PTS Personal Track Safety PDF

PTS/Personal Track Safety A running line is a line used by trains to go from place to place. Each running line has a name. Up is towards the principal city or town and Down is away from the principal city or town. Details are given in a document called the Sectional Appendix. Sidings, depots and yar...

PTS/Personal Track Safety A running line is a line used by trains to go from place to place. Each running line has a name. Up is towards the principal city or town and Down is away from the principal city or town. Details are given in a document called the Sectional Appendix. Sidings, depots and yards are not running lines and are not usually shown in the Sectional Appendix. In the pictures below, the camera is looking in the direction trains travel. The points on the left are ‘facing’ – they allow trains to leave the line – whilst, on the right, they are ‘trailing’ – allowing trains to join. The speed limit usually changes in these junction areas, but not always. Mileposts are positioned alongside the railway – usually every quarter of a mile – to help identify the location. Operational Railway - The area known as ‘on the lineside’ and the area called ‘on or near the line’ are collectively known as the ‘operational railway’. On the Lineside - You are ‘on the lineside’ if you are between the railway boundary fence and the area known as ‘on or near the line’ You are not considered to be ‘on the lineside’ if you are standing on a station platform. On or Near the Line - ▪ You are considered ‘on or near the line’ if you are on the line itself or ▪ You are within 3 Metres (Approx 10 feet) of the nearest rail of any line and there is no permanent fence or structure between you and the line, or ▪ You are within 1.25 Metres (Approx 4 feet) of the platform edge and carrying out work such as white line painting You are not considered to be on or near the line when crossing at a level crossing or just standing on a platform THE CESS The space alongside the line or lines on the outside edge of the running rail. 4 FOOT The space between the rails of one line 6 FOOT The space between one running line and another, (lines normal distance apart) 10 FOOT The space between one line and another, where there is a wide space between lines and there are 3 lines or more. A Refuge - A place specially designed where it is safe for you to stand when a train passes. A refuge may be located in: The wall of a tunnel, bridge, or similar structure A bridge parapet The side of a cutting A specially constructed platform over a slope or embankment, often near signalling equipment for routine access Position of safety - A position of safety is a place where it is safe to stand when a train is passing. At least 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) from the nearest line if the train can exceed 100 mph. At least 1.25 metres (4 feet) if the speed limit is 100 mph or lower. You must reach this position at least 10 seconds before a train passes. An authorised walking route offers safe access to or from work areas, commonly found near depots, stations, and signal boxes. These routes can range from formal walkways to rough paths. Specific details are provided in the Hazard Directory. You must keep to authorised walking routes whenever possible Going ‘On the Lineside’ Only go “On the Lineside” when your duties require it. Wear a clean, approved High Visibility Vest (HVV) with reflective markings at night. Use an approved access point to enter the railway. Obey all warning signs, lights, and bells. Continuously look and listen for approaching trains or movements. Raise one arm to acknowledge an approaching train's audible warning horn. Going ‘On or Near the Line’ Only go “On or Near the Line” when your duties require it. Wear a clean, approved High Visibility Vest (HVV) with reflective markings at night, Safety Shoes, and any other required PPE. Be aware of the direction and speed of trains, especially in areas with bi-directional working (e.g., Reversible Lines or SIMBIDS). This info is found in the Sectional Appendix. Use an approved access point to enter the railway. Be certified in Personal Track Safety (PTS), carry your valid PTS card, and meet the required medical standards (PTS certification is valid for 2 years). You may access the railway without a PTS card if you: 1. Are receiving formal PTS training, under direct supervision of a COSS, and have received a safety briefing. 2. Are using an Authorised Walking Route with proper authority. 3. Have a Track Visitor’s Permit are accompanied by a COSS and have received a safety briefing. 4. Are acting in an emergency to prevent death or major injury, ensuring it is safe and avoiding contact with rails or electrical equipment.  Always watch and listen for approaching trains. Look up frequently (every 5 seconds) to stay aware of oncoming trains, ensuring you can move to safety at least 10 seconds before a train arrives. Avoid wearing items like hoods or headphones that could block your ability to hear or see trains. Stay focused; avoid distractions such as mobile phones. Do not rely on others to warn you about trains unless they are an appointed lookout. Before walking "on or near the line," you must be aware of the following hazards: Approved access points to the site Train speed limits on each line Direction of train approach on each line Areas where access is prohibited while trains are running Areas with limited visibility of approaching trains (e.g., curves or bridges) Locations with limited clearances Poor underfoot conditions that may affect safety General Safety: Wear a clean, high-visibility vest (with reflective markings at night). Use Designated Paths: Walk on cess walkways or defined paths if available. Facing Trains: Walk facing the direction of approaching trains whenever possible. Equipment: Carry a handlamp in darkness or tunnels and watch for slippery surfaces. Mobile Phones: Only use them in a safe position and if necessary for duties. Tools: Light tools can be carried if they don’t interfere with your safety. Walking Alone: Maintain at least 20 meters distance from others to avoid distractions, and don’t walk in groups without a Controller of Site Safety (COSS). Crossing Barriers: Close any improperly opened gates or barriers at level crossings. Security: Lock gates to prevent trespass and report any damage to fencing or gates to Network Rail Operations Control. Crossing the Line Always use a footbridge, underpass, or level/foot crossing if one is available. If none are nearby, choose a location with good visibility and advanced warning of approaching trains, ideally on a long, straight stretch of track. Walk across the ballast, stepping over rails and sleepers, as they may be slippery. When crossing points, always step over them completely and never step between them. Regularly look up to check for approaching trains. If crossing between two trains in a siding or depot, only do so if you are certain no one is on board and the trains will not move. It is generally safer to walk around the two trains rather than between them. What to Do When a Train Approaches: If you're in a safe spot, stay there. If not, move to a safe area away from any tracks. Put down anything you're carrying. Look out for other trains you may not have noticed. When you hear the train's horn, raise one arm to show you've heard it. Stay in place until the train has passed and no other trains are coming. Emergency Action When a Train Approaches: If you can't reach a safe spot in time, lie face down in a clear area (6- foot, 10-foot, or Cess). Tuck in any loose clothing. Stay there until the danger has passed. Be cautious of other approaching trains before getting up. Emergency Action When a Train Approaches in a Tunnel: Always know the nearest refuge or safe position when walking in a tunnel.  If you can't reach a safe spot in time, lie face down between the track and the tunnel wall, or in the 6-foot or 10-foot clear area—whichever is safer. Tuck in any loose clothing. Stay there until the danger has passed. Never lie down in the "4-foot" (the area between the rails). Limited Clearance Warning Signs Limited Clearance Sign - There is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the adjacent structure. Do not enter or stand in that location when a train is approaching. If you need to pass through, make sure you have enough time to clear the area before the train arrives. No Refuges Sign - This sign indicates that there is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the adjacent structure. However, there are positions of safety, or refuges on the opposite side. This sign is often found at tunnel entrances. Prohibition Sign - You must not pass beyond this sign while trains are running unless you are carrying out emergency (full) protection. This is because you would not be able to reach a position of safety or refuge safely. If laying emergency protection, you must take extreme care. Limited Clearance at Telephones You should only use the telephone in an emergency at a signal or location where specific signs are displayed. This is because there is limited space between the telephone and the nearby track. Remember, this rule applies when walking near the tracks. If you're the driver of a train stopped at a signal with one of these signs, you may be allowed to use the Signal Post Telephone, but only under specific conditions. TOWS, LOWS and ATWS 1. TOWS (Train Operated Warning System) 2. LOWS (Lookout Operated Warning System) 3. ATWS (Automatic Track Warning System) Systems Purpose: o Provide audible and/or visual warnings to track workers of approaching trains. Operational Features: o Emit an intermittent tone when activated to indicate the system is operational. o Tone speeds up as a train approaches (activated by track circuits or manually by a lookout). Worker Actions: o Workers must proceed to a position of safety and remain there until the train passes. o After the train passes, the tone returns to its original speed. Defect Protocol: o If the system becomes defective, it should still emit a warning tone. o If the intermittent safety tone does not sound, the system is considered defective.  o Workers must move to a position of safety immediately and leave the area if the system cannot be made operational. System Installation: o Can be portable, set up at specific work sites for workforce protection. o Can be installed permanently at locations like: ▪ Tunnels ▪ Long winding curves ▪ Junctions with restricted sighting o Permanently installed locations are noted in the remark’s column of the Sectional Appendix. A key safety requirement for train control systems is ensuring that a section of track is clear of other trains before allowing a train to move. Detecting whether a train is present on a track is crucial for automatic signalling and modern train control. There are two main technologies used for train detection: track circuits and axle counters. Track circuits monitor a section of track to confirm it is free of trains. While they can reliably show that no train is present, they cannot definitively confirm that a train is there because any system failure might mimic the presence of a train. However, if the track circuit shows it is clear, it is safe to allow a train to proceed. Axle counters work by counting the axles of trains entering and leaving a track section at each end. This data is used to determine if the section is occupied or clear. Axle Counters: o Part of the signalling system in areas equipped with this technology. o Represent the next technology step from the traditional TCB (Track Circuit Block) signalling system. Safety Precautions: o When walking on or near the line in areas with axle counters: ▪ Do not allow metallic objects to come within 300 mm (1 ft) of an axle counter head. ▪ This is to prevent interference with the correct operation of the signalling equipment. Observing a Danger to Trains A door not properly closed An un-secure load A vehicle on fire A Hot Axle Box A Taillight unlit or missing A Headlight not lit The Hazard Warning indication being exhibited (Flashing headlight/s) A Driver sounding the Train in Distress signal (a series of long blasts on the high/loud tone of a trains warning horn) A Driver or Guard exhibiting a red hand danger signal Flowing or pooling water that might affect structures or earthworks Anything else you consider unsafe If you observe any of the above you must: - TELL THE SIGNALLER OR THE NEAREST PERSON IN CHARGE IMMEDIATELY Stopping a Train in an Emergency If you see anything that could endanger an approaching train, such as: A defect or damage to the track A fire An obstruction Flooding Large animals (like cows or bulls) within the boundary fence (they can move and become an obstruction) A large number of smaller animals (like a flock of sheep) within the boundary fence Damage to structures or earthworks near the track A malfunctioning emergency indicator light If you observe any of the above you must: - TELL THE SIGNALLER OR THE NEAREST PERSON IN CHARGE IMMEDIATELY As well as reporting the above hazards you must take any other necessary action such as:  Stopping Trains  Calling the Emergency Services Methods of Stopping Trains in an Emergency Below is a list of the main ones from a person on the track point of view. An Emergency Call to the Signaller using a Signal Post Telephone (SPT), Lineside Phone, Mobile Phone or any other available telephone) Using the SPT should always be the first method to consider if no trains are actually approaching the problem at the time By Hand Danger Signal The following all mean Danger/Stop to a driver: - During the Day: -Displaying a Red Flag clearly visible to an approaching driver Raising both arms above your head or raising either arm held in a horizontal position (if you are riding on a vehicle) At Night: - Displaying a Red Light clearly visible to an approaching driver Any coloured light waved vigorously clearly visible to an approaching driver When giving any Hand signal you must make sure: -  It can be clearly seen by the person for whom it is intended  It is not given in such a way that it is acted on by someone else for whom it was not intended  When using a Flag or Lamp it is held steady (depending on the type of hand signal) A flag or lamp may be placed on the ground only where authorised in the rules, regulations or other instructions i.e. at secured points during Single Line Working. Make sure that if you are giving a hand signal near a signal at danger you do not mislead a driver into passing that signal at Danger without authority. Carrying out Full Protection (Track Circuit Operating Clips, Detonators & Hand Danger Signals) 1. Place a Track Circuit Operating Clip on each obstructed line 2. Place 3 Detonators 20 metres (approx. 20 yards) apart on each obstructed line 2Km (1¼ miles) from the obstruction 3. Display a Hand Danger Signal to any train approaching on the obstructed line/s When implementing Full Protection on an obstructed line, you must also place 3 detonators before reaching the Full Protection distance of 2 km (1¼ miles) under the following conditions: 3T’s and a J Immediately when you see a train approaching When you reach a telephone connecting to the signaller or Signal Box If the signaller is able to protect the line using signals placed to danger. When you reach a Tunnel Entrance Place 3 detonators before entering the tunnel. This provides initial protection in case a train approach while you’re inside. You should also aim to place more detonators inside the tunnel for additional warning. If no train approaches and the 2 km (1¼ miles) distance falls within the tunnel, continue to the far end and place the 3 required detonators there. If the Full Protection distance is outside the tunnel, proceed to that point and lay the 3 detonators there. When you reach a Diverging Junction Before reaching the junction, place 3 detonators. Then, decide which line to protect first based on your judgment and route knowledge. After fully protecting one direction at the junction, you must protect the other direction as well. Don’t let the position of the points influence your decision on which direction to go first. Maintaining Protection Remain at the location where you have placed the Detonators and continue to display a Hand Danger Signal unless: - You still have other obstructed lines to protect, or Someone takes over from you, or The Signaller tells you protection is being provided by other mean Withdrawing Protection When protection is being provided by other means or the line is made safe for trains to pass you can: - Remove the Hand Danger Signal Pick up the Detonators from the line Remove any Track Circuit Operating Clips Inform the Signaller It is always a good idea to obtain the signallers permission before doing the above Supply and Use of Detonators Definition: Detonators are small explosive charges that must be handled with care. Usage Guidelines: o Fasten detonators on top of the rail by bending the clips under the upper flange. o Maintain a distance of at least 30 meters (approx. 30 yards) from the detonators when a train approaches and turn away. o Instruct others nearby to also stay 30 meters away. If no train is expected, you can wait at the detonators. Return Criteria: Do not use or return detonators that are: o More than 5 years old (check the manufacture date). o Rusted, damaged, or decayed. o Faulty (if they fail to explode or cause injury, report the incident with documentation). Annual Check: Detonators are checked for validity during the first week of September. rack Circuit Operating Clips (TCOC) Function: A Track Circuit Operating Clip (TCOC) is applied to the top of each rail to operate track circuits, which return signals to danger. Usage: o TCOCs provide immediate protection on Track Circuit Block lines but do not eliminate the need for other safety measures. o Do not remove a TCOC until normal operations can resume or alternative protection is in place. Always contact the signaller before removal, as the TCOC may be the only device keeping an automatic signal at danger. Single Use: A TCOC can only be used once and must be returned to a supervisor or Local Manager after use. Pre-Use Check: Ensure TCOCs are fit for use by inspecting: o Prongs: Must be intact, not bent or missing. o Connecting wire: Should show no visible damage. Failure to check these could prevent proper activation of track circuits when the TCOC is applied. Dangerous Goods Incidents If you spot a problem with a dangerous goods train, contact the signaller and state ‘This is a Rail Dangerous Goods Emergency’. Emergency Procedures for Dangerous Goods Trains Request for Blocking Lines: o Ask for any affected lines to be blocked. o Provide any visible information from the sides of the wagons, particularly hazard markings. Emergency Protection: o If necessary, lay Emergency Protection on the lines behind the Dangerous Goods train. o The driver of the Dangerous Goods train will also protect the lines for oncoming traffic, but they can only proceed forward to do so for safety reasons. Information to Provide: o Key details can be found on the sides of each dangerous goods wagon and on the driver’s train slip. o Look for the Hazard Warning Panel, which includes: ▪ A Hazard Warning Symbol ▪ A United Nations Number (U.N. Number) This information is crucial for ensuring safety and proper handling of dangerous goods during transit. Personal Safety If in the vicinity of a dangerous goods incident you must: -  Keep well Clear  Keep the wind behind you as you face any affected vehicles or packages (so that any flames, smoke or gases are going away from you)  Avoid low-lying places (as any gases involved may be heavier than air and congregate there)  Keep unauthorised people well clear  Try to put out any fire, without putting yourself or anyone else at risk  Not Smoke, use matches or pocket lighters  Keep naked flames and lamps well clear Working On the Line Personnel Requirements: A Driver, Guard, Lookout, Shunter, Signaller, or Crossing Keeper does not need to be a Controller of Site Safety (COSS) to work alone (Individual Working Alone/IWA). Responsibility: When working alone on the track, you must arrange your own safe system of work to avoid danger from approaching trains or movements. Procedure for Drivers and Guards: Typically, this involves verbally agreeing with the signaller to block the necessary line(s) before exiting the train. When work is to be carried out on a portion of line, a Controller of Site Safety (COSS) is appointed. The COSS is responsible for setting up a safe system of work. The purpose of the safe system of work is to ensure that nobody is put in danger from trains or electrification equipment. There are different forms of ‘Safe Systems’ as follows: - Safeguarded - All movements stopped on all lines. Basically, a full possession of all lines is taken allowing people to work on the line without fear of trains approaching. Fenced - Fencing erected between site of work and nearest running line open to traffic. The fence can be made up of Rigid Fencing, Yellow and Black Tape or Blue Netting (netlon). The distance a fence must be erected from the nearest open running line is determined by the type of fencing erected, and the line speed: - Separated If the group is you and the COSS/PiC, the appointment of a Site Warden is not required. The space must still be at least 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) between the site and the nearest open line The space must be at least 3 metres (10 feet) if there are more than two people in the group, and there’s no Site Warden. DO NOT take instructions from a SITE WARDEN or COSS regarding any movement of your train. Equipment Warning and Lookout Warning Automatic track warning system (ATWS) Train operated warning system (TOWS) Lookout operated warning system (LOWS) Lookout warning Lookout warning is using unassisted lookouts, the warning is given by horn, whistle and touch if there is noise, or the group are wearing ear protection. A lookout may also use a cut off device on noisy equipment or plant. The COSS/PiC will brief you on which method is to be used.