NR NR/L3/ELP/25000 ISSUE 1 PDF

This standard applies only in areas undertaking the trial of the Single Approach to Isolations on 25 kV a.c. infrastructure. Within the trial areas, this standard supersedes all the requirements of NR/ L3/ELP/29987. For all areas not involved in that trial, this standard does not apply and the provisions of the most recent issue of NR/L3/ELP/29987 apply instead. 

The trial area consists of the Patford Bridge feeding area on LEC1 and HNR, electrical sections PA 1-4, PA_AF 1-4, PN 1-4 and PN_AF 1-4 (mileages approximately 58 miles to 82 miles), including Long Buckby and Patford Bridge ATFSs and Hillmorton SATS. The physical boundary of the trial area may be adjusted to meet specific operational requirements in accordance with the host Route’s trial implementation plan. This includes interface arrangements with depots and other non-Network Rail infrastructure.

Within the trial areas, this standard specifies the actions to be taken by persons required to work on the operational railway with overhead electrification, or so near to it that danger might arise, including persons who:

a) assess Electrical Risk;

b) plan, prepare and implement mitigations of Electrical Risk such as Isolating, earthing and issuing of formal electrical safety documents;

c) operate, maintain and repair Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) and the associated Traction Return systems;

d) use special tools to work on Live OLE;

e) operate and control approved on-track plant or on-track machines near or under Live OLE; or

f) operate, maintain, repair and renew other asset types within the trial area.

This standard applies to Network Rail personnel and to Network Rail’s contractors working within the trial areas, when working on the operational railway with overhead electrification or when working off the operational railway but where the work presents the risk of encroaching within 2.75 m of exposed Live parts.

To provide a consistent approach for working and managing the interfaces between systems and parties, other Railway Group members may, as best practice, apply this standard to infrastructure they control within or adjacent to trial areas.

Further requirements are contained in the Rule Book module AC (GE/RT8000/AC) and Handbook 16 (GE/RT8000/HB16), and in Network Rail’s Lifesaving Rules.

Purpose

This modular standard provides a consistent approach to working on the operational railway with overhead electrification, in relation to the dangers arising from working on, or near to, exposed Live parts.

Adherence to this standard will mitigate the risks of electric shock or equipment damage resulting from uncontrolled approach to, or contact with, Live Overhead Line Equipment, Live pantographs and other roof mounted electrical equipment on trains, and Live high voltage bushings or cable sealing ends or through mishandling of conductors carrying electric traction current. This standard will also mitigate the risks of electric shock or equipment damage resulting from incorrect or uncoordinated operation, maintenance or repair of overhead electrified equipment.

This standard helps in particular to achieve compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.