scope:

The module covers the role Tactical Commanders should perform within the railway incident management framework (the incident management framework is contained within NR/L3/OPS/250/01). In Network Rail there can be more than one Tactical Commander involved in incident management:

1. Off-site: The Tactical Commander in Route Control or equivalent in Directorates;

2. On-site: The Tactical Commanders at or near the incident location):  

  a. Rail Incident Officer (RIO);  

  b. Station Incident Officer (SIO);  

  c. Tactical Recovery Manager

NOTE: The RIO and SIO can also perform Operational Command roles, this module relates only to those incidents where these roles are required to, and able to act as Tactical Commander.

The module applied to those who perform the role of Tactical Commander within the incident management framework (NR/L3/OPS/250/01) for industry or multi-agency incidents on or impacting on the railway.

Purpose

This module outlines the main accountabilities and responsibilities of Tactical Commanders during an incident or emergency to enable a more efficient and structured approach. The module reduces the risk of misunderstanding the role of Tactical Commanders during incidents or emergencies through the clear identification of their accountabilities and responsibilities when applying the incident management framework.

The module provides the information required for Network Rail to meeting its legislative requirements when managing incidents and emergencies.