NR RT/SIN/080 ISSUE 1 PDF

The procedure applies to all Railtrack points (UIC54 and 113lb flat bottom) installations fitted with adjustable stretcher bars.

Note: The checks detailed in this SIN shall be carried out by the Infrastructure Maintenance Company, but where points have not yet been taken into maintenance, adjustments may need to be undertaken by Project Groups or equivalent.

Clamp lock style points are occasionally fitted with an adjustable coupling bar. This is not a stretcher bar, and is outside the scope of the SIN. Any adjustable stretcher bars fitted to clamp lock installations are within the scope, however.

Purpose

This Special Inspection Notice is to ensure that immediate inspections are carried out on Railtrack switch and crossing installations fitted with adjustable points stretcher bars. It is a joint Signalling / Track Engineering notice. It requires that the adjustment and integrity of the stretchers and their fixings and the full mechanical operating mechanism is working correctly within the laid down parameters. If any deficiencies are found these must be recorded and, where required, immediate measures taken to ensure that the safe passage of trains over them is not jeopardised. Although primarily aimed at UIC54B rail installations, other installations may be fitted with adjustable stretcher bars. If fitted to 113 lb. flat bottom rail installations, these sites shall be drawn to Railtrack's attention specially. RT60 rail is fitted with adjustable stretchers, but the design has different failures modes that allow similar checks to be incorporated within existing maintenance.

Where problems are found, immediate remedial action must be taken to ensure that adjustments are made to bring them to the correct condition if the deficiency is unacceptable to the safe passage of trains. If this is not possible, the point layout shall be made "safe" and remedial work planned to an agreed timetable with the agreement of the infrastructure controller. Such measures, that ensure the safe passage of trains, shall remain in force until the work is complete.