All SOPs/SOP 10SOV· Signalling & Train Protection

Signal Difficult to See Due to Vegetation

0 of 28 core actions ticked· ticks are kept in this tab only

Controller to ensure the following core actions have been completed:

Location/line/train headcode/signal involved

Establish if the signal is becoming difficult to see or difficult to see because of trees, foliage or other obstructions by instructing next driver to check the signal.

Becoming difficult to see - Sighting reduced up to 10%

Signal becoming difficult to see not classed as WSF if the MRD is not compromised.

In the case when the MRD is not avaiable for the signal, MRD shall be determined by using NR/SMS/PartB/Test/302

A signal becoming difficult to see is assumed to be currently unobscured but at risk.

Input details in to FMS. Neg risk fault, Priority 4 or Priority 3 if delay attributed

Allocate to MOM, S&T and Off track for attendance ASAP

Signal is difficult to see - Confirmed by next driver

Signal is classed as defective if any aspect is difiucult to see and the MRD is compromised. This shall be classed as a WSF.

In the case when the MRD is not avaiable for the signal, MRD shall be determined by using NR/SMS/PartB/Test/302

Allocate immediate response to MOM, S&T and Off track for attendance

SFI Level 1 - Confirms obstruction affecting MRD - Commence WSF testing

MRD (Minimum reading Distance) Significant (>2s) Obstruction - High risk WSF

Input details in to FMS. High risk fault, Priority 3

Once vegetation removed, send photos to L3 SFI engineer for review and authority to sign back

If sighting plate is fitted, advise SSE and SINCs engineer

MRD (Minimum reading Distance) Minor (<2s) Obstruction - Low risk WSF

Input details in to FMS. Low risk fault, Priority 3

Once vegetation removed, send photos to L2 SFI engineer for review and authority to sign back

If sighting plate is fitted, advise SSE and SINCs engineer

MRD (Minimum reading Distance) Not affected -Neg risk

SFI Level 1 - Is obstruction affecting RRD

Yes - Input details in to FMS. Neg risk fault, commence clearance.

No - Input details in to FMS Not a signalling fault, commence clearance within 28 days.

NR/SMS/PartZ/Z01

Signaller Actions

If a driver reports that a signal is difficult to see because of trees, foliage or other obstructions:

Inform Operations Control
Instruct the driver of the next approaching train what has happened
Instruct the driver of the next train to report which aspects or indications are difficult to see.
Whether any junction or route indicator is difficult to see

If the driver of the next train reports to you that the signal is not difficult to see, you may signal following trains normally.

If the driver reports that the signal is difficult to see:

Inform Operations Control
Treat the signal as being defective
Only allow a train to approach the affected signal when the driver has been advised, and that you have ensured that the line is clear up to and including

the overlap of the stop signal beyond. This is to apply to a second stop signal if the signal that is being affected is a colour light distant signal

Even if you can clearly see the aspect that is being displayed on your workstation, panel, or diagram

Carry out the instructions for allowing a train to approach a defective signal
If the signal is a junction signal, you must also make sure that the forward route is set.
You must continue with this method of working until the signalling technician tells you that normal working can be resumed.

Sighting plate fitted - MOM /Off track may be able to sight signal and record in order

Sighting plate not fitted - S&T to sight signal as per SMTH and record in order

Signallers Mitigations TS11