Definitions

Automatic Block Signal

A block signal that is activated either by track circuit or in conjunction with interlocking or controlled point circuits. This block signal automatically indicates track condition and block occupancy.

Absolute Block

A block which may be occupied by only 1 train or engine at a time.

Blue Signal

A clearly distinguishable blue flag, blue light, or blue tag by day, or a blue light, or blue tag by night. When displayed, it signifies that workers are on, under or between equipment.

Crossover

A combination of 2 switches connecting 2 adjacent tracks. When lined, this switch combination allows movements to cross from one track to the other.

Block signal

A fixed signal at the entrance of a block to govern trains and engines entering and using that block.

Distant Signal

A fixed signal that governs approach to the next signal

Controlled Signal

A fixed signal, controlled by a Train Dispatcher/Control operator, capable of displaying a Stop Indication.

Dwarf Signal

A low controlled point/interlocking or block signal.

Blocking Device

A method of control that either prohibits the operation of a switch or signal or restricts access to a section of track.

Exclusive Track Occupancy

A method of establishing working limits on controlled track in which movement authority of trains, engines, or other railroad equipment is withheld by the Train Dispatcher/Control Operator or Control Station, or restricted by flagmen as prescribed by rule.

Return Movement

A movement of either the locomotive(s) or leading portion of the train, directed back toward the stationary portion of the same train.

Reverse Movement

A movement opposite the direction previously authorized.

Non-Interlocked Railroad Crossing

A non-signaled railroad crossing at grade that may be equipped with gates, Stop signs, and or targets and governed by posted or special instructions.

Control Station

A place from which a signal system or a controlled point/interlocking is operated.

District

A portion of a division designated by Timetable.

Yard Limits

A portion of main track designated by Timetable. The limits are identified with "Yard Limit" signs.

Dual-Control Derail

A power operated derail also equipped for hand operation.

Dual Control Switch

A power-operated switch that is also equipped for hand-throw operation.

Yard Access Crossing

A private crossing at grade located within a rail yard that is open to unrestricted public access, or to persons other than railroad employees.

Working Limits (RWP)

A segment of track with defined boundaries established in accordance with Rule 752, upon which trains, engines, or other railroad equipment may operate only as authorized by the roadway worker having control over that defined segment of track. Working limits may be established through "exclusive track occupancy" or "inaccessible track".

Automatic Block System (ABS)

A series of consecutive blocks governed by block signals, actuated by a train or engine, or by certain conditions affecting the use of a block. The use of each block may be governed by an Automatic Block Signal, Cab signal, or both.

Controlled Siding

A siding equipped with controlled signals that authorize trains or engines to enter or leave the siding. Speed not to exceed Restricted Speed.

Signaled Siding

A siding with Rule 261 in effect governing all train and engine movements on the siding.

Cab Signal

A signal located in the operating compartment of the controlling locomotive indicating track occupancy or condition. The cab signal is used with interlocking signals, controlled point signals, block signals or both.

Fixed Signal

A signal of fixed location indicating a condition affecting the movement of a train or engine.

Slow Speed

A speed not exceeding 15 MPH

Medium Speed

A speed not exceeding 30 MPH

Restricted Speed

A speed that will permit stopping within half the range of vision, short of train, engine, obstruction, railroad car, men or equipment fouling the track, any signal requiring a stop, derail or switch lined improperly and looking out for a broken rail, but not exceeding 15 MPH. (NOTE: The provisions of Restricted Speed do not solely provide protection for men or equipment working on or near the track.)

Controlled Point (CP)

A station designated in the Timetable where signals are controlled from the Control Station.

Spring Switch

A switch equipped with a spring mechanism arranged to restore the switch points to normal position after having been trailed through.

Power Operated Switch

A switch that is operated electrically or electro pneumatically. Such switches may or may not be equipped for hand throw operation.

Switch Providing Access

A switch which if traversed by rolling equipment could permit that rolling equipment to couple to the equipment being protected.

Yard

A system of tracks other than main tracks or sidings used for making up trains and other purposes.

Derail

A track device designed to guide equipment off the rails at ta selected location as a means of protection.

Controlled Track

A track upon which all movements of trains, engines, and On-Track equipment must be authorized by a Control Station.

Engine

A unit propelled by any form of energy, or a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train and yard service.

Warning Signal

A white disk with the words "Occupied Camp Car" in black lettering during daylight hours and in addition an illuminated white signal at night, indicating that employees are in, around, or in the vicinity of camp cars.

Siding

An Auxiliary track for meeting or passing trains, shown as a siding in the Timetable. (Controlled Siding and Signaled Siding)

Interlocking

An arrangement of signals and signal appliances so interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence. An interlocking may be controlled or automatic. Interlockings will be designated in the Timetable

Electrically Locked Switch

An electrical locking device applied to a hand-operated switch or derail.

Yard Engine

An engine assigned to yard services

Train

An engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars, displaying a marker

Automatic Interlocking

An interlocking actuated automatically by the approach of a train or engine.

Controlled Interlocking

An interlocking operated by a Control Station.

Camp Car

Any On-Track vehicle, including outfit, camp, bunk, or office cars or modular homes mounted on flat cars used to house railroad employees, not including wreck trains.

Personal Electronic Device

Any electronic or electrical device not provided to the employee by Norfolk Southern for authorized business purposes.

Railroad Supplied Electronic Device

Any electronic or electrical device provided to the employee by Norfolk Southern for authorized business purposes.

Roadway worker

Any employee of a railroad or of a contractor to a railroad engaged in inspection, construction, maintenance, or repair of railroad track, bridges, roadway, signal and communication systems, electric traction systems, roadway facilities or roadway maintenance machinery, fouling a track or with the potential of fouling a track, or when working as flagmen or watchmen/lookout. (NOTE: Roadway Worker Protection rules will also apply to the operation of On-Track equipment if the Operator and/or occupants of the equipment are engaged in any of the foregoing work activities.)

Track Authority

Authorization to use controlled track, received in writing or copied and repeated at the direction of the Train Dispatcher/Control Operator using radio or other communication. Track Authority must be written on the prescribed form.

Train Clearance

Current operating instructions, including temporary speed restrictions and other restrictive conditions, issued over the signature of the Dispatcher. Special instructions will identify line segments on which Dispatcher's Bulletins will be used, as well as specific locations where originating trains must receive a copy.

Switches

Dual Control, Electronically Locked, Power-Operated, Spring

Effective Locking Device

Effective Securing Device - When used in relation to a manually operated switch, or derail, means one which is: vandal resistant, tamper resistant, or capable of being locked and unlocked only by the class, craft, or group of employees for whom the protection is being provided.

Effective Securing Device

Effective Securing Device - When used in relation to a manually operated switch, or derail, means one which is: vandal resistant, tamper resistant, or capable of being locked and unlocked only by the class, craft, or group of employees for whom the protection is being provided.

On-Track Equipment

Flanged-Wheel equipment, other than trains or engines, propelled manually or by other forms or energy, used in the inspection, maintenance, or construction of track, structures, signals and communication equipment.

Limited Speed

For passenger trains, not exceeding 45 MPH; for freight trains, not exceeding 40 MPH.

Rolling Equipment

Includes locomotives, railroad cars, and one or more locomotives coupled to one or more cars.

Operations Bulletin

Instructions issued by the Division Superintendent concerning rules, special instructions, or other matters pertaining to operations.

Special Instructions

Instructions so captioned in the Timetable.

Speeds

Limited, Medium, Restricted, Slow

Non-Signaled Territory

Territory not equipped with automatic block signal systems.

Division

That portion of a railroad assigned to the supervision of a Division Superintendent.

Signal Aspect

The APPEARANCE of a fixed signal, which conveys an indication, as viewed either: from the direction of an approaching train or engine or on the cab signal display unit.

Current of Traffic

The assigned direction of movement on a main track governed by Rule 251, as specified in the Timetable.

Hours of Service Limit (HSL)

The latest time at which an Hours of Service employee can perform service without violating the FRA Hours of Service law.

Interlocking Appliances

The parts of an interlocking that are capable of movement such as: switches, derails, movable point frogs, movable bridges, etc.

Fouling a Track (RWP)

The placement of an individual or equipment in such proximity to a track that the individual or equipment could be struck by a train, engine, or other railroad equipment, or in any case is within 4 feet of the field side of the nearest running rail.

Signal Indication

The required action conveyed by the aspect of a signal

Rules in Effect

The specific operating rule(s) that govern the use of main tracks designated by the Timetable.

Controlled Point/Interlocking Limits

The tracks between opposing home signals.

Roadway Work Group

Two or more roadway workers working together on a common task.

Adjacent Tracks

Two or more tracks with track centers spaced less than 25 feet apart.

Flagman (RWP)

When used in relation to roadway worker safety means a qualified employee designated to direct or restrict the movement of trains, engines, or On-Track equipment past a point on a track to provide On-Track safety for roadway workers while engaged solely in performing that function.

Speed control

a device on an engine that will cause a penalty brake application if the Engineer fails to reduce the train's speed to the speed required by the cab signal indication.

Home Signal

a fixed signal, capable of displaying a STOP indication, governing the entrance to a route, block, interlocking or controlled point

Block

a length of track of defined limits on which train movements are governed by block signal, cab signal, or mandatory directive. In signaled territory, a block is the track section between 2 consecutive block signals governing movement in the same direction.

Station

a location designated in the Timetable by name

Timetable

a publication containing system and/or division instructions relating to operations.

Non-Controlled Track

a track upon which trains and engines are permitted by rule or special instructions to move without receiving authorization from a Control Station. (NOTE: Sidings in Rule 171 and 271 territories are regarded as non-controlled track; however, must not be blocked unless authorized by the Train Dispatcher/Control operator.

Main Track

a track, designated by Timetable upon which movements are authorized by Rules 93, 171, 251, 261, or 271

Pilot

an employee assigned to a train or On-Track equipment when the Engineer or Operator is not fully acquainted with the physical characteristics or rules of the railroad