-propelledrail vehicle or road-rail vehicle in rail mode.

Traincrew Driver and guard.

Train-operatedpoints

Points that are continuously driven to oneposition such that facing movements alwayspass through them in the same direction.Trains themselves operate the points in thetrailing reverse direction.

Train operator The company responsible for operating atrain.

Train signallingregulations

Instructions for use by the signaller that givedetails of the rules, regulations andinstructions relating to each different kind ofsignalling system.

Transition The process of the onboard ERTMS signalingsystem transferring from one signallingsystem to another. This process has to beacknowledged by the driver.

Trap points Facing points at an exit from a siding orconverging route that derail an unauthorisedmovement, so protecting the adjacent line.

UUncontrolledevacuation

The self evacuation of passengers from atrain, which is not initiated by the driver orguard.

Unworkedpoints

Points that are not operated from a signal boxor ground frame.

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WWorked points Points that are operated from a signal box or

ground frame.

Wrong-sidefailure

A failure that reduces or removes theprotection given by signalling equipment.

YYour employer The company, or subsidiary of a larger

organisation for whom you work.


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Email https://customer-portal.rssb.co.uk/

Tel +44 (0) 20 3142 5300Twitter @RSSB_railWeb www.rssb.co.uk

Rail Safety Standards BoardLimitedThe HeliconOne South PlaceLondonEC2M 2RB


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