scope:

This guidance applies to all tracks and structures on LU running lines and in depots and sidings.

It covers the inspection, maintenance and approval of clearances and the requirements for places of safety on the track.

Purpose

The purpose of this guidance document is to provide additional practical information to help enable the:

✓ Maximum possible clearance between passing trains

✓ Maximum possible clearance between trains and fixed operational equipment or the infrastructure

✓ Standardised clearance at platforms

✓ Control of track position

✓ Management of non-compliance

✓ Clearance Approval process (equipment / structures)

✓ Route Clearance Approval process (trains / engineer's vehicles).

Note: This guidance document is to be referenced alongside the LU standard Gauging and Clearances S1156. Where any discrepancy exists between this document and S1156 the requirements of the latter shall take precedence.

This document is particularly aimed at persons new to the rail industry, although it also provides useful guidance to experienced personnel who are not practised in gauge clearance techniques.