scope:

This module applies to Network Rail and non-Network Rail personnel involved in the sponsoring, remitting, design approval and taking into use of railway infrastructure.

This module applies to the control of mining risk to:

1. Network Rail, Third Party and some Outside Party (see note 1) construction projects (including enhancements, replacements, renewals, emergency and temporary works) that involve Qualifying Construction Works (see note 2).

NOTE 1: The process in this module applies to Outside Party construction projects (managed through Asset Protection and Optimisation) when there is potential for mining risk to be imported to Network Rail.

NOTE 2: Qualifying Construction Work includes the creation of new foundations, drilling through tunnel linings, installation of rockbolts, ground investigation, excavations below track formation level, setting up site compounds, new carparks and any mining mitigation works. It also includes any work resulting in changes to the following: ground or foundation loading, horizontal track position greater than 250mm, groundwater regime, infrastructure location, tunnel support systems. 

2. Land purchase, sale or the granting of other land rights by Network Rail, as well as land leased by contractors to facilitate Network Rail project activities.

Purpose

This module mitigates the risk of construction works being undertaken without consideration of their potential impact on and vulnerability to mining hazards. The main risk being the collapse of mine workings resulting in ground movement which could impact on the safety or performance of the railway.

This process is designed to help achieve compliance with The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the requirements of Eurocode 7.

This module also mitigates the risk of land transactions being completed in the absence of information relating to mining hazards.