Standards Catalogue

Ground Frames and Shunters' Releases

This document sets out the interface requirements for ground frames and shunters' releases that may be operated by railway undertaking personnel.

Guidance on the Operation and Traffic Management Technical Specification for Interoperability

This document provides guidance on interpretation of points within the Operation and Traffic Management TSI (OPE TSI) where, owing to incomplete or…

Duties of the machine controller (MC) and on-track plant operator on ERTMS lines where lineside signals are not provided

You will need this handbook if you carry out the duties of the machine controller (MC) and on-track plant operator on ERTMS lines.

Identification of Signalling and Related Equipment

This document sets out the principles for ensuring that signalling and related assets are uniquely identified.

Tilting Trains: Controlling Tilt Systems to Maintain Clearances

This document sets out the means by which Tilting Trains are permitted to utilise the tilt mechanism over routes, parts of which contain sections…

Controlling the Speed of Tilting Trains through Curves

This document sets out the means by which tilting trains may be operated at higher speeds than non-tilting trains around curves.

Engineering Requirements for Dispatch of Trains from Platforms

This document sets out the minimum engineering requirements for the facilities used in dispatching trains from platforms.

Passenger Train Dispatch and Platform Safety Measures

Working of on-track machines (OTM)

Rule Book Hand Book Issue History

Engineering Design of On-Track Machines in Travelling and Working Modes

This document sets out requirements and guidance for the application of the BS EN 14033:2017 series for on-track Machines (OTMs) in their travelling…

Medical Fitness Assessment

This document sets out requirements and guidance for the management of medical fitness assessment for safety critical workers on the GB mainline…

Reference Limits for Freight Wagon Defects

This document sets out the criteria for addressing defects in freight wagons arising during operation, and the restrictions on their use that apply.

Lineside Operational Signs

This document sets out requirements, rationale and guidance for the application of lineside operational signs published in the RSSB catalogue. It also…

Provision of Signage at Power Changeover Locations

This document sets out requirements and guidance for provision of signage at power changeover locations for multi-mode rolling stock.

Requirements for the operation of freight trains and the conveyance of dangerous goods by any train

This document sets out requirements and guidance relating to the safe operation of freight trains and the safe movement of dangerous goods.

Maintaining the Visibility of Signals and Operational Signs

This document sets out requirements and guidance to ensure that the visibility of signals and operational signs are not adversely affected during the…

Junction signal sighting

This technical note has been issued to help the industry manage the sighting of colour light junction signals. This document is responding to the RAIB…

TPWS receiver aerial location

This technical note will help industry identify the risks associated with mounting the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) receiver aerial…

Psychometric Assessment in Train Driver Selection

This document sets out requirements and guidance on the psychometric assessment used during the selection process for train driver candidates who will…

AC Electrified Lines

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of a train driver, guard, shunter, designated person (DP), signaller, crossing keeper or person…

Possession Workers 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 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…

Train Driver 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.…

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.…

Changes to National Operations Publications for March 2025

Changes to National Operations Publications for December 2024

List of Dangerous Goods and their United Nations Numbers

You will need this handbook if you need to understand what dangerous goods are, how they are classified and the meaning of their warning signs.

IWA or COSS setting up safe systems of work within possessions

You will need this handbook if you carry out the duties of an IWA or COSS setting up safe systems of work within possessions.

General signalling regulations

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

Directional arrows

This document provides design details for sign AJ10 - Directional arrows.  

Advance lower pantograph (temporary power changeover)

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

Warning of Traction System Changeover

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

Indication of route

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

Lower pantograph (temporary power changeover)

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

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.  

Do not raise pantograph (temporary power changeover)

This document provides design details for sign AJ15 – Do not raise pantograph (temporary power changeover).

Lower Pantograph

This document provides design details for sign AJ03 - Lower pantograph

Misuse of MEWPs

This poster is provided by the M&EE Networking Group to remind industry not to misuse MEWPs during work activities.

Plant Exclusion Zones

This poster is provided by the M&EE Networking Group to remind industry about the necessity to keep personnel clear from areas around working…

Emergency Haulage by OTMs

This Code of Practice details the haulage capabilities of on-track machines (OTM). It should be followed by any route or operator control when…

Use and Maintenance of Full Electric/Hybrid Powered OTP

This Code of Practice details best practice for use and maintenance of battery or hybrid powered OTP. It defines best practice and industry guidance…

Injection Injury

This poster details the actions to be taken following a hydraulic injection injury.

Cross Tracking of On Track Plant

OTP must only be on/off tracked within a Possession. OTP is not permitted to cross track under Line Blocks.

AFFF Fire Extinguishers

This poster is provided by the M&EE Networking Group to remind industry about the potential for AFFF fire extinguishers to freeze in cold weather.…

RRV Braking

This poster is provided by the M&EE Networking Group to remind industry is a reminder that road-rail vehicles when in rail mode take a lot longer to…

Piling using OTP

This Code of Practice details guidance on the arrangements for controlling the risks when planning and undertaking piling operations on the railway…

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.