Railway Operations: Information Verification and Authority Procedures

Information Display and Verification

When performing functions that require verbal transmission or repetition, the appropriate information must be displayed and used to match against the verbal communication in order to verify accuracy. Examples include transmission of mandatory directives, reporting clear of authority limits, and restoring main track switches through the POS process. When information is displayed on the workstation or a form is accessed, advise readiness to the field employee and restate the authority number involved. If the field employee begins to state information without the appropriate information screen displayed: Do not accept the information.

Trains Occupying Overlapping Limits

ABS Territory

Joint authority may be used for trains occupying overlapping limits with other trains with no restrictions.

Non-ABS Territory

Trains authorized by proceed authority through the limits of a train authorized by proceed authority, joint, must receive a T.W. with a joint restriction, only after departing the last station prior to the overlapping limits, and proceed authority must begin at the same location where the overlapping limits begin.

When advised by the employee that tasks cannot be performed on the side opposite where a train may approach on the adjacent track, issue a Track Warrant for the limits identified.

Reporting Clear of Track Warrant Authorizing Movement

Trains Only in DT-ABS and NonSignal

When an MW employee or train reports clear of a T.W. with movement authority and job briefing (where required) has occurred, respond with the following:

• Name of the MW employee, or ID of train
• TW # being reported clear
• Track Warrant limits that were authorized
• Time Track Warrant was reported clear
• The question, “Is that correct?”

Protect Open Switch: Issue Authority – Non-signaled Territory

Track warrant authority for trains must end at any open main track switch. Authority may be issued beyond the open switch after the train has stopped at the switch.

Track Indications

When a track indication (intermittent or continuous) appears on the CO’s control system display in CTC territory or in manual interlockings:

1. Take prompt action to protect affected trains' movements first, followed by other notifications.

Call Desk Notification

Promptly notify the MW Trouble Call Desk (CAD IM or call the preprogrammed number on the communication console) with the location of the indication.

Operating Instructions

Advise the Chief Dispatcher at the first opportunity.

Protect Movement: Shunting Signal Circuits

Before granting track and time to employees for protection in a control point, determine if their work will be shunting the signal circuits.

Time and Sign for Transfer Acceptance

To accept responsibility for the position, the relieving dispatcher must time the transfer page at the exact time the transfer is started. When the transfer is completed, the dispatcher must sign the transfer page to signify acceptance of the transfer.