NR NR/SIN/131 ISSUE 1 PDF

This SIN applies to all switches within the scope of NR/L2/TRK/0053.

This SIN applies to Network Rail staff and its approved contractors responsible for the management of or who undertake the following activities:

a. Detailed inspection of switches (as NR/L2/TRK/0053)

b. Supervisors Inspection of Track

c. Weld repair of switches

d. Manual grinding of switches

Purpose

This SIN covers the management of flange climb derailment risk in facing switches, through effective inspection and repair.

Despite incremental improvements in the standards, derailments in facing switches still occur.

The standard NR/L3/TRK/0053 specifies the requirements for the inspection and repair of facing switches, complemented by NR/BS/LI/284 Issue 2.

This SIN requires:

• briefing of LI/284 Issue 2 to staff, the identification of high risk switches and the creation of a supporting inspection plan.
• new requirements for all detailed inspections of high risk switches to include the Hazard 5 inspection as per the requirements of LI/284 Issue 2. There is also a requirement to inspect all high risk switches for hazard 5 failure following installation or weld repair at the intervals defined in TRK/0053
• the introduction of the modified TGP8 gauge and the revised calibration process.
• technical briefing of the new switch repair procedures and the provision of protractor gauges to the latest specification to each of the switch grinding and welding teams
• interim arrangements for the assurance of staff undertaking switch repairs and/or detailed 053 inspections through the implementation of enhanced surveillance.