scope:

This specification applies to all inspection and maintenance of the permanent way. It sets out:

• Minimum frequencies for routine visual, ultrasonic and geometry recording inspections;
• procedures for carrying out the above inspections;
• details of those track defects which, if found, require immediate blocking of the line to traffic or imposition of an emergency speed restriction;
• methods for detailed inspection of certain major track components.
• maintenance of the permanent way including lineside items.

Purpose

This is a system specification that gives the minimum requirements for the inspection and maintenance of Network Rail's permanent way.