References to 'pilotman' have been changed to 'pilot’ and references to ‘manned level crossing’ have been changed to ‘manually-controlled level crossing’. These changes have been made to G1, HB5, HB10, HB19, T3 ERTMS, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS7, TS8, TS9, TS11 and TW8.

The Rule Book Manuals have also been updated to reflect these changes. These were published on 19 November 2022 and take effect from 03 December 2022.

Several changes to standards have been published in September 2022. The new updates focus on preparation and movement of trains, trespass risk assessment and Rulebook App changes, among others.

A summary of all the major changes in the Standards Catalogue this quarter is also available in our standards briefing presentation.

Control, Command and Communication

In September 2022, one new standard has been published in the standards catalogue.

RIS-0745-CCS Issue 1 – Client safety assurance of high integrity software-based systems for railway applications

The standard sets out requirements and guidance for the role of the client in managing the safety assurance of high integrity software-based systems used in railway applications. It identifies the activities to be undertaken in the development, installation, and maintenance phases of the process. This will help industry reduce the number of incidents where the performance of software is one of the causal factors. Watch the webinar.

Data, Systems and Telematics

No new standards.

Energy (AC/DC Systems)

No new standards.

Infrastructure

In September 2022, one new standard has been published in the standards catalogue.

RIS-7706-INS Issue 1 – Processes for Adding, Removing or Updating Differential Permissible Speeds

Lettered Differential Permissible Speeds (LDPSs) are used to permit rolling stock to operate at increased speeds on particular sections of the network, subject to specifications being met. The standard provides clear processes when adding, removing or modifying LDPSs on the GB mainline network. Watch the webinar.

Operational Rules

In September 2022, three new standards have been published in the standards catalogue.

RIS-3437-TOM Issue 3 – Defective On-Train Equipment

The revised standard sets out the requirements to be applied when on-train equipment becomes defective. It works alongside correspondent instructions for operational staff in Rule Book module TW5. Watch the webinar.

RIS-3786-TOM Issue 1 – Trespass Risk Assessment

The standard sets out a consistent approach for implementing and reviewing trespass risk assessments to foster a common process throughout the GB mainline railway. This builds upon the legal duties set out in the Railway Safety (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 1997 and supports the duty of cooperation that transport operators have under the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006. Watch the webinar.

RIS-3703-TOM Issue 5 – Passenger Train Dispatch and Platform Safety Measures

This revised standard covers assessment responsibilities and requirement to review. It sets out requirements and guidance for the development, review and implementation of passenger train dispatch processes and measures to manage the safe behaviour of passengers at the platform train interface. Watch the webinar.

Plant

No new standards.

Rolling Stock

One new standard has been published in the September 2022 standards catalogue.

RIS-8270-RST Issue1.1 – Route Level Assessment of Technical Compatibility between Vehicles and Infrastructure 

The standard has been updated with additional guidance and supporting documents including a SOCAT template, flowcharts, case studies and a new process diagram. Watch the webinar.

Rule Book

Various changes have been made to the Rule Book which will come into force in December 2022. Some of these changes are relatively minor and a Rule Book Presentation  has been produced to explain all the changes and the reasons for them. Some of the more significant changes are as below. You can also watch the webinar.

Gender-specific language

By using the term ‘pilotman’ in the Rule Book there can be an assumption that only males are involved which may deter applications for employment or promotion. Every reference is being changed to use ‘pilot’ instead, including all the associated forms.

As it may take some time for all the associated changes to take effect, the Rule Book Briefing Leaflet explains that if the term ‘pilotman’ continues to be used it is to be taken as having the same meaning as ‘pilot’.

For similar reasons, references to ‘manned level crossings’ have been changed to ‘manually-controlled level crossings’.

Working on rail vehicles within a possession

Rule Book module T10 has not included any instructions on working on vehicles, on-track machines or on-track plant when within a possession, particular so far as arranging line protection is concerned. A new section 8 has been included in this module to explain how this is to be done, and corresponding changes made to some handbooks.

The designated person (DP) is responsible for asking for line protection, or the machine controller (MC) when on-track plant is to be worked on.

The rules set out who must be asked, depending on whether movements towards the vehicle are to be stopped on a running line or siding under possession, or on adjacent lines or sidings.

Engineering trains leaving a possession

Rule Book module T3 and Handbook 11 have been changed to include an alternative method, that can be applied when published and when the detonator protection is placed at less than the standard distance from points.

The train can be authorised to leave the possession from the last signal within it, which can be cleared if possible, rather than from the detonator protection. This will avoid making two separate movements which may block up a junction while the protection is lifted. The movement can be signalled normally with the protection of the interlocking.

Line blockages

Changes have been made to Rule Book module TS1, to make the instructions more complete and clearer. These changes include describing how a signaller can grant a line blockage when a protecting signal is controlled by another signaller, and on a single or bi-directional line.

Keeping a block indicator at ‘train on line’ or acceptance switches at ‘normal’ can now be used as methods of additional protection.

Wrong-direction movements

Rule Book module TW7 has been changed to say that if a wrong-direction movement is to be made to a location that a driver might not easily identify, the movement must first be authorised to a location that is readily identifiable. On reaching there, the driver must get further instructions from the signaller.

RS525 ERTMS Handbook

This is a new information handbook intended for use by anyone who needs to understand how the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) operates on the GB network. It explains the basic concepts and operating principles of ERTMS to front line staff.