GERT8000-HB16 Iss 5

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

The rules have been changed to make clear that activities or tasks can be undertaken within 2.75 metre (9 feet) of live overhead line equipment (OLE) as long as there is a method statement or company instruction, all precautions to manage danger from live OLE, pantographs or associated roof-mounted electrical equipment are in place and those in the method statement are being carried out. 

In addition to live OLE, the rules have been changed where relevant throughout the handbook to say that they also apply to the danger from live pantographs or associated roof-mounted electrical equipment which can also pose an electrical risk. 

Section 3.1 has been changed to state that if it is necessary to access a train roof or to work near roof-mounted electrical equipment, the overhead line permit issued to the COSS or SWL must also state that all train and locomotive pantographs and roof-mounted equipment have been isolated and earthed. 

The title of section 3.3 has been amended as the wording of the rule already explains that reports are not always made to the ECO, but through the signaller. 

Section 7 has been retitled and expanded to provide a fuller explanation of the precautions that must be in place before attempting to rescue a person, who may be at risk from pantographs or associated roof-mounted electrical equipment as well as the OLE.

Optional reading and resources:

Mitigating the issues caused by ice on overhead line equipment

Management of Electrical Risk on Electrified Lines