RAILTRACK

In order to preserve life there may be times when the emergency services must take immediate action within the track area, without the presence of Railtrack staff. Only do this in extreme cases, as you could be putting yourself at risk. The correct procedures are as follows.

• A signal, bridge or overhead line support number plate.
• A quarter-mile post at the track side.
• An electrical substation name plate.
• A nearby station or level crossing.

Make sure that everyone involved:

• Is aware of all the possible hazards.
• Knows the golden rules for staying safe.

• Move along the line to give as much stopping distance as possible.
• Stand in a position of safety facing the train.
• Signal the train driver by:

- (in daylight) raising both arms above your head.

- (at night) waving a lamp or torch violently.

For an overhead line system:

• If power on ON, do not approach the live parts of the system closer than about 3 metres (10 feet) normally, and NEVER closer than 1 metre (3 feet) - high-voltage electricity can jump a gap.
• If power is OFF, the system is safe to approach but not to touch.
• If the system is ISOLATED (switched off and earthed) it is safe to touch, but only when absolutely necessary.

For a conductor rail system:

• If power is ON, do not touch the conductor rail, nor anything lying across it, nor a train standing on it. You can step over the rail provided you take the utmost care.
• If power of OFF, it is safe to touch the rail, but only when absolutely necessary.

Move to safety as soon as possible

• It is helpful to scale down an incident as soon as possible, allowing stopped trains to run at caution.
• When emergency services personnel have moved clear of the lines, make sure that Railtrack Control is informed. It is vital that this message is passed either directly or through your own Control as speedily as possible to minimise serious disruption to train services.


NOTE: On the railways, the 3rd conductor rail is electrified at 630-850 V DC depending on requirements. Most importantly any firefighters not aware (and I'm sure they are) the London Underground and some other lines in the UK use the 4 rail system. The outer rail usually caries 420v DC respective to earth and the inner rail caries 210v DC respective to earth. The West Midlands Metro and the Croydon Tramlink carry 750v DC overhead. Just as confusing. Some lines also carry both 3rd rail and overhead, mostly at Euston.
Comment Added by Richard Stuart (6/3/02)

A Rail Incident Officer (RIO) from Railtrack may be present on site to co-ordinate the railway response. This person provides the principal contact point with the railway companies, and will help emergency services personnel to set up a safe method of operation.

There are two key aspects to ensuring a successful and efficient outcome:

• Level 1

  Slowing trains by running them at caution. Train drivers are warned that emergency services personnel are on the track. They must drive at such a speed, depending upon circumstances, that they can stop short/clear of any person who may be on the track and does not move clear.

• Level 2

  Stopping trains by use of signals. The normal signalling system provides the most positive and reliable method to stop trains.

• Level 3

  Switching off the electricity supply. This is done if necessary to protect people from risk of electrocution. It is not used simply to stop trains - they can still coast long distances, and diesels are unaffected.

Bodies on or near railway lines are normally the result of an accident, suicide or crime, and are often found dismembered. The first police officer on the scene is likely to be from the local Home Department Police, rather than the British Transport Police. They will liaise with Railtrack and other parties through their Area Control to discuss the following:

• Slowing trains by running them at caution.
• Stopping trains by use of signals if absolutely essential.
• Switching off the power supply if absolutely essential.

The following are the main responsibilities of the officer at the scene:

Request the attendance of a doctor (to certify death) and undertaker. (Consideration should be given to requesting their attendance immediately a report is received rather than waiting for the attending police officer to arrive at the scene before making such a request. This is to avoid unnecessary additional delays).

• Liaise with the RIO.
• Liaise with the British Transport Police.

Where crime IS suspected

• Request the attendance of:

- a patrol supervisor

- a detective

- a scenes-of-crime officer

- a doctor (to certify death)

- an undertaker.

• Ensure compliance with scene preservation policy
• Liaise with the RIO.
• Ensure that people are logged as they enter and leave the site.
• Secure an inner cordon until the arrival of an officer from the British Transport Police.

• Don't go on to the track unless absolutely necessary
• Get help from railway staff if possible.
• Always be vigilant for yourself and colleagues.

The most common cause of accidents on the track is tripping or slipping on objects such as cables, sleepers, rails and other loose objects.

• Step over, not on, rails and sleepers
• Avoid crossing the track near points
• Don't walk on top of cable trunking
• Keep vigilant

Points are a particular hazard because they are likely to move unexpectedly.

• Don't step within the moving blades of points
• Don't walk on top of rails

Some vehicles, especially older ones, may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos.

• Ask Railtrack Control for specific information

Freight trains in particular carry a variety of such goods.

• Ask Railtrack Control what products the train is carrying
• Consult the train crew and observe the warning signs on rail vehicles

These small devices are placed on rails to warn train crews of dangers ahead. They are stored in signal boxes and trains.

• Move at least 30 metres from a detonator before a train passes
• During fires, ask railway staff where detonators are stored

Hazards include limited visibility and limited space between trains and tunnel walls.

• Don't enter a tunnel until Railtrack confirms trains have stopped
• Ideally, wait to be accompanied by Railtrack staff

The track area near structures, cuttings or embankments may be too narrow to stand in safely if trains pass.

• Take notice of warning signs
• Don't enter the area unless you can reach a position of safety before a train arrives.

Overhead lines carry 25,000 volts AC, conductor rails carry 750 volts DC. Some signalling equipment also operates at high voltage.

• Never assume electrical equipment has been made safe, unless confirmed by Railtrack.
• Don't get closer than 3 metres to live overhead line equipment.
• Take extreme care to avoid touching conductor rails.
• Always treat as live.

• Unless absolutely necessary to save life, don't go on to the railway, or near any electrical equipment, unaccompanied by railway staff.
• Keep the number of personnel to a minimum.
• Assess the risks and make sure you will be safe.
• Inform Railtrack Control what you intend to do.
• Get help from Railtrack staff if possible - their expert knowledge about the railway and railway vehicles can often save a lot of time.
• Wear high-visibility clothing.

• Be aware of all the possible hazards
• Stop, look and listen for trains
• Make sure you have time to reach a position of safety at least two metres from the running line
• Define the limits of operation clearly and keep within them
• Never assume trains have been stopped or cautioned unless so advised by a Railtrack Rail Incident Officer (RIO)
• Remain vigilant at all times