SAR Personal Track Safety PDF - July 2024

Personal Track Safety July 2024, Fright Operation Training Department SAR.COM.SA  Contents  HEALTH AND SAFETY  COMMUNICATIONS  PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)  BEING SAFE ON THE RAILWAY  STOPPING TRAINS IN AN EME...

Personal Track Safety July 2024, Fright Operation Training Department SAR.COM.SA  Contents  HEALTH AND SAFETY  COMMUNICATIONS  PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)  BEING SAFE ON THE RAILWAY  STOPPING TRAINS IN AN EMERGENCY SECTION 1 HEALTH AND SAFETY  SAR Health And Safety Policy Personal Track Safety The SAR Health & Safety policy underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in its operations. SAR's paramount commitment is to conduct activities with a primary focus on ensuring the safety of "Everyone." This encompasses employees, contractors, visitors, and the general public who may be affected by its activities. 4  SAR Health And Safety Policy Personal Track Safety SAR is committed to prioritizing safety in the workplace by adhering to strict standards, implementing robust safety measures, and providing ongoing training. Through proactive risk management and clear communication, SAR aims to create a safe environment where everyone can work confidently. SAR's HSE Policy Statement (SAR-012-100-1-004) is displayed prominently at all sites. 5  SAR Medical Fitness, Drugs and Alcohol and Fatigue Management Personal Track Safety Medical Fitness Employees must maintain physical and medical fitness for their assigned duties to ensure safe and effective task performance. In case of illness or incapacity, employees must notify their Line Manager in advance to facilitate proper arrangements. 6  SAR Medical Fitness, Drugs and Alcohol and Fatigue Management Personal Track Safety Drugs and Alcohol SAR has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol to ensure a safe workplace. Employees must adhere to this policy. If taking prescribed medication, inform your Line Manager promptly for necessary precautions. 7  SAR Medical Fitness, Drugs and Alcohol and Fatigue Management Personal Track Safety Fatigue Management SAR prioritizes employee well-being by effectively managing workplace fatigue. We ensure employees adhere to duty hour limits through careful rostering. This promotes safety and productivity, reducing the risk of fatigue-related incidents. 8  SAR Medical Fitness, Drugs and Alcohol and Fatigue Management Personal Track Safety Qualifications To conduct work on the tracks, employees must meet specific prerequisites. This includes: holding a SAR Personal Track Safety (PTS) Card, a SAR Protection Officer (PO) Card, if applicable, SAR or other organization identity card personal identification such as an Iqama, driving license, or passport. Employees must also have suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The PTS card, issued by the FBU Operations Department, is essential and requires attending training sessions and passing an assessment with a minimum score of 85%. It's valid for two years for SAR employees and one year for contractors, ensuring personnel are trained, assessed, and equipped for safe and effective track work. 9 SECTION 1 COMMUNICATIONS  Communications Procedure Personal Track Safety The People Responsible: All Concerned GSMR (Global System for Mobile Communications—Railway) is the primary method of communication across the SAR network. Mobile and satellite telephones should only be utilized when GSMR is unavailable and only when safety permits. Under no circumstances should mobile phones be used while operating a train or vehicle or near the track. 11  Communicating Clearly Personal Track Safety It is imperative to fully comprehend all messages conveyed, whether through telephone, radio, or face-to-face communication. Confirm the identity of the person you are communicating with. "Hello, this is John Smith from Maintenance. Is that the Train Controller?" Provide your precise location when using a telephone or radio. "I'm currently at marker board U23." Clearly state your name and the name of your employer. "This is John Smith calling on behalf of SAR Railways." Specify the task you are currently undertaking. "I'm currently inspecting the signals at Nariyah Junction." If necessary, provide contact information for reaching you. "If you need to reach me, you can call me on ####." Employ the phonetic alphabet for clarity in articulating names and locations. "That's Sierra-Alpha- Romeo, over." 12  Communicating Clearly Personal Track Safety It is imperative to fully comprehend all messages conveyed, whether through telephone, radio, or face-to- face communication. Avoid using "not clear" to describe an obstructed line; instead, use "line blocked." "The line is blocked due to fallen debris." When stating numbers, articulate them individually (e.g., 'eight, one, zero, seven' for 8107). "The code for the gate is six-four-nine-two." Exceptions include when providing time, distances, and weights. "The train is scheduled to depart at 09:15." When receiving a message, ensure complete understanding. "Let me repeat that back to ensure I've got it right..." Repeat the message back to confirm accurate comprehension. "So, just to confirm, you need me to report to Platform 3 by 10:00 AM, correct?" 13  Communicating Clearly Personal Track Safety Speak with the mouthpiece close to your mouth and speak directly into it. Speak slightly slower than usual, maintaining a natural rhythm. To ensure effective Use your regular speaking volume. communication when using a telephone or radio: Avoid hesitation sounds such as 'um' and 'er.' Utilize clear and concise sentences. Request the recipient to repeat your message for confirmation. 14  Phonetic Alphabet Personal Track Safety The Phonetic Alphabet is essential for clear communication in various fields, ensuring accurate transmission of letters, especially in critical situations. It's widely used by professionals like police, military, and emergency personnel for precise identification and spelling. 15  24-Hour Clock Personal Track Safety Consistency in timekeeping is crucial in operations, so the 24-hour clock format is required for all time-related communication. This standardization reduces uncertainty and promotes smooth coordination among personnel. Avoid individual numbers and express time clearly, like "eleven fifteen" or "twenty-one thirty," to maintain uniformity and efficiency. 16  Emergency Communications Personal Track Safety In the event of an emergency, follow these steps to initiate the call: 17  Emergency Communications Personal Track Safety In the event of an emergency, follow these steps to initiate the call: Clearly state: "This is an Emergency Call" to convey the situation's urgency immediately. Provide your name, company, and precise location to enable swift response and coordination efforts. Give complete details of the emergency, including the nature of the incident and any critical information that can aid responders in understanding the severity and scope of the situation. Ensure that the call recipient clearly understands all details of the emergency to avoid miscommunication or delays in providing assistance. Lastly, give contact details where you can be reached for further information or updates regarding the emergency. 18 SECTION 1 PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)  Controlling Train movements Personal Track Safety You must ensure that you are equipped with a suitable hand lamp when facing poor visibility, darkness or when entering a tunnel. 20 SECTION 1 TRACKSIDE DEFINITIONS  Sleepers Personal Track Safety A railway sleeper is a rectangular support beam typically made of wood or concrete laid horizontally to support and secure the rails of a railway track. 22  Sleeper Components Personal Track Safety The components of a railway sleeper include the following items: Rail Clip: A fastening device used to secure the rail to the sleeper, ensuring stability and preventing lateral movement of the rail. Cast-In Shoulder: A structural feature embedded within the sleeper, providing support and alignment for the rail, enhancing overall track stability and longevity. Rail Pad: A cushioning material placed between the rail and the sleeper, serving to dampen vibrations, reduce noise, and protect the rail from wear and tear caused by friction. 23  Rail Personal Track Safety A rail is a long, narrow, horizontal metal beam that forms the continuous track upon which train wheels run. Rails are typically made of steel and laid parallel to each other, providing a stable foundation for trains to travel along. 24  Rail Personal Track Safety In railway terminology, a rail consists of three main parts: The Rail Head: This is the uppermost part of the rail, which comes into direct contact with the train wheels. It is designed to provide a smooth and durable surface for the wheels to roll upon. The Web of the Rail: The vertical section between the rail head and the foot of the rail. It provides structural support and helps distribute the load exerted by passing trains evenly along the rail. The Foot of the Rail: This is the bottom part of the rail, which rests on the railway sleepers. It serves as the base and helps to anchor the rail to the sleepers, providing stability to the track structure. 25  Ballast Personal Track Safety Ballast is a layer of coarse aggregate material, typically crushed stone or gravel, laid beneath and around railway tracks. Its primary purpose is to provide support, stability, and drainage for the track structure. Ballast helps distribute the load of passing trains evenly, prevents the track from shifting or settling, and facilitates the efficient drainage of water away from the track. 26  ETCS Marker Board Personal Track Safety ETCS marker boards are installed along the track at each end of a block section. Their primary function is to indicate to the train driver the precise location where the train must come to a stop in the event of the end of movement authority. These marker boards are designed as colored and reflective panels, ensuring visibility from a considerable distance. 27  ETCS Marker Board Identity Plate Personal Track Safety An ETCS marker board identity plate is a metal marker attached to an ETCS board along railway tracks. It provides crucial details like location code and track identifier, aiding train operators in navigation and compliance with ETCS signaling. 28  Color Light Signal Personal Track Safety In railway terms, a color light signal is a signal system using different colored lights to convey track conditions to train drivers. Typically red, green, and white, these lights indicate various aspects of the track ahead, helping regulate train movements and prevent collisions. 29  Euro Balise Personal Track Safety A Euro Balise is trackside equipment communicating with trains and the signaling system. Installed along railway tracks, they transmit vital information like signals and speed limits via radio signals. This ensures trains equipped with ETCS receive real-time updates for safe operation. 30  Axle Counter Personal Track Safety An axle counter is a trackside device that detects passing train axles, providing critical information to the signaling system for safe train operations. 31  Axle Counter Connector Box Personal Track Safety The axle counter connector box is a junction point in railway axle counting systems. It connects axle- counting sensors to the signaling system, facilitating accurate train detection and monitoring. 32  Points (Turnouts or Switches) Personal Track Safety Points, also called switches or turnouts, are movable sections of track that direct trains between different routes. They consist of movable rails or blades, and they can be controlled from the Operations Control Center or manually. At junctions, points guide trains onto branching tracks. For instance, if a train must switch from the mainline to a siding, the points will be adjusted accordingly. Conversely, if the train needs to continue on the mainline, the points will remain aligned. 33 Points (Turnouts or Switches) Personal Track Safety 34  Points (Turnouts or Switches) Personal Track Safety A Points Machine controls the alignment of tracks at junctions. It moves rails or blades to enable trains to switch between different tracks. It can be operated manually or remotely. Points Number: The points number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific set of railway points, aiding in their identification and referencing within the rail network. Crank Handle Cap: The crank handle cap is a protective cover for the manual crank handle of a points machine, shielding it from environmental elements. 35  Derailers Personal Track Safety A derailer is a safety device placed at track entrances to prevent unauthorized or runaway trains from entering certain areas. It consists of inclined rails or blades that, when engaged, force train wheels off the track, halting movement. Derailers can be operated manually or remotely by railway personnel, serving as a crucial safety measure against accidents and unauthorized access to railway infrastructure. 36 Derailers Personal Track Safety 37 SECTION 1 BEING SAFE ON THE RAILWAY  The Lineside Personal Track Safety You are considered on the lineside if: You are positioned between the railway boundary fence and the area designated as "on or near the line.“ You are visible to the driver of an approaching train. You are not considered on the lineside if you are on a station platform. 39 On or Near the Line Personal Track Safety 40  On or Near the Line Personal Track Safety You are considered on or near the line if you are: Within 2 meters of the nearest rail. Positioned directly on the railway line itself. This includes being close to the tracks, whether adjacent to or directly on them, presenting potential risks associated with train movement and railway operations. However, exceptions apply when you are located on a station platform. In such instances, you are not regarded as being on or near the line unless you are engaged in engineering or technical tasks within 1.25 meters (approximately 4 feet) of the platform edge. This exception acknowledges the need for certain activities close to the tracks for maintenance, repair, or inspection purposes. 41  Position of Safety Personal Track Safety You are considered to be in a position of safety By maintaining this safe when you are situated at distance, you reduce the a distance of at least 2 likelihood of being in the meters (equivalent to path of oncoming trains or A safe position is at approximately 6 feet 6 encountering hazards least 2 meters away from inches) from the nearest associated with railway the nearest railway line, railway line along which a operations. Therefore, it is reducing the risk of injury train can approach. This crucial to adhere to this from passing trains and distance ensures a instruction to ensure related hazards. sufficient distance personal safety when between yourself and the working or traversing tracks, minimizing the risk areas adjacent to railway of injury or harm from lines. passing trains. 42 Position of Safety Personal Track Safety 43 Railway Terminology Personal Track Safety 44 Railway Terminology Personal Track Safety 45 Railway Terminology Personal Track Safety 46 Railway Terminology Personal Track Safety 47 Railway Terminology Personal Track Safety 48  Before Going On or Near the Line Personal Track Safety Inform your manager of your intended location and expected return time. This ensures that someone is aware of your whereabouts in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Before going on or near the line, it's essential to take the following precautions: Ensure you have an adequate supply of water when heading to the work site. Staying hydrated is essential, especially when working outdoors or in potentially hot conditions. 49  Before Going On or Near the Line Personal Track Safety Furthermore, ensure that both your mobile and GSM-R phones are fully charged. Fully charged phones enable you to communicate with colleagues and emergency services while working on or near the line. You must possess a Personal Track Safety (PTS) Card demonstrating competency in personal track safety rules before accessing the rail corridor or working near the line. Wear clean, approved, high-visibility clothing correctly while on the operational railway. You are permitted to carry small items with you. Any items you carry should not impede your ability to walk safely or to see and hear approaching trains. Ensure you have a suitable hand lamp with you in conditions of poor visibility, darkness, or when entering a tunnel. 50  Local Knowledge Personal Track Safety When working "lineside" or in areas designated as "on or near the line," ensure you have access to vital information for safety. Here's what you need: Train speed limits: Knowing maximum authorized speeds helps anticipate train movements and take necessary precautions to avoid hazards. Likely train approach direction: Awareness of typical train approach directions enables appropriate positioning and reduces the risk of accidents. Restricted areas during train operation: Identifying restricted access zones prevents accidents and ensures safety around ongoing operations. Areas with limited clearances: Awareness of tight spaces like tunnels or bridges helps navigate safely and avoid collisions or injuries. 51 Local Knowledge Personal Track Safety 52  Walking On or Near the Line Personal Track Safety When walking near or on railway lines, following safety instructions is crucial for personal safety. Here's what to do: Wear approved high-visibility clothing properly: Clean, approved high-visibility clothing enhances visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Ensure it's worn correctly to alert others to your presence effectively. Carry a hand lamp or flashlight in darkness: In dark or low-visibility conditions, a hand lamp or flashlight illuminates your surroundings, helping you navigate safely and spot hazards along the railway line. Use authorized walking routes where available: Stick to designated pathways along the railway line to minimize hazards and ensure safe movement. Cross with caution: To prevent accidents, be careful when crossing the railway line, avoiding rails, sleepers, or moving parts of points. Stay vigilant: Stay alert by scanning your surroundings regularly, looking up every 5 seconds. Ensure you're in a safe position at least 10 seconds before a train approaches to avoid accidents. 53  Driving Vehicles on the Lineside Personal Track Safety When driving vehicles lineside, strict safety adherence is vital to protect all involved personnel. Here's an overview: Define lineside driving: You're lineside if within the railway boundary fence, over 2 meters from the nearest running line. This proximity requires heightened vigilance and safety compliance. Requirements: Manager approval: To ensure competence Valid driving license: Drivers must hold a and authorization, obtain prior approval from a valid license suitable for operating vehicles line manager or authorized supervisor before safely in a railway setting. driving lineside. 54  Driving Vehicles on the Lineside Personal Track Safety When driving lineside, follow these safety guidelines: Avoid Use SAR or reversing approved Maintain towards Maintain a 2- Use hazard vehicles: Only Wear a control: Drive tracks: Never meter distance lights: Activate operate seatbelt: at a safe speed, reverse towards from the hazard lights to designated SAR Always wear a ensuring railway tracks to running line: increase vehicles or seatbelt to control, prevent Keep a safe visibility, reduce those approved protect against especially on accidents with distance from accident risks, for railway injury during uneven terrain approaching railway tracks to and ensure environments, sudden stops or or near trains. Instead, minimize awareness of equipped with collisions. obstacles along maneuver the collision risks. the vehicle. suitable safety the railway line. vehicle safely features. away from the tracks. 55 Additional Instructions for Yellow Plant Personal Track Safety 56  Additional Yellow Plant Working Instructions Personal Track Safety For yellow plant operations, it's crucial to secure any part of the machine, like a crane boom, within 2 meters of the nearest running line before movement begins. This prevents accidental intrusion onto the railway track, minimizing collision risks and ensuring safety. If maintaining the 2-meter distance isn't possible due to operational needs or site constraints, obtaining a Possession from the Operations Control Center (OCC) is mandatory. This authorization ensures that proper precautions are taken to mitigate risks and that all movements comply with safety standards. Yellow plant operations near the running line require specific safety measures to protect personnel and equipment. Operators must establish an approved safe work system or obtain a Possession Form for added protection. 57 Additional Yellow Plant Working Instructions Personal Track Safety 58  Before Commencing Work Personal Track Safety On arrival and before starting work, familiarize yourself with your position of safety near the railway tracks to minimize risks and ensure your well-being. Maintain situational awareness by looking up every 5 seconds in directions trains may come from, anticipating movements, and reacting swiftly to hazards. Remember, your safety and that of others depend on your vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, ensuring a safer working environment for all. 59  Before Commencing Work Personal Track Safety When a train approaches, move immediately to a safe position away from the tracks and danger zones. Once safe, signal your awareness to the train driver by raising one arm above your head. This gesture acknowledges the warning and shows you've taken safety measures. When trains approach: As an added safety measure, set down any tools or equipment to keep hands free for balance and response. Check clothing for loose items that could catch on equipment. Remember, you must not go on or near the railway line unless it is absolutely necessary and directly related to your assigned duties. 60 Before Commencing Work Personal Track Safety 61 Before Commencing Work Personal Track Safety 62 Before Commencing Work Personal Track Safety 63 Before Commencing Work Personal Track Safety 64  Crossing the Track Personal Track Safety When crossing the railway line, it's crucial to follow these safety guidelines: Use designated crossings like bridges or subways for safe passage. Choose crossing points with clear visibility to see approaching trains. Look both ways before crossing and wait if a train is approaching. Cross at right angles to minimize time on the tracks and avoid switches. Avoid stepping on sleepers or rails to prevent slips or falls. Be cautious near stationary vehicles and ensure no trains are approaching before crossing. 65 Crossing the Track Personal Track Safety 66 SECTION 1 STOPPING TRAINS IN AN EMERGENCY Stopping Trains in an Emergency Personal Track Safety All concerned individuals are responsible for stopping a train in an emergency. Various hazards can endanger approaching trains, including: Track defects Sand buildup on the track Flooding Obstructions on the track Fires Presence of camels or other large animals within the rail boundary Presence of any other animals on or near the line 68  Stopping Trains in an Emergency Personal Track Safety Train on fire Derailment Collision Abnormal noises Additional items to consider regarding emergencies with trains: Open door or hatch Division of a train Hanging train equipment such as air hoses and cables Smoke coming from the train 69  Stopping Trains in an Emergency Personal Track Safety If you become aware of any of these hazards or other dangers, it is imperative that you immediately make an emergency call to the Operations Control Center (OCC). Clearly state: "This is an Emergency Call" to convey the situation's urgency immediately. Provide your name, company, and precise location to enable swift response and coordination efforts. Give complete details of the emergency, including the nature of the incident and any critical information that can aid responders in understanding the severity and scope of the situation. Ensure that the call recipient clearly understands all details of the emergency to avoid miscommunication or delays in providing assistance. Lastly, give contact details where you can be reached for further information or updates regarding the emergency. 70 Stopping Trains in an Emergency Personal Track Safety Example: Train Controller: "Operations Control Center, how may I assist you?" Caller: "This is an Emergency Call. My name is John Smith, and I work for SAR Railways. I am located near Marker Board 45 at Nariyah Junction. A derailed train is blocking the line, and there's a potential fuel leak. Immediate assistance is needed to address the situation." Train Controller: "Thank you for the information, John. We’ll stop all trains in the area and dispatch emergency crews to your location right away. Can you confirm your contact number in case we need further updates?" Caller: "Yes, you can reach me at (055) 123-4567." 71  Stopping Trains in an Emergency Personal Track Safety Stopping trains to prevent If you are unable to make the potential accidents or collisions. emergency call yourself, you must In addition to reporting the inform the person in charge, who hazard, you must take any other is responsible for notifying the necessary actions, such as: Operations Control Center (OCC) promptly. Contact the emergency services to address the situation effectively. 72  Stopping Trains in an Emergency During Daylight Personal Track Safety Stopping a train in an emergency during daylight requires signaling the driver clearly using one of the following methods: Display a red flag held Hold two hands steady If riding on a vehicle, extend steadily. above your head. one arm out horizontally. 73 Stopping Trains in an Emergency During Daylight Personal Track Safety 74 Stopping Trains in an Emergency During Daylight Personal Track Safety 75 Stopping Trains in an Emergency During Darkness Personal Track Safety Stopping a train in an emergency during darkness requires signaling the driver clearly using one of the following methods: Display a red hand lamp or light held steadily. Wave any color light vigorously. 76 Stopping Trains in an Emergency During Darkness Personal Track Safety 77 SUMMARY  Personal Track Safety PTS TRAINING SUMMARY Working on railways can be dangerous, so strict safety adherence is vital for personal well-being. While training covers essential information, it can’t address every scenario. Stay vigilant near tracks, be alert to train movements, and act swiftly to avoid hazards. If safety plans are lacking, STOP and report to your supervisor right away. Prioritizing safety and prompt action creates a safer environment for all railway workers. 79  Personal Track Safety ANY QUESTIONS? 80 Thank You SAR.COM.SA