NR NR/L3/SIG/11303/1B05 ISSUE 2 PDF

General

It is the responsibility of all of us to work safely. A comprehensive approach to safety is our most important aspiration.

The safety of passengers, public and personnel is dependent on safe installation activities, which can affect:

• the operational (or system) safety of the signalling system (both during and after the work);

• the occupational safety of installation staff (and other personnel, such as testers, maintainers and operators).

To provide for safe working practices and a safe railway you need to follow the instructions and guidance given in:

• the Rule Book;

• local health and safety procedures;

• the appropriate method statement for the work in hand;

• the installation standard for the technique being used;

• the appropriate task risk control sheet

• the installation standard for the equipment being installed.

The above list of documents is not exhaustive. Others will be issued to you according to local circumstances. The Personal Track Safety Handbook contains extracts from the Rule Book and is useful to carry when working on or near the line.

When any signalling installation work is taking place on or near a working installation, the overriding operational requirements are:

• the working of the signalling should remain safe in every respect;

• the running of the normal traffic of the railway shall not be impeded in any way.

If these requirements cannot be met, the work shall be carried out during a "possession" when it cannot interfere with the working of trains. Before normal working is restored the installation shall be checked and tested to confirm that it is in a safe condition.

In addition, you need to be fit (medically, not fatigued and not under the influence of drugs). If the work you are doing will not be checked or supervised, and affects the safety of the railway, you require to hold an authority to work certificate that covers that particular activity.

Where particular hazards pose a risk to your safety, you should be suitably trained and, where appropriate, provided with personal protective equipment. You should watch out for signs warning of these hazards and heed any warning given in these installation standards, on the installation drawings, or by your line manager. The example of hazardous materials is considered below.

Similarly, hazards resulting from your work may affect the safety of those who follow you. You should be told the means of controlling each particular risk either in these installation standards or on the installation drawings. This may involve affixing standard warning signs (see Module 1M01). If you find a risk which does not appear to be adequately controlled, you should consult your line manager. The example of safe positioning of trackside equipment is given below.