scope:

This standard applies to all persons involved in the planning and delivery of work on or near the line or which could affect the area termed "on or near the line" , carried out by or on behalf of Network Rail, outside parties, third parties, their contractors and sub-contractors.

This standard defines the process to keep people safe for work activities on or near the line and the development of a safe system of work through the production and issuing of a SWP.

This document is complementary to, and is to be used in conjunction with existing rule books, regulations, legislation, standards, processes and procedures.

This standard does not specifically cover the electrical risks associated with working on or near electrified lines. Requirements and information on electrical risks associated with working on or near electrified lines can be found in:

a) NR/L3/MTC/EP0152;

b) NR/L3/ELP/22001;

c) NR/SP/ELP/24011; and

d) NR/SP/ELP/27205.

A safe system of work can include the use of more than 1 module of this standard.

NOTE: Throughout this standard and its modules it is presumed the person in charge also takes on duties of Controller of Site Safety (COSS), Safe Work Leader (SWL) or Individual Working Alone (IWA) as well as implementing task and site risk controls. Where the person in charge has delegated a COSS/SWL, the delegated person will undertake those duties in accordance with the Rule Book GE/RT8000.

Table 1 lists the modules of this standard. Each module should be read in conjunction with this standard.

Purpose

The purpose of the standard is to control the risks to personnel from site risks, activity risks and train movements by requiring effective planning of work activities  "on or near the line" , or which could affect the area termed "on or near the line".

This standard sets out the process to manage the planning and delivery of work that: 

a) enables local planning - those who do the work are involved in planning the work; 

b) establishes the person in charge of delivering work on site; 

c) embeds independent verification and authorisation of the planned work and controls and manages interactions between sites of work;

d) requires adequate risk assessment is carried out; 

e) requires a check of risks and controls at the point of work;

f) identifies safety responsibilities and accountabilities; and

g) is consistent with the Rule Book GE/RT8000. 

The standard requires a focus on the management of the significant risks and improving the quality of the safe work packs (SWP) by providing clear, concise,  relevant information to the people who need it in order to maintain safety whilst working.