scope:

This handbook covers situations where the track is the sole asset category involved, such as broken rails or blockjoint failures, and those which affect more than one category of asset, for example derailments or damage to trackside structures.

The following types of situation are addressed in this handbook:

• derailment

• train collision

• track component failure

• track geometry defect

• structural failure or collapse

• obstruction on the track

• flooding on the track

• aftermath of fire on the track

• chemical leak or spillage on the track

• hot weather buckle

• extreme winter weather.

These situations fall within the category of medium incidents as defined in the incident reporting and investigation standard, S1556. The factor that characterises them as emergencies is the actual or potential risk of loss of life or serious injury they present to customers or staff, combined with the risk of loss to the track asset and train service.

The scope of this handbook does not include:

• emergencies such as fatality or injury on the track, which do not normally involve track repairs

• emergencies related to signalling systems or train-borne equipment

• asset conditions that are expected to be put right by line personnel as part of their maintenance responsibilities and which do not normally involve the Emergency Response Unit

• organisational responsibilities in emergency situations

• procedures for notifying and reporting emergencies as defined in S1556

• administrative arrangements or responsibilities for mobilising and managing emergency maintenance teams, which Business Units will wish to co-ordinate in ways that conform with the LU Railway Safety Case and match their individual operational needs.

Purpose

The purpose of this handbook is to give practical guidance regarding the action that may be taken to achieve emergency track repairs. It should be noted that some repairs may be temporary and that speed restrictions may be imposed until the track is restored to a safe condition to permit normal train services to resume.