scope:

This manual is applicable to all longitudinal bearers on Network Rail infrastructure. It applies to all people who inspect, maintain, design and install longitudinal bearer structures and all people who are responsible for the track or structures associated with any longitudinal bearer system. This manual covers:

a) definitions and terminology used throughout all modules in NR/L2/TRK/3038;

b) types of longitudinal bearer systems defined by support and retention arrangements;

c) responsible roles for asset owner; inspection; maintenance; design and approval; and replacement of longitudinal bearer systems;

d) requirements for inspection and detailed examination of longitudinal bearer systems;

e) longitudinal bearer management practice and requirements for completing management plans;

f) minimum requirements for the replacement of longitudinal bearers on Network Rail infrastructure;

g) processes to be used for the management of risk from the interface between longitudinal bearer systems, supporting structures and the track system (rails, baseplates, chairs and, where applicable, cross-bearers). 

Purpose 

The purpose of this manual is to prescribe: 

a) the inspections required to support prevention of derailments caused by longitudinal bearer systems; 

b) the inspections, limits and actions required to support optimisation of longitudinal bearer performance, cost and asset life; and 

c) the survey and design requirements for the replacement of a Longitudinal Bearer System (LBS).