scope:

This policy:

a) defines the minimum requirements for all technical and engineering activities related to Plant and T&RS assets;

b) provides information on the safe acquisition, introduction, operation and use of Plant and T&RS assets from an engineering perspective throughout their intended life;

c) describes the arrangements in place to allow Network Rail to fulfil responsibilities defined in legislation; and

d) provides Transport Undertakings (particularly those that haul and operate Network Rails' Railbound Vehicles) with assurance that a controlled structure is implemented to demonstrate that Network Rail's Plant and/or T&RS assets are safe to operate and use.

This policy is applicable to functions in Network Rail responsible for the engineering management of Plant and T&RS assets.

The existence of this policy and the standards supporting it does not preclude third parties acting as contractors for Network Rail from using their own documented processes if they:

a) are fully audited on their safety Management System and controls to ensure appropriate certification and risk mitigation are in place prior to contract award, unless there are other controls in place by regulatory body;

b) are clearly identified in the submission to the Professional Head of Plant or T&RS; and

c) are equivalent (or better) and provide a continuing level of asset protection acceptable to Network Rail, as agreed by the Professional Head of Plant or T&RS.

NOTE: Such applications will be supported by a risk assessment in accordance with the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM RA) (or applicable elements) and clearly state the difference in impact (effectiveness of control measure or reduced risk consequence) between implementing Network Rail safety requirements or the third party's documented processes.

This policy does not apply:

a) to locomotives and wagons supplied under contract from an accredited Freight Operating Company;

b) to assets supplied on a short-term (less than four weeks) or spot hire basis;

c) road-rail assets being driven on the highway;

d) construction plant and machinery.

PURPOSE

The implementation of this policy supports the management of Network Rail Plant and Traction and Rolling Stock (T&RS) assets to mitigate the following:

a) non-compliance with legislation and regulatory requirements;

b) operational safety risks on Network Rail managed infrastructure; and

c) operational commercial risks caused by non-availability or failure.