The Train Driving Licences and Certificates (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

Regulation 2(5)

SCHEDULE New Schedule to be substituted for Schedule 3 to the Train Driving Licences and Certificate Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

Regulations 8 and 28

“SCHEDULE 3 GENERAL PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE LICENCE

(This Schedule substantially reproduces the provisions of Annex IV to the Directive)

The objective of the general training is to provide general competence on all aspects that are relevant to the train driver’s profession. The general training will focus on basic knowledge and principles that are applicable independently of the type and nature of rolling stock or infrastructure. Requirements for training for specific rolling stock or infrastructure are specified in Schedules 4 and 5 of these regulations.

The subjects included in the general training are listed below in no particular order of priority.

1.   In relation to a driver’s work, the work environment, the driver’s role and responsibility in the process of rail operation, the professional and personal demands of the driver’s duties the driver must—

(a) have acquired knowledge of the general thrust of legislation and rules applicable to rail operation and safety (requirements and procedures regarding the certification of train drivers, dangerous goods, environmental protection, fire protection, etc.);

(b) understand the specific requirements and professional and personal demands (working mainly on one’s own, shift work over 24 hour cycle, individual protection and security, reading and updating documents, etc.);

(c) understand behaviours which are compatible with safety-critical responsibilities (medication, alcohol, drugs and other psychoactive substances, illness, stress, fatigue, etc.);

(d) be able to identify the reference and operating documents (e.g. rule book, route book, driver’s manual, etc.);

(e) be able to identify the responsibilities and functions of persons involved;

(f) understand the importance of being precise in carrying out duties and in working methods;

(g) understand occupational health and safety (e.g. code of behaviour on and near tracks, code of behaviour for getting on and off the traction unit safely, ergonomics, staff safety rules, personal protective equipment, etc.);

(h) have acquired knowledge of behavioural skills and principles (stress management, extreme situations, etc.); and

(i) have acquired knowledge of the principles of environmental protection (sustainable driving, etc.).

2.   In relation to railway technologies, including safety principles behind operational regulations the driver must—

(a) have acquired knowledge of the principles, regulations and provisions regarding safety in rail operation; and

(b) be able to identify the responsibilities and functions of persons involved.

3.   In relation to the basic principles of railway infrastructure the driver must have acquired knowledge of —

(a) systematic and structural principles and parameters;

(b) the general characteristics of tracks, stations, marshalling yards;

(c) railway structures (bridges, tunnels, points, etc.);

(d) operating modes (single track, double track operation, etc.);

(e) signalling and train control systems;

(f) safety installations (hot-axle box detectors, smoke detectors in tunnels, etc.) and

(g) traction power supply (catenary, third rail, etc.).

4.   In relation to the basic principles of operational communication the train driver must—

(a) have acquired knowledge of the significance of communication and the means and procedures for communicating;

(b) be able to identify persons the driver needs to contact and their role and responsibility (staff of the infrastructure manager, working duties of other train staff, etc.);

(c) be able to identify situations/causes that require communication to be initiated; and

(d) understand communication methods.

5.   In relation to trains, their composition and the technical requirements for traction units, wagons, coaches and other rolling stock the driver must—

(a) have acquired knowledge of the generic types of traction (electric, diesel, steam, etc.);

(b) be able to describe the layout of a vehicle (bogies, bodies, driving cab, protection systems, etc.);

(c) have acquired knowledge of the content and systems of labelling;

(d) have acquired knowledge of the documentation on train composition;

(e) understand braking systems and performance calculation;

(f) be able to identify train speed;

(g) be able to identify maximum load and forces at the coupler; and

(h) have acquired knowledge of the operation and purpose of the train management system.

6.   In relation to hazards involved in railway operations in general the driver must—

(a) understand the principles governing traffic safety;

(b) have acquired knowledge of the risks related to railway operation and the various means to be used to mitigate them;

(c) have acquired knowledge of safety-relevant incidents and understand the required behaviour/reaction; and

(d) have acquired knowledge of the procedures applicable to accidents involving persons (e.g. evacuation).

7.   In relation to the basic principles of physics the driver must—

(a) understand forces at the wheel;

(b) be able to identify factors influencing accelerating and braking performance (weather conditions, braking equipment, reduced adhesion, sanding, etc.); and

(c) understand principles of electricity (circuits, measuring voltage, etc.).”