OP26 SUBWAY AND ELEVATED RAIL
OPERATIONS. EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% PASS
What is the purpose of OP#26? - ANS To provide procedures for emergencies involving
subway and elevated rail systems in Philadelphia.
What subway lines are included under OP#26? - ANS Market/Frankford Line (Blue), Broad
Street Line (Orange), Ridge Spur, Subway Surface Line (Green), PATCO High Speed Line.
What is the voltage of the SEPTA third rail? - ANS 600-700 volts DC.
What is a WSAD? - ANS Warning Strobe and Alert Device used to detect third rail power and
provide visual and audible alerts to responders.
What voltage activates the WSAD alarm? - ANS 70 volts for the alarm, 475 volts for the alarm
and strobe.
What should be assumed about the third rail until confirmed by SEPTA? - ANS Assume it is
energized at all times.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, What is a Track Switch? - ANS A mechanical device controlling track alignment, operated by
85 PSI air pressure, posing crush hazards to personnel.
What is a Section Break? - ANS A break in the third rail power that can potentially be bridged
by a train car's shoes, transferring power to a de-energized section.
What is the first action of the Incident Commander at a subway incident? - ANS Establish
command, notify FCC, and request power shutdown through SEPTA.
What must FCC do upon notification of a subway incident? - ANS Notify SEPTA Control
Center, confirm power shutdown, and relay information to the IC.
What is the role of the Battalion Chief at a subway incident? - ANS Confirm power shutdown,
deploy WSAD, and coordinate with SEPTA personnel.
What must be included in the IC's report to FCC? - ANS Exact location using BENT numbers,
direction of travel, and confirmation of power shutdown.
What PPE must be worn during track operations? - ANS Full turnout gear including SCBA,
helmet, gloves, and boots.
What must personnel do before entering the track area? - ANS Confirm power shutdown,
deploy WSAD, and designate a safety observer.
What is the safe distance from the third rail? - ANS At least 3 feet at all times.
What is the protocol if the WSAD alarms during operations? - ANS Notify IC immediately, exit
track area safely, and verify power shutdown through SEPTA before resuming operations.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
OPERATIONS. EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% PASS
What is the purpose of OP#26? - ANS To provide procedures for emergencies involving
subway and elevated rail systems in Philadelphia.
What subway lines are included under OP#26? - ANS Market/Frankford Line (Blue), Broad
Street Line (Orange), Ridge Spur, Subway Surface Line (Green), PATCO High Speed Line.
What is the voltage of the SEPTA third rail? - ANS 600-700 volts DC.
What is a WSAD? - ANS Warning Strobe and Alert Device used to detect third rail power and
provide visual and audible alerts to responders.
What voltage activates the WSAD alarm? - ANS 70 volts for the alarm, 475 volts for the alarm
and strobe.
What should be assumed about the third rail until confirmed by SEPTA? - ANS Assume it is
energized at all times.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, What is a Track Switch? - ANS A mechanical device controlling track alignment, operated by
85 PSI air pressure, posing crush hazards to personnel.
What is a Section Break? - ANS A break in the third rail power that can potentially be bridged
by a train car's shoes, transferring power to a de-energized section.
What is the first action of the Incident Commander at a subway incident? - ANS Establish
command, notify FCC, and request power shutdown through SEPTA.
What must FCC do upon notification of a subway incident? - ANS Notify SEPTA Control
Center, confirm power shutdown, and relay information to the IC.
What is the role of the Battalion Chief at a subway incident? - ANS Confirm power shutdown,
deploy WSAD, and coordinate with SEPTA personnel.
What must be included in the IC's report to FCC? - ANS Exact location using BENT numbers,
direction of travel, and confirmation of power shutdown.
What PPE must be worn during track operations? - ANS Full turnout gear including SCBA,
helmet, gloves, and boots.
What must personnel do before entering the track area? - ANS Confirm power shutdown,
deploy WSAD, and designate a safety observer.
What is the safe distance from the third rail? - ANS At least 3 feet at all times.
What is the protocol if the WSAD alarms during operations? - ANS Notify IC immediately, exit
track area safely, and verify power shutdown through SEPTA before resuming operations.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
