NR/L3/OPS/045/3.31 ISSUE 2
National Operating Procedure (NOP) 3.31: Permissive Working - This standard should only be used for reference to ensure 'The Control of Risk' until the compliance date of its replacement standard is reached, upon which this standard will be withdrawn. The development of all new processes and procedures should be to the replacement standard
Organization: | NR |
Publication Date: | 4 September 2021 |
Status: | active |
Page Count: | 8 |
scope:
This procedure covers all non-passenger permissive signaled moves and all permissive platform signalled moves including:
• Goods Lines /Loops;
• Reception /Arrival Lines (Network Rail Infrastructure);
• contingency arrangements;
• attaching and detaching to / from passenger trains (including where one portionis Empty Coaching Stock (ECS);
• platform sharing(PP-S);
• terminal stations;
• Permissive Platform (PP);
• Permissive Platform Contingency purposes (PP-C); and
• Permissive Platform Attaching / Detaching movements (PP-A). This procedure doesnot cover:
• attaching /detaching to / from ECS trains (shunting with the authority of aground position signal);
• locomotives either changing ends or being changed;and
• assistance to failed trains.
NOTE: Forguidance on permissive workingsee RIS-0744-CCS .
PURPOSE
Thisprocedure sets out the requirements for signalling two trains when the secondis signalledonto a running line which is already occupied.
The procedure:
a)controls the risk so far as reasonably practicable of train collisions when signalled in accordance with the permissive working arrangements;
b)allows permissive working to be conducted in a safe manner and with an assessment of all the factors that might affect a driver's ability to perform this
manoeuvre satisfactorily; and
c)allows for the decision to be made as to whether to continue with the current permissive working arrangements to continue or alternatively as to whether permissive working at that location is no longer required.
During significant service disruption permissive platform workings allow:
a)increased line capacity;
NOTE: e.g. by attaching two trains together.
b)passengers to make alternative travel arrangements;
c)passengers to use the station's facilities;
d)clearance of heavily delayed trains to be expedited; and
e)reduce the risk of passengers self -evacuating.
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