Metals X Road Private Level Crossing
Axle Counter Reset and Level Crossing Isolation Operating Procedure
Note: Road rail vehicles must not use the Metals X Road private level crossing to ‘put on’ or ‘take off’ otherwise unnecessary operation of the level crossing warning equipment will occur. Sign boards will be erected at the crossing as a reminder to road rail users.
Upon commissioning of the new level crossing protection equipment at Metals X Road private level crossing at 1753.740 km, in the Curtin to Golden Ridge section, the following operating procedures will apply in the event of a requirement for an axle counter reset or level crossing isolation to be performed:
Overview
Metals X Road private level crossing active warning devices consist of flashing lights, automatic gates, an audible warning device and road traffic advance warning lights. The operation of the crossing is via axle counters.
The control equipment will be housed in a concrete enclosure adjacent to the track. In addition to the standard test switch control box, an axle counter reset switch and a level crossing isolation switch will be installed in separate control boxes secured with ‘S’ locks and attached to the wall of the concrete enclosure.
Axle Counter Reset Switch Control Box
The panel inside the control box depicts three axle counter track sections. The up crossing track (UXT) the centre island track (XT) and the down crossing track (DXT).
Each track section has a red and green LED indicator.
The red LED indicates that the track section is occupied (or in an error or miscount state).
The green LED indicates that the track section is normal.
Beneath the track section is a three position switch. Centre position is normal, left position 1 and right position 2.
Beneath the three position switch is a red LED labelled Reset. The LED lights to acknowledge the reset command.
Local Operation of Axle Counter Reset
Local operation of the axle counter reset shall only be carried out when authorised by the Network Controller. This will also mean that one or more of the axle counter tracks will be displaying a red indication (due to an error or miscount).
When a reset is requested by the Network Controller, the qualified safe worker shall open the Reset Box and operate the reset switch as per the instructions on the panel - left position 1 for 1 second, then right position 2 for 1 second, then back to the centre normal position.
Once the axle counter reset has occurred, all three tracks should display a green indication. The qualified safe worker shall close and lock the axle counter reset control box and advise Network Control.
Whilst the axle counters are being reset, the crossing will automatically ring for 120 seconds, and the red reset light will flash during this period.
If one or more of the axle counter tracks are still displaying a red indication after the reset process has finished, the Network Controller may direct the qualified safe worker to isolate the Crossing, as per the Instructions at the end of this document.
Note: Qualified safe workers attending a fault should not have their vehicle on rail when attending to reset the axle counters as their departure will cause the axle counter track to fail.
Remote Operation of Axle Counter Reset
Network Control will also have the ability to monitor alarms for the crossing as well as remotely resetting the axle counters in the event that an axle counter anomaly has been established.
The reset process will be similar to the current Port Augusta to Tarcoola CTC axle counter reset procedure except that all 3 axle counter track sections will be reset at the same time. The crossing will also ring for 120 seconds when a remote reset occurs.
Once the TTM has approved and signed off on the axle counter reset form, the Network Controller can select the 'DX-UXT' Track Button followed by the Reset Button. The 'Resetting' label will then display while the axle counters reset and the crossing is ringing for 120 seconds.
Level Crossing Isolation Switch Box
The panel inside the control box is fitted with a 2 position key switch. The positions are ‘Normal’ and ‘Isolated’. The key will be secured within the control box.
In the event that a fault has occurred and the level crossing warning equipment is operating continuously and it cannot be reset with an axle counter reset as described above then the level crossing isolation switch can be operated to disable the level crossing warning equipment as described below.
Operation of the Level Crossing Isolation Switch
Operation of the isolation switch shall only be carried out when authorised by the Network Controller.
When isolation of the level crossing is required and authorised, the qualified safe worker shall open the Isolation Switch box, insert the key and operate the isolation switch as per the instructions on the panel. When operated, the advanced warning lights and the level crossing warning equipment (lights and gong), will be turned off. The automatic gates will be motored to the upright position.
Once the Metals X level crossing has been authorised to be isolated, the Metals X contact person is to be advised by the safe worker/ network control of the impending isolation. Metals X will need to have a representative attend the level crossing to lock the road gates that provide road access across the TAR main line.
The safe worker isolating the Metals X level crossing is to stay at site until the Metals X representative has locked the road gates, and notify network control that the level crossing is out of service and the gates are locked.
Once the isolation switch has been operated the qualified safe worker shall close and lock the isolation switch control box and advise Network Control.
When the isolation switch is operated an alarm will also be sent via Phoenix to Network Control.
In addition an Email will be sent to the TTM when the Isolation Switch is operated.
The isolation switch shall only be returned to its normal position by signal maintenance personnel once the level crossing anomaly/fault has been corrected. The Network Controller and Metals X representative shall be advised when the level crossing warning equipment has been returned back into service.
If Metals X desires to use the road while the level crossing is in isolation mode across the ARTC, TAR mainline, they will be required to provide a safe working procedure that is agreeable to ARTC.
The Isolation Switch may also be used to Isolate the Crossing when temporary removal of axle counters is required for planned (e.g. rail grinding) or emergency Track repairs.
Planned or Emergency repairs.
For planned repairs, the Project Manager in charge must liaise with NCCW Operations staff and Metals X staff prior to the works commencing and come to an agreement on: -
1. How the Crossing will be protected to allow safe passage for trains while Isolated
2. Arrangements for allowing Metals X road Traffic over the crossing in between Train Movements when safe to do so when a Safe Worker is there under TOA’s.
3. Arrange for a Train Notice to be published advising details of the arrangement and the qualified safe workers name and contact number.
4. Ensure qualified Signals Staff are available to restore the crossing into service on completion of works.
When Emergency Repairs are required the Track Worker in charge must liaise with NCCW Operations staff and Metals X staff prior to the works commencing and come to an agreement on: -
1. How the Crossing will be protected to allow safe passage for trains while Isolated.
2. Arrangements for allowing Metals X road Traffic over the crossing in between Train Movements when safe to do so when a Safe Worker is there under TOA’s.
3. Ensure qualified Signals Staff are available to restore the crossing into service on completion of works.
In both cases, the crossing may be isolated by a qualified safe worker, but must be restored into service by qualified Signals Staff on completion of works to ensure that the Axle Counters are correctly fitted and that the Level Crossing protection equipment is working correctly.
When the Level Crossing is Isolated, and booked out of service, the Network Controller must: -
- Advise any Trains travelling in the Curtin to Golden Ridge approaching the Level Crossing that it has been booked out of Service, and that the Metal X Gates have been closed.
- Ensure this information is to also be included on Train Orders issued for this section.
- If Metal X provides a safe worker to allow Road Traffic across the crossing in between Train Movements, the Network controller must liaise with the Safe Worker as required to ensure the Crossing is protected for Train Movements.
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