23. Platelayers shall carefully observe the General Regulations for the
safe conduct of traffic comprised in Rules 1 to 12 inclusive.
24. The foreman platelayer shall be responsible for keeping the whole of
the permanent way, bridges, cattle stops, banks, road crossings, etc., in
proper repair.
25. He shall see that every set of points on the line is kept in good
working order, but he shall only be responsible for the oiling and
cleaning (as under Rules 14 and 15) of such points as are not under
charge of a yardman. He shall report to the engine-driver any set of
points not under his personal charge which he finds neglected, as also
any defect which he is himself unable to repair.
26. He shall keep clear all road and field crossing grooves, and shall at
once acquaint the engine-driver when repair to the surface of any road
crossing is necessary.
27. At least once a week he shall walk over the whole length of the main
line and sidings, observing carefully that the keys, bridge bolts, fish
bolts, and sleepers are in order.
28. He shall, at the same time note, and as soon as possible rectify, all
loose sleepers, crooked rails, and defective superelevation.
29. He shall pay particular attention to the prompt repair of all parts
of the line marked by the engine-driver as defective, but, independently
of such notice, he shall be responsible for detecting defective places.
30. In regard to any special repairs, or other emergencies of the
traffic, he shall be under the direction and obey the instructions of the
engine-driver.
31. When any part of the line is under repair, care shall be taken that
the surface of the rails is kept clear of ballast grit, and that the free
passage of trains is in no way obstructed.
32. When it is necessary to remove a sleeper, a red flag shall be set up
between the rails in such a position that the engine-driver can discern
it from a distance of at least 150 yards in each direction. Such flag
shall remain until the line is made good. On no account shall the engine
or a loaded wagon pass over any rail from which a sleeper is removed.
33. If from any cause it is necessary to remove a rail, or otherwise
block the line, the foreman platelayer shall previously notify the
engine-driver, and arrange with him a convenient time for the work to be
done; and without such notification the line shall under no circumstances
whatever be so blocked. A red flag (as directed under Rule 32) shall
remain exhibited until the line is clear.
34. No platelayer other than the foreman shall be authorised to undertake
any work interfering with the free passage of trains.
35. If, for ballasting or other purposes, wagons are left by the
engine-driver at any point on the main line, such wagons shall on no
account be subsequently moved by hand to any other point on the main
line, except by special arrangement with the engine-driver.
36. The platelayer’s trolley shall under no circumstances be left
standing on the main line and when not in use, or unattended, the trolley
shall always be put at a safe distance from the line, with the wheels
padlocked.
37. The foreman platelayer shall report to the engine-driver any case of
material found deposited within two feet of the rail, and likewise any
other infraction of Regulations which may come to his notice.