GERT8000-HB9 ERTMS Iss 3

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

The handbook has been changed throughout to remove reference to the obsolete competency of safe work leader.

Rules concerning walking on or near the line published in September 2024 resulted in changes to the numbering of sections in Handbooks 6 and 7. As a result, cross-references in this handbook at sections 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 have been changed. This has been previously published in the Periodical Operating Notice.

In Section 3.9, ‘When protection from the ES is no longer required’, the requirement to sign the work site certificate RT3199 has been removed. Instead, the engineering supervisor must record the details on the work-site certificate.

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 As a result, section 3.7 on ‘Safe system of work using lookouts’ within a worksite has been withdrawn as this is no longer permitted. The subsequent sections (3.8 to 3.11 in issue 2) have been renumbered following the removal of section 3.7.

Section 4.3 on ‘Working without the PICOP's authority’ outside a worksite has been withdrawn as this method of working is no longer permitted.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.