The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010

Regulations 9 and 29

SCHEDULE 5 PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF ROLLING STOCK AND REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE TRAIN DRIVING CERTIFICATE

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

After completing specific training in relation to rolling stock, drivers must be able to carry out the following tasks—

1.    TESTS AND CHECKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

Drivers must be able to—

(a) collect the documentation and the necessary equipment,

(b) check the capacities of the traction unit,

(c) check the information entered in the documents on board the traction unit,

(d) ensure, by performing the checks and tests specified, that the traction unit is capable of providing the required traction power, and that the safety equipment is operating,

(e) check the availability and functionality of the prescribed protection and safety equipment at the handover of a locomotive or at the start of a trip,

(f) perform any routine preventative maintenance operations.

2.    KNOWLEDGE OF ROLLING STOCK

Knowledge required—

(1) To operate a locomotive drivers must be familiar with all the controls and indicators placed at their disposal, in particular those concerning—

(a) traction,

(b) braking,

(c) traffic safety related elements.

(2) In order to detect and locate anomalies in the rolling stock, report them and determine what is required to repair them, and in certain cases to take action, drivers must be familiar with—

(a) mechanical structures,

(b) suspension and attachment equipment,

(c) running gear,

(d) safety equipment,

(e) fuel tanks, fuel supply systems, exhaust equipment,

(f) the meaning of markings on the inside and outside of the rolling stock, in particular the symbols used for the transportation of dangerous goods,

(g) trip registration systems,

(h) electrical and pneumatic systems,

(i) collection of current and high-voltage systems,

(j) communication equipment (ground-to-train radio, etc),

(k) arrangement of trips,

(l) the constituent parts of the rolling stock, their purpose, and the devices specific to the hauled stocks, in particular the system of stopping the train by venting the brake pipe,

(m) braking system,

(n) the parts specific to traction units,

(o) traction chain, motors and transmission.

3.    TESTING THE BRAKES

Drivers must be able to—

(a) check and calculate, before departure, that the train’s braking power corresponds to the braking power required for the line, as specified in the vehicle documents,

(b) check the functioning of the various components of the braking system of the traction unit and of the train, as appropriate, before departure, at start-up and during running.

4.    OPERATING MODE AND MAXIMUM SPEED OF THE TRAIN IN RELATION TO THE LINE CHARACTERISTICS

Drivers must be able to—

(a) take note of information given to them before departure,

(b) determine the type of running and the limit speed of the train on the basis of variables such as speed limits, weather conditions or any signalling changes.

5.    DRIVING THE TRAIN IN A WAY WHICH DOES NOT DAMAGE INSTALLATIONS OR VEHICLES

Drivers must be able to—

(a) use all available control systems in accordance with the applicable rules,

(b) start the train taking account of adhesion and power constraints,

(c) apply the brakes for decelerations and stops, taking account of the rolling stock and installations.

6.    ANOMALIES

Drivers must—

(a) be able to be attentive to unusual occurrences concerning the behaviour of the train,

(b) be able to inspect the train and identify signs of anomalies, distinguish between them, react according to their relative importance and try to remedy them, always giving priority to the safety of rail traffic and persons,

(c) know the available means of protection and communication.

7.    OPERATING INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS, FIRES AND ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PERSONS

Drivers must—

(a) be able to take steps to protect the train and summon assistance in the event of an accident involving persons on board the train,

(b) be able to determine whether the train is transporting dangerous goods and identify them on the basis of train documents and wagon lists,

(c) know the procedures relating to the evacuation of a train in case of emergency.

8.    CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUING RUNNING AFTER AN INCIDENT INVOLVING ROLLING STOCK

After an incident, drivers must be able to assess whether the vehicle can continue to run and under what conditions, so as to inform the infrastructure manager of those conditions as soon as possible.

Drivers must be able to determine if an expert evaluation is necessary before the train can continue.

9.    IMMOBILISATION OF THE TRAIN

Drivers must be able to take measures to ensure that the train, or parts thereof, does not start up or move unexpectedly, even in the most difficult conditions.

Furthermore, drivers must have knowledge about measures which can stop a train or parts thereof in case it has started to move unexpectedly.