scope:

This guidance note details how to protect railway infrastructure from the waste created whilst undertaking the task of vegetation or ground clearance work.

The guidance note covers:

a) the types of waste that might affect the function of assets;

b) types of assets that require protecting; and

c) how to plan and manage the disposal of wood waste generated from the work.

This work instruction does not cover:

a) the safe systems of work to protect staff, public or railway operations whilst cutting vegetation or felling trees.

NOTE: Safe work is described NR/L2/OHS/019

b) how to assess environmental conditions relating to work sites.

NOTE: NR/L3/MTC/EN0099 Protected sites and Species Management describes the process for identifying and managing sites that might need protection.

Purpose

Wood waste generated from vegetation management can become hazardous when left on the lineside and when large amounts of cut material is collected or processed in one location.

The safe disposal of waste generated from vegetation management will reduce the risk of wood material:

a) disrupting the function of drainage systems;

b) obstructing staff access;

c) providing incentives for trespass and vandalism;

d) contaminating track and ballast;

e) effecting earthwork stability; and

f) effecting lineside neighbours.

Vegetation management activities undertaken on or near the lineside can have a positive effect on the safety and performance of the railway.