GERT8000-HB12 Iss 11

Section 3.3 on ‘Setting up the work site’ has been changed as the ES is now permitted to allow an isolation COSS to start work in connection with ac method isolation duties before the work site is set up. 

The requirement to sign the work site certificate RT3199 upon giving up the work site has been withdrawn. Section 10.1 ‘Normal arrangements’ and section 10.3 ‘When every COSS or IWA no longer needs protection’ have been changed as a result. 

These changes form part of the suite of general updates issued annually which are intended to improve understanding and application of the content of the Rule Book and provide opportunities for duty holders to operate more efficiently.  

Changes have also been made to the situations in which unassisted lookouts can be used as a safe system of work, and this handbook has been amended to reflect those changes. As a result, section 4.7 on ‘Safe system of work using lookouts (lookout warning)’ has been withdrawn as this is no longer permitted. 

The changes to reduce the use of the lookout competency would be expected to contribute to a reduction in trackside risk and support the work of the Network Rail Safety Task Force.