WMATA RWP Rules 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under foul time authority, when may a roadway worker occupy the track?
- Only after receiving permission from the controller and within the granted time limits (Correct answer)
- Anytime the track looks clear
- Only during daylight hours
- Whenever the RWIC verbally approves
Correct answer: Only after receiving permission from the controller and within the granted time limits
Foul time allows track occupancy only after the controller grants it and within the specified limits.
Question 2: What must a roadway worker do before releasing foul time back to the controller?
- Ensure all workers and equipment are clear of the track (Correct answer)
- Send a text message
- Wait for the next train to pass
- Notify the station manager only
Correct answer: Ensure all workers and equipment are clear of the track
All personnel and equipment must be clear of the fouled track before foul time is released.
Question 3: What does 'fouling the track' mean under RWP rules?
- Being close enough to a track that you could be struck by a train or on-track equipment (Correct answer)
- Cleaning debris from the rails
- Standing in a station platform
- Walking along an access road
Correct answer: Being close enough to a track that you could be struck by a train or on-track equipment
Fouling means being within the danger zone where a train or equipment could strike you.
Question 4: What is the typical minimum safe distance defining the fouling zone from the nearest rail?
- Within approximately 4 feet of the nearest rail (Correct answer)
- 100 feet from the rail
- Only on the rail itself
- Anywhere in the tunnel
Correct answer: Within approximately 4 feet of the nearest rail
Workers are generally considered fouling the track when within about 4 feet of the nearest rail.
Question 5: Which form of protection provides the highest level of on-track safety by removing trains from the work area entirely?
- Exclusive track occupancy (Correct answer)
- Watchman/lookout protection
- Individual train detection
- Restricted speed only
Correct answer: Exclusive track occupancy
Exclusive track occupancy removes train movement from the working limits, providing the strongest protection.
Question 6: Before granting foul time, the controller must ensure which condition?
- No train movements are authorized into the working limits (Correct answer)
- The weather is clear
- All workers wear gloves
- The next shift has started
Correct answer: No train movements are authorized into the working limits
Foul time requires that no train movements be permitted within the working limits during the granted period.
Question 7: If communication with the controller is lost during foul time, what should the roadway worker assume?
- That protection may no longer be guaranteed and clear the track (Correct answer)
- That foul time is automatically extended
- That a train will always stop
- That nothing has changed
Correct answer: That protection may no longer be guaranteed and clear the track
Loss of communication means protection cannot be assured, so workers must clear the track.
WMATA RWP Rules 3
Under foul time authority, when may a roadway worker occupy the track?