3.2 Positions of Safety, Walking Alone & Crossing the Line

3.2 Positions of Safety, Walking Alone & Crossing the Line

When a train passes, the only safe place to be is a position of safety. This section explains how Handbook 1 defines one, how the PTS handbook expects you to walk on or near the line, the limited circumstances in which you may walk alone, and how to cross the line.

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Definition of a Position of Safety

Handbook 1 defines a position of safety by distance from the nearest line on which a train can approach:

The PTS handbook expresses the same rule the other way round: you are in a position of safety if you are at least 2 metres from the nearest line on which a train might approach, but if the speed limit on that line is no more than 100 mph the distance can be reduced to 1.25 metres. Distances are measured from the nearest running rail of that line, and the maximum speed comes from the Sectional Appendix.

The PTS handbook does not cover lines on which trains are allowed to travel at more than 125 mph; local instructions apply there.

     Line speed 100 mph or less             Line speed over 100 mph
   position                 nearest       position                  nearest
   of safety                rail          of safety                 rail
       o                     |                o                      |
      /|\                    |               /|\                     |
      / \                    |               / \                     |
   <------ 1.25 m (4 ft) ---->            <----- 2 m (6 ft 6 in) ----->

The 10-Second Rule

You must be in the position of safety at least 10 seconds before a train passes. HB1 repeats this for people walking alone: make sure you are in a position of safety no less than 10 seconds before an approaching train arrives. Your COSS tells you where the nominated position of safety is as part of the safety briefing.

Choosing and Checking a Position of Safety

• It must give the required distance from every line on which a train can approach, not only the line you are working on. On multi-track railways the nearest open line may be on the other side of you.
• It should be firm and level enough to stand on, clear of trip hazards, and somewhere you can reach quickly.
• The four-foot, the normal six-foot between open lines, the space between the movable parts of points, and the side of the line marked by a limited clearance or no refuges sign are not positions of safety.

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Walking Alone on or Near the Line

HB1 Issue 8 rewrote the walking rules to make clear who may walk alone and when, and Issue 9 kept them. You must only go on or near the line alone if one of the following applies:

1. You are acting as a COSS or IWA and you will be carrying out work.
2. You are acting as a COSS or IWA and it is necessary to walk to or from a site of work.
3. You are not a COSS or IWA but a COSS has told you that you can walk on or near the line to get to or from a site of work where other members of a group are working.
4. You are not a COSS or IWA, but a method of working in your company instructions allows you to do so.

You must have a valid PTS certificate with you, wear the correct HV clothing and carry out the COSS's instructions. You must never work alone unless you are a COSS or IWA.

Local Knowledge

Before you go on or near the line alone, HB1 says you must know, for each line:

• the maximum speed;
• the direction from which trains normally approach;
• the location of any area where you must not go while trains are running;
• any location with limited clearances.

While Walking Alone

HB1 section 4.3 and the PTS handbook require you to:

• carry only items such as light hand tools, nothing that affects your ability to walk safely;
• use authorised walking routes or a made-up path if there is one; otherwise walk in the cess. Only if absolutely necessary, for example to avoid an obstruction, walk in the four-foot for the shortest distance possible and then return to your walking route;
• avoid having your back to trains; if you are unsure which direction trains run, find an alternative route;
• not wear anything that makes you less able to see or hear approaching trains, and not allow yourself to be distracted;
• look up at least every 5 seconds and keep watching and listening for trains at all times;
• never assume you are safe because a signal is at danger or a level crossing is open to road traffic; trains can approach in the wrong direction on a single line or in a possession;
• switch your mobile phone off unless you need it for safety reasons; if you have to use it, move to a position of safety and stand still until you have finished;
• carry a suitable lamp in darkness or poor visibility, or if you are to enter a tunnel.

At some locations listed in the Sectional Appendix, a Train Activated Warning System (TAWS) or Train Operated Warning System (TOWS) is provided. Only competent people may use it. When it is switched on, sirens make a "safe tone" every few seconds to show it is working, and give a continuous warning when a train is detected.

Joining or Leaving a Group

If you are going to walk to join a group, leave a group to walk off the railway, or return to rejoin a group:

• speak to the COSS before you start walking, and agree the access point where you are and the location you are walking to;
• the COSS will explain the route and tell you which arrangement applies: you can get there without going on or near the line; the lines you will be near are not open to traffic; the COSS has set up a safe system of work for your walk; or the COSS will come to you, brief you and accompany you;
• do not start walking until you understand the arrangements;
• if you meet an unexpected obstacle that would take you on or near a line open to traffic, tell the COSS and follow the COSS's instructions.

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Crossing the Line Safely

The PTS handbook (section 4.7) and HB1 set out how to cross:

• If you need to cross the line, use a bridge, subway or level crossing if there is one.
• Otherwise follow the COSS's instructions. You may only cross lines open to traffic if the COSS has told you what is to happen and made sure you understand the arrangements.
• When told, cross straight away without stepping on the rails or sleepers. Always walk ballast to ballast, and take great care near points, which could move and trap your foot.
• In sidings and engineering worksites, take great care near stationary trains or vehicles: allow a minimum of 20 metres and keep the driver's window in your line of sight. They might move without warning, or hide another train approaching on a line beyond them. Only cross if you are sure no other trains are coming.