GERT8000-HB6 Iss 8

This handbook is for those personnel with general duties of an individual working alone (IWA).

The requirements concerning walking on or near the line were generic and took no account of the varying levels of competency among the intended audience. There were differing interpretations as to what was intended to be permitted. To address this, a new section 2 has been added to: 

• define the extent to which walking can be permitted
• define the permitted arrangements for crossing lines open to traffic when walking.

Section two in issue seven has been renumbered as section three in issue eight because of the addition of the new section two. In section 3.2, the wording ‘must not rely on these arrangements’ has been amended to ‘must not use these arrangements’ as this conveys the meaning in a more easily understandable way.

Sections 4.2 and 4.3 (formerly sections 3.2 and 3.3 in issue seven) have been revised to remove obsolete references to safe work leader (SWL). Section 4.3, ‘Placing possession protection’, has been revised further to add reference to the route being closed so that the requirement provides relevance to European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) lines.

The changes to this handbook contribute to reducing safety risks in a critical and high-profile area. In doing so, there are expected to be benefits to reliability of operations and efficiency of engineering activity. 

Optional reading and resources:

Standards quarterly webinar - September 2024

Taking Safe Decisions

Understanding the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Risks and Impacts of Lone Working in Rail (T1213)