sample assessment questions

Sample Assessment Questions

IRSE Licensing Scheme

Issue 3.0

Sample Assessment Questions IRSE Licensing Scheme

Issue: 3.0 6th May 2010 ii

Invensys Rail Pty Ltd ABN 78 000 102 483

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Australia

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L:\T&T\IRSE Working\Questions\Sample Assessment Questions_3.0.Docx


Sample Assessment Questions

IRSE Licensing Scheme

Issue: 3.0

Issue Date: 6th May 2010

Reference: Sample Assessment Questions_3.0.docx

Prepared: Leon Clark Technology & Training

Change History

Issue Date Comment Changed Checked Approved

1.0 12-Jun-1998 First publication LC WMcD WMcD

2.0 18-Apr-08 New categories added, New template LC DC TD

3.0 6-May-10 Update to Invensys style FH LC LC

Copyright This document is protected by copyright and the information contained herein is confidential. The document may not be copied and the information herein may not be disclosed except by the written permission of, and in a manner permitted by the proprietors, Invensys Rail Pty Ltd, 2010.

Issue: 3.0 6th May 2010 iii


Issue: 3.0 6th May 2010 iv

Contents

Category Questions 1

1.1.100 Asst Designer (S) 1

1.1.110 Designer (S) 4

1.1.130 Principles Designer (S) 7

1.1.140 Design Manager (S) 9

1.1.150C Signalling Designer 10

1.1.150D Signalling Principles Designer 11

1.2.100 Asst Installer (S) 15

1.2.110 Installer (S) 16

1.2.130 Installation Team Leader (S) 17

1.2.140 Installation Manager (S) 18

1.2.150 Test Assistant (S) 19

1.2.180 Principles Tester (S) 20

1.2.190 Tester in Charge (S) 22

1.3.160 Signalling Tester (S) 23

1.3.160 Signalling Tester (S) 24

1.3.180 Signalling Principles Tester 25

1.4.110 Maintainer (S) 26

1.4.130 Maintenance Team Leader (S) 27


Issue: 3.0 6th May 2010 Page 1 of 27

Category Questions

1.1.100 Asst Designer (S)

Question Assessor

If you are asked to a location circuits design for an SRA scheme, what

information/document do you think you will need?

Mark Chiu

How are the loop closed and the design verified to have used the latest

and relevant information?

Craig Ackroyd

What would you do when you are designing/modifying a TRM allocation

and you found an error in the track plan?

Mark Chiu

How would you identify the requirements of a given design allocated to

you and how do you know your design is what your supervisor/client

wants?

Mark Chiu

If you are asked to design SSI location circuits, what type of circuits

would you need to produce?

Mark Chiu

Where do you find standard circuits and equipment for a NSW design? Craig Ackroyd

When a non-standard requirement is identified in your design, what will

you do?

Mark Chiu

During the design life up to commissioning, what must you do to each

design change and why?

Craig Ackroyd

While designing location circuits, you found a possible error in the track

plan that an incorrect frequency is used in one of the track circuits, what

will you do?

Mark Chiu

What standard QA document do you need to refer to for designing

circuits for and RSA scheme and a QR scheme.

Mark Chiu

What equipment documentation exists and where? How are WSA

drawing numbers allocated and records of these kept?

Craig Ackroyd

What other QA document do you need? If you found an error (or some

information is outdated) in a QA document (work instruction) what

would you do?

Mark Chiu

How do you know all your work is completed within the limits of your

own authority? What resources do you have to carry out your design

task?

Mark Chiu

What would be regarded as a safe distance between following trains? UK



How would you depict a three aspect signal on a track plan? UK

Describe briefly how you would ensure that two opposing signals, using

relay interlocking, are not cleared simultaneously onto the same route?

UK

What, as an Asst. Designer, would you regard as the limit of your

responsibility?

UK

Draw the symbol for a front contact as used in a relay interlocking and

Westrace data ladder diagrams.

UK

What information is shown on the Control Sheet? UK

Give two examples of the type of information reflected on a Track plan. UK

What information is shown on Aspect / Code sequence charts? UK

On the items listed on the CAC do you understand what they are?

Explain? Where would you find each one of these?

Craig Ackroyd

What is a Bonding plan used for? UK

Explain very briefly how you would go about preparing the design for a

WESTRACE interlocking.

UK

Where would you get the terminal connection details for connecting to a

WESTRACE protection and filter module?

UK

What areas of the Central Line do we have bonding plans for? UK

If the detection fails on a set of points in a cleared route, what should

the signalling do?

UK

Why are double cut circuits used to feed external equipment? UK

What determines between the use of dedicated or common fusing. UK

If the detection fails on a set of points in a cleared route, what should

the signalling do?

UK

What code should be applied to the track circuit behind a train? UK

If a trainstop fails to lower what should the signalling do. UK

What is an overlap? UK

What does route locking prevent? UK

Describe approach locking. UK



Describe what is meant by approach release. UK

Describe the meaning of interlocking when used in railway signalling. UK

Describe interlocking between signals. UK

Why is interlocking between signals and points provided? UK

Describe what is meant by flank protection. UK

Describe what is meant by back locking. UK


Why are fuses used on the signalling equipment room termination with

all outside equipment in electrified areas?

UK

Why is multi-strand wire used in the railway signalling environment? UK

Name a few alternative places you would get relevant information from. K Allen

Why do we provide analysis of terminals and contacts? K Allen

What points are required to be locked in the sketch attached and what

way for main route 14 16?

K Allen

What or who would be contacted if the scope of work issued was

misleading?

K Allen

State what specific document covers TPWS materials. K Allen

Why do we record durations and start/finish days of jobs? K Allen

Describe the letters used in:

a) QNAI

b) QBAI

K Allen

What was the main reason for TPWS site surveys? K Allen



1.1.110 Designer (S)

Question Assessor

What documents do you consider necessary before you start

designs?

Phillip Baker

Presented candidate with track circuit:

What signals required at locking level? When the route reverses what does it do to opposing route

and points in route and overlap?

How is this locking maintained after the train has passed the signal?

How is the route protected if the signal is replaced with approaching train?

Philip Baker

If there are documents missing, or, the information in them

conflicts what would you do?

Philip Baker

In the evidence for this criterion, the design is signed off by JT,

although the work experience is signed off as this being done by

Richard. Why is this?

Philip Baker

What happens if you do not have a standard cell for a particular

piece of equipment?

Philip Baker

What happens if during design you need an extra function from

an area being designed by another person?

W. Blackmore

In your summary of evidence (page 7) you mentioned production

of care plans in accordance with company standards. Please

specify the work instruction and QR standards.

Philip Baker

What Quality Procedures do apply to the design process? Steven Barker

How are faults in data or interlocking circuits identified and what

are the procedures for correcting these faults.

Stuart Ferguson

How are faults in loc designs or cable plans identified and what is

the method for correcting these faults?

W. Blackmore

Explain how you personally ensure the resources under your

control are controlled monitored and accurately recorded

especially with respect to time.

Philip Baker

If an error was found in your design during testing what action

would you take?

Philip Baker



How would you go about rectifying a fault? Philip Baker

If there are two versions of a document say 711.3.0 and 3.3

which version do you use & why?

Philip Baker

On Arncliff, when the blues were returned by the client, what

action was taken?

Philip Baker

If an error was discovered in two separate projects you are

working on what action would you take?

Philip Baker

When designing a signalling system, what would be regarded as a

safe distance between following trains?

UK

Provide the number and title of the WSL quality standard for

Signalling design.

UK

What would you do if you noticed an error in a design or scheme

plan?

UK

Describe briefly any TWO principles that should generally be

applied whilst designing a signalling interlocking.

UK

What do the following abbreviations generally mean in a

signalling design? RLR; NLPR; HR; NKPR

UK

What function does a control table perform? UK

When designing circuit modification for a commissioned room

what considerations should you make.

UK

What code should be applied to the track circuit behind a train? UK

If a trainstop fails to lower what should the signalling do. UK

Describe what is meant by approach release. UK

Discuss briefly the criteria to be considered when commencing

the design of a signalling layout?

UK

How would you determine the design principles to be used on a

signalling scheme?

UK

What information would you expect to find on an Aspect / Code

sequence chart?

UK

Give THREE examples of the type of information you would

expect to find on a control sheet.

UK



Explain briefly the Design Control Procedure currently in use by

WSL.

UK

What does the code charts for each station show? UK

What document would you use to determine the correct EPROM

to be used for the data on a WESTRACE VLM card?

UK


Why is multi-strand wire used in the railway signalling

environment?

UK

What determines between the use of dedicated or common

fusing.

UK

What very important criterion is satisfied through the design /

checking procedure?

UK

List some of the standards that you would adopt if required to

pick up functions from an existing Relay room.

UK

List three implications of changes made during the design phase. UK

When checking your design, what would you regard as your most

valuable resource?

UK

List three of the principle design documents used to ensure that a

design complies with company / project standards.

UK



1.1.130 Principles Designer (S)

Question Assessor

Where are relevant documents and information specified and

found?

CA

What standards are specified and where found? CA

What principles were used in the jobs listed in Appendix 7? CA

How are design changes communicated to the rest of design

team?

CA

What are the companys QA requirements and where are they

kept?

CA

What reviews are carried out on a design and how are they

recorded?

CA

What Quality Procedures did you follow with respect to the

example given in evidence?

W. D. Blackmore

How is your role on a project documented? CA

How is your time recorded? How are target dates defined? CA

How are reported defects from the client handled? CA

How are design changes from site handled? CA

How are internal checking comments handled? CA

In what ways are design changes agreed to by the client? CA

How are design changes agreed to by the Supervisor of Project

Manager?

CA

On what scheme did this occur and what records would there be

of this?

CA

Discuss briefly the criteria to be considered when commencing

the design of a signalling layout?

UK

How would you determine the design principles to be used on a

signalling scheme?

UK

What information would you expect to find on an Aspect / Code

sequence chart?

UK



Give THREE examples of the type of information you would

expect to find on a control sheet.

UK

Explain briefly the Design Control Procedure currently in use by

WSL.

UK

What does the code charts for each station show? UK

What document would you use to determine the correct EPROM

to be used for the data on a WESTRACE VLM card?

UK


Why is multi-strand wire used in the railway signalling

environment?

UK

What determines between the use of dedicated or common

fusing.

UK

What very important criterion is satisfied through the design /

checking procedure?

UK

List some of the standards that you would adopt if required to

pick up functions from an existing Relay room.

UK

List three implications of changes made during the design phase. UK

When checking your design, what would you regard as your most

valuable resource?

UK

List three of the principle design documents used to ensure that a

design complies with company / project standards.

UK

A route is set from 37. When is locking released with train in

route on:

a) 101 points;

b) 102 points;

c) 103 points; and

d) 104 points.

S. Barker

Is locking required between 7 and 5 signals? S. Barker



1.1.140 Design Manager (S)

Question Assessor



1.1.150C Signalling Designer

Question Assessor

What does the term swinging overlap mean? R Barker

How is the signal aspect maintained whilst the O/L swings? R Barker

Why do we apply approach clearing to some signals? R Barker

What is a repeater signal and when or where would it be

positioned?

R Barker

Is a repeater signal different to a distant signal? R Barker

What is the difference between a unit lever and a route setting

control panel?

R Barker



1.1.150D Signalling Principles Designer

Question Assessor

LUL principles: What indication is given that a trainstop fails to

drive down?

S Barker

LUL principles:

a) What is Berth Track Diversity and why is it provided?

b) How is it provided? (3 methods)

S Barker

LUL principles: How do we prove the trainstop has normalised? S Barker

LUL principles: Draw locking charts for the following

a) 1 Locks 2

b) 1 Locks 2 N & R

S Barker

LUL principles: What is backlogging? S Barker

LUL principles: With the aid of diagrams show examples of back

log release by:

a) ALR only

b) ALR and Delta

c) ALR and JR

d) ALR and Delta JR

S Barker

LUL principles: What is Hand Over Locking and, with the aid of

a diagram, when is it applied?

S Barker

SRT principles: How far in rear of a signal is the comprehensive

approach locking?

S Barker

SRT principles: What is Anti-Preselection and why is it

provided?

S Barker

SRT principles: Any route stick (USR) that locks point normal and

reverse have a WZR of the points around the USRs primary

function. Why? In such cases how do the points become locked

and when does the USR drop?

S Barker

SRT principles: With the aid of a drawing describe Indirect

locking?

S Barker

SRT principles: With the aid of a drawing show how Conditional

Locking may be applied to a crossover. What is Counter

Conditional Locking?

S Barker



SRT principles: How far in rear of a signal is the comprehensive

approach locking?

S Barker

SRT principles: What is Anti-Preselection and why is it

provided?

S Barker

SRT principles: Any route stick (USR) that locks point normal and

reverse have a WZR of the points around the USRs primary

function. Why? In such cases how do the points become locked

and when does the USR drop?

S Barker

SRT principles: With the aid of a drawing describe Indirect

locking?

S Barker

SRT principles: With the aid of a drawing show how Conditional

Locking may be applied to a crossover. What is Counter

Conditional Locking?

S Barker

How do we know when templates from cab-i-net are not correct? B Bedford

What are your considerations when being allocated a task or

allocating tasks?

B Bedford

How do we maintain design records & confidentiality? B Bedford

Provide some examples of signals requiring non standard

installation.

B Bedford

You find that a template issued for use is not correct. What do

you do?

B Bedford

Identify some of the various risks associated with the current

design you are performing for the Detailed Design of Harrow on

the Hill.

B Bedford

What is the measure of how .. sufficiently and clearly detailed

design is?

B Bedford

What procedure is in place to minimise risk of lost work in the

event of a LAN failure?

B Bedford

What is done with WIP copies of Design Checked Copies of Design

and Design Calculations?

B Bedford

A change has been identified during site testing. How should the

change be implemented?

B Bedford

What would be some examples of looking for an alternative

solution to a design change?

B Bedford



Can you describe how you have been calculating overlaps on the

PPP project?

S Barker

Can you tell me when you may need to reduce the O/L length and

what are the rules?

S Barker

Can you describe headways? S Barker

Show an example. What is RORI (LUL) S Barker

How do you ensure design inputs are current and applicable to

the design task?

B Bedford

Why did you request performance curves and gradient data when

you were performing scheme design?

B Bedford

By way of a diagram show what is required for Train Away

control?

B Bedford

What control measures could we use to control the speed of a

train through a junction?

B Bedford

With reference to the diagram @ back, identify a potential risk

and suggest a possible solution? Assume FULL sectional route

release.

B Bedford

What are some methods of securely storing design? B Bedford

Who do we monitor changes in design scope of work? B Bedford

Can you describe how you have been calculating overlaps on the

PPP project?

S Barker

Can you tell me when you may need to reduce the O/L length and

what are the rules?

S Barker

Can you describe headways? S Barker

Show an example. What is RORI (LUL) S Barker

What sources are used to obtain design inputs that are current? B Bedford

In addition to design specifications, what other references should

be used for Scheme Design?

B Bedford

If asked to perform a new design task, what steps would you take

to allow you to carry out the task?

B Bedford

How is security enforced and a high level of protection provided

to design data?

B Bedford



How do we ensure that current versions of design inputs are

being used?

B Bedford

How would we address the need for a signal to be positioned in a

non standard position?

B Bedford

How can standards and methods be maintained between design

teams?

B Bedford

Provide an example of a hazardous situation and solution for:

a) signal placement

b) installation of comms, Equipment cabling.

B Bedford

A site survey reveals that an IRJ must move. What are your

considerations when moving the Test Boundary?

B Bedford

How are you able to determine your completion targets for design

tasks?

B Bedford

What procedure is in place to ensure minimal work is lost in the

event of a LAN failure?

B Bedford

Following the issue of Approved Design, what is done with

WIP/Check Copies and Design Calculations?

B Bedford

A change has been identified during site testing. How should the

change be implemented?

B Bedford

You encounter a problem that you are aware has been

encountered previously. What do you do?

B Bedford

LUL principle What indication is (aspect) given to the train

driver when the trainstop fails to drive down?

S Barker

Queensland Rail Typically when is a flashing yellow aspect

displayed in CTC areas?

S Barker

SRT when would you sequence points movements in the

overlap when setting the forward route and why? (not for power

reasons, CTC mainline practice)

S Barker

LUL principle Describe berth track diversity. S Barker

Describe three methods of approach locking release. S Barker



1.2.100 Asst Installer (S)

Question Assessor



1.2.110 Installer (S)

Question Assessor

From what information would you obtain the site whereabouts

and how would you verify your position?

Craig Ackroyd

What procedures are used for the protection of operational

systems form accidental and unauthorised interference

Craig Ackroyd

What installation practises, procedures and standards are used? Craig Ackroyd

What special tools are used in Installation? What is done with

these, and how are they made?

Craig Ackroyd

What are the requirements of installation? Craig Ackroyd

What test equipment and procedures are used? Craig Ackroyd

Why do we calibrate test equipment? Craig Ackroyd

What company procedures exist for installation Integrity? Craig Ackroyd

Where do we list Test WIs? Craig Ackroyd

How is work content communicated to the installer? Craig Ackroyd



1.2.130 Installation Team Leader (S)

Question Assessor



1.2.140 Installation Manager (S)

Question Assessor



1.2.150 Test Assistant (S)

Question Assessor

Give TWO examples of types of Safety Procedures that should be

followed when testing

UK

How would you be expected to communicate with the Tester

whilst testing?

UK

What certificates and authority would you require to have before

you could commence testing?

UK

What, as a Test Assistant, would you regard as the limit of your

responsibility?

UK

What information would you require to be given by the Tester

before you could accurately locate a piece of equipment?

UK

What would you do, as a Test Assistant, as soon as you arrived at

the remote location for testing?

UK

Give some examples of the test equipment you would be likely to

be carrying, when testing remote location cases or track circuits.

UK

What would you do if you became aware of a defect / discrepancy

whilst at a remote location during testing?

UK

How would you report the lay / position of a relay if asked by the

tester?

UK

What do you understand by the term Authority to work

certificate?

UK

What formal documentation should be in place before any testing

can commence?

UK

When corresponding a set of points, what information should be

conveyed between the tester at the trackside and the tester at

the control panel?

UK

When Belling wiring, describe the actions required between the

caller and the operators?

UK

Describe the procedures to be undertaken when discovering a

malfunctioning circuit during testing.

UK

When testing within a freewired interlocking, describe the

procedures for controlling the use of Straps.

UK



1.2.180 Principles Tester (S)

Question Assessor

What is involved in a test plan or commissioning test plan? CA

What type of communication to Senior Management is there? CA

How is the SSI Simulation testing monitored, verified etc? What

spec details this?

CA

How are conflicts in documentation or principle/operational

queries dealt with?

CA

Where are safety procedures both occupational and operational

detailed or referred to?

CA

On a commissioning, what document details authority etc?

Describe the breakdown off this?

CA

How are circuit discrepancies handled during the stages pre test,

site test, commission?

CA

What legislation and rules would you apply when carrying out

your duties as a Principles Tester?

UK

Give an example of what you would consider to be a discrepancy. UK

Give TWO examples of conditions that must be fulfilled before a

system is returned to operational use.

UK

What tasks would you perform before you commenced testing? UK

How would you establish your task and the limits of your

authority?

UK

What Signalling and Interlocking Principles do you apply when

first approaching a new installation?

UK

What documentation would you expect to have on site when

commencing your testing?

UK

What would you consider as effective communication with your

Test Assistants?

UK

How would you verify that testing you had requested has been

completed?

UK

What action would you take if you were requested to undertake

testing that you considered to be beyond the limits of your own

authority?

UK



What does signal sighting serve to prove? UK


What terminology should be used for points testing? UK

What terminology should be used for signal testing? UK

How do you know you have set the signal lamps to the correct

voltage?

UK

What would be your actions if a discrepancy was found in the

wiring of a location case?

UK



1.2.190 Tester in Charge (S)

Question Assessor



1.3.160 Signalling Tester (S)

Question Assessor



1.3.180 Signalling Principles Tester

Question Assessor

What legislative requirements have you accessed while testing? V Snook

When you are collecting information before you test, what do you

do if documentation is missing or out of date?

V Snook

If you are working at Dapto, what were the specific Health &

Safety issues?

V Snook

For a level crossing test, what are the other considerations? V Snook

How would you identify safe access points? V Snook

How would you differentiate between the tests you would have to

do for a SSI and a Westrace?

V Snook

How would you check the competency of staff required for the

Portuguese project?

V Snook

For a new railway authority, how would you identify what

methods of testing are required?

V Snook

For Portugal how did you identify outstanding tests to be done

at commissioning and who did you notify?

V Snook

What are the organisational requirements for testing

documentation?

V Snook

Where are your limits of authority defined? V Snook

Can you tell me about the certification required before you work

in installation in UK or Portugal or NSW?

V Snook

How did you identify the amount of testing required for Dapto

Interface?

V Snook

Where are the methods for recording what tests have been

completed/detailed for RFR?

V Snook

How do you document tests done for Sydenham-SSI? V Snook

When you were testing ADRAIL Xings, what

procedures/specifications did you use?

V Snook

What do you understand the implications of signing CISR off are? V Snook

What are the reporting lines for Portugal project? V Snook



1.4.110 Maintainer (S)

Question Assessor



1.4.130 Maintenance Team Leader (S)

Question Assessor

Category Questions1.1.100 Asst Designer (S)1.1.110 Designer (S)1.1.130 Principles Designer (S)1.1.140 Design Manager (S)1.1.150C Signalling Designer1.1.150D Signalling Principles Designer1.2.100 Asst Installer (S)1.2.110 Installer (S)1.2.130 Installation Team Leader (S)1.2.140 Installation Manager (S)1.2.150 Test Assistant (S)1.2.180 Principles Tester (S)1.2.190 Tester in Charge (S)1.3.160 Signalling Tester (S)1.3.160 Signalling Tester (S)1.3.180 Signalling Principles Tester1.4.110 Maintainer (S)1.4.130 Maintenance Team Leader (S)

sample assessment questions

Documents

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asst installer s

mark chiu