scope:

This standard is applicable to Network Rail, Contractors and Suppliers, who carry out, examine, manage or audit loading activities on Network Rail Infrastructure trains that are operated on Network Rail Infrastructure for the purpose of renewing or maintaining the infrastructure.

Loading of commercial freight trains is not covered by this standard.

Purpose

This standard details the requirements for the safe loading of Network Rail infrastructure traffic loaded by Network Rail contractors, suppliers and their subcontractors and carried by any freight operating company with a relevant Railway Safety Certificate, contracted to Network Rail for that purpose. This standard mitigates the following high-level safety risks:

• Risk to Network Rail managed infrastructure from incorrectly loaded infrastructure traffic.

• Risk to staff undertaking loading activities from inadequately defined safe systems of work.