Standards Catalogue

​Virtual platform edges

This technical note aims to clarify the attributes used for calculating clearances and stepping distances with respect to real and virtual platform…

Application of Probabilistic Gauging Methods

This document sets out requirements for the application of probabilistic gauging based on Monte Carlo methods to calculate clearances between rolling…

Operation of Urban Rail Vehicles on or adjacent to GB Mainline Infrastructure

This document gives guidance for the introduction and operation of urban rail vehicles on or adjacent to the GB mainline railway. This guidance is…

Interface between Station Platforms, Track, Trains and Buffer Stops​

This document sets out requirements for the design and maintenance of station platforms for their safe interface with trains, track and buffer stops.

​Application of the Accessibility NTSN​

This document contains guidance on the application of the Accessibility (ACC) NTSN, particularly when undertaking work that would not necessarily…

Functionality and Management of Track Circuit Assisters (TCAs) on Rail Vehicles

This document sets out requirements for the functionality, testing and management of failures of TCAs on rail vehicles.

Use of Portable Ramps for Boarding and Alighting at Station Platforms

This TN provides guidance on the use of portable ramps and background information on the relevant requirements in the Accessibility National Technical…

Operation of Heritage Trains​

This document sets out requirements for managing the planning and operation of heritage train services on the GB mainline railway.

Reporting of Safety Related Information

The document sets out requirements for entering information into the Safety Management Intelligence System (SMIS). SMIS has been replaced by the Safe…

Guidance on the Infrastructure National Technical Specification Notice (INF NTSN)​

This document gives guidance on interpreting the requirements of the Infrastructure National Technical Specification Notice (INF NTSN) for application…

Guidance on the Energy National Technical Specification Notice

This document gives guidance on interpreting the requirements of the Energy National Technical Specification Notice (ENE NTSN) for application to the…

Route level assessment of technical compatibility between vehicles with traction batteries and infrastructure

The technical note aims to inform stakeholders on specific areas to carry out technical compatibility between battery-powered vehicles and…

Functioning and Control of Exterior Doors on Passenger Vehicles

This document sets out requirements for the design, function and control of power operated exterior door systems on passenger vehicles traversing the…

DC Conductor Rail Energy Subsystem and Interfaces to Rolling Stock Subsystem

This document sets out requirements for the 750 V direct current (dc) conductor rail energy subsystem and the interfaces to rolling stock operating…

Rolling Stock Subsystem and Interfaces to DC Conductor Rail Energy Subsystem

This document sets out requirements as National Technical Rules (NTRs) for rolling stock that traverses the Great Britain (GB) mainline 750 V direct…

Rolling Stock Subsystem and Interfaces to DC Conductor Rail Energy Subsystem

This document sets out requirements and guidance for all rolling stock operating over the Great Britain (GB) mainline 750 V dc conductor rail energy…

DC Conductor Rail Energy Subsystem and Interfaces to Rolling Stock Subsystem

This document sets out requirements for the 750 V direct current (dc) conductor rail energy subsystem and the interfaces to rolling stock operating…

Guidance on the Operation and Traffic Management National Technical Specification Notice (OPE NTSN)

This document provides guidance on the Operation and Traffic Management National Technical Specification Notice (OPE NTSN), including the application…

General Guidance for National Technical Specification Notices

This Guidance Note is intended for transport operators, project entities, assessment bodies and other organisations with responsibilities related to…

Guidance on the Application of the Control Command and Signalling NTSN

This document gives guidance on interpreting the requirements of the Control, Command and Signalling National Technical Specification Notice (CCS…

Rule Book Handbook Issue History

This document contains updates to align with changes to Rule Book module issues (GERT8000).

Rule Book Briefing Leaflet

Each issue of the Rule Book Briefing Leaflet contains a summary of the changes being introduced to GERT8000.

Dealing with a train accident or train evacuation

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of a driver, guard or signaller.

Changes to National Operations Publications for March 2026

This document is primarily used to publish minor changes to National Operations Publications (NOPs) and has been re-issued, taking into consideration…

Rule Book Module Issue History

This document contains updates to align with changes to Rule Book module issues (GERT8000).

Master Manual

The Rule Book manuals have been produced to provide end-users with access to the content of the Rule Book that is relevant to their roles, e.g.…

Train stopped by train failure

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of a driver or signaller.

Signaller and Signalling Technician Manual

The Rule Book manuals have been produced to provide end-users with access to the content of the Rule Book that is relevant to their roles, e.g.…

AC Electrified Lines

This module is required if you carry out the duties of a train driver, guard, shunter, designated person (DP), signaller, crossing keeper in DC…

AC Electrified Lines

This handbook is for those personnel who need to go on the operational railway in an AC electrified area to carry out their duties, with the exception…

End of Degraded Working

This document provides design details for sign AK215 - End of degraded working.

Advance lower pantograph (temporary power changeover)

This document provides design details for sign AJ12 - Advance lower pantograph (temporary power changeover).

Power changeover not applicable

This document provides design details for sign AJ16 – Power changeover not applicable.

Warning of Traction System Changeover

This document provides design details for sign AJ04 - Warning of traction system changeover.  

Raise pantograph (temporary power changeover)

This document provides design details for sign AJ14 - Raise pantograph (temporary power changeover).

Lower pantograph (temporary power changeover)

This document provides design details for sign AJ13 - Lower pantograph (temporary power changeover).  

Indication of route

This document provides design details for sign AJ11 - Indication of route.

Changeover to or from self-powered

This document provides design details for sign AJ08 - Changeover to or from self-powered.

Changeover to Overhead Electric Traction

This document provides design details for sign AJ07 - Changeover to Overhead Electric Traction.

Do not raise pantograph

This document provides design details for sign AJ09 - Do not raise pantograph.  

Misuse of MEWPs

OTP Professional Driving Guidance

Plant Activities with Any Line Open

All plant activities that could foreseeably foul an open line require a documented ALO Plan, which must be approved by a Responsible ALO Manager. 

Code of Practice for Defect Reporting for OTP, Plant and Equipment

This Code of Practice details the systems to have in place so that all safety related defects are reported and that other reported defects are checked…

Code of Practice for Defective OTP Safety Critical Equipment

This code of practice has been developed to describe the actions to be taken by Plant Lead, Machine/Crane controllers and machine operators in the…

Code of Practice for On, Off and Cross Tracking of On Track Plant (OTP)

This Code of Practice is intended to give guidance for the safe on, off and cross tracking of OTP to mitigate the possibility of derailing or…

Code of Practice for Tandem Lifting with Two Excavator Cranes

This Code of Practice details the control measures to be applied when using two excavator cranes to lift a load simultaneously. This Code of Practice…

Code of Practice for Load Lifting Points on Road Rail Excavator Cranes

This Code of Practice is intended to provide explanation and guidance to manufacturers, converters, owners and users of road rail excavator cranes…

Code of Practice for Flailing Operations using OTP

This Code of Practice details the actions to be taken, when planning for, and undertaking flailing operations. This Code of Practice applies to all…

Code of Practice for Planning for the use of non-rail mounted plant

This Code of Practice details minimum requirements for planning and mitigating the risks when delivering work using non rail mounted plant that could…