Standards Catalogue

Interface between Station Platforms, Track, Trains and Buffer Stops​

This document sets out requirements for the design and maintenance of station platforms for their safe interface with trains, track and buffer stops.

​Application of the Accessibility NTSN​

This document contains guidance on the application of the Accessibility (ACC) NTSN, particularly when undertaking work that would not necessarily…

Functionality and Management of Track Circuit Assisters (TCAs) on Rail Vehicles

This document sets out requirements for the functionality, testing and management of failures of TCAs on rail vehicles.

Compatibility Requirements for Track Circuit Assisters (TCAs) on Rail Vehicles

This sets out Great Britain (GB) requirements on where TCAs shall be fitted onto a vehicle and how they shall be set up.

GB Requirements for Platform Height, Platform Offset and Platform Width

This document sets out Great Britain (GB) requirements in scope of National Technical Rules for platform height, platform offset and platform width. 

Operation of Heritage Trains​

This document sets out requirements for managing the planning and operation of heritage train services on the GB mainline railway.

Guidance on the Infrastructure National Technical Specification Notice (INF NTSN)​

This document gives guidance on interpreting the requirements of the Infrastructure National Technical Specification Notice (INF NTSN) for application…

Reporting of Safety Related Information

The document sets out requirements for entering information into the Safety Management Intelligence System (SMIS). SMIS has been replaced by the Safe…

​Changes to National Operations Publications for December 2025

This document is primarily used to publish minor changes to National Operations Publications (NOPs) and has been re-issued, taking into consideration…

​Virtual platform edges

This technical note aims to clarify the attributes used for calculating clearances and stepping distances with respect to real and virtual platform…

Operation of Urban Rail Vehicles on or adjacent to GB Mainline Infrastructure

This document gives guidance for the introduction and operation of urban rail vehicles on or adjacent to the GB mainline railway. This guidance is…

Application of Probabilistic Gauging Methods

This document sets out requirements for the application of probabilistic gauging based on Monte Carlo methods to calculate clearances between rolling…

Code of Practice for Management of Points within Engineering Work Sites

This Code of Practice provides guidance on the arrangements for the Management of Points within Engineering Worksites. It applies to all railborne…

Traction capacitor safety awareness

This technical note aims to provide an understanding of good design and maintenance practices for capacitors, to reduce the risks of explosions caused…

Hauling Unbraked Fixed Formations in Freight Trains

This document gives guidance on the braking requirements for hauling unbraked multiple units and other fixed formations in a freight train. This…

Extended Block Working

This technical note will assist industry with the introduction of extended block working.

Requirements for Speed Restrictions and Managing Overspeed Events

This document sets out requirements and guidance for the implementation of speed restrictions below the normal permissible speed of the line and the…

Defective On-Train Equipment

This document sets out requirements to be applied when on-train equipment becomes defective and provides guidance to assist the railway undertakings…

Lineside Operational Signs

This document sets out requirements, rationale and guidance for the application of lineside operational signs published in the RSSB catalogue. It also…

Passenger Train Dispatch and Platform Safety Measures

This document sets out requirements and guidance for the development, review and implementation of passenger train dispatch processes and measures to…

​Changes to National Operations Publications for December 2025

This document is primarily used to publish minor changes to National Operations Publications (NOPs) and has been re-issued, taking into consideration…

Work on signalling equipment – duties of the signalling technician

You will need this handbook if you carry out the duties of a signalling technician.

Working single and bi-directional lines by pilot

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of a driver, pilot or signaller.

Master Manual

The Rule Book manuals have been produced to provide end-users with access to the content of the Rule Book that is relevant to their roles, e.g.…

Passing a signal at danger or an end of authority (EoA) without a movement authority (MA)

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of a driver, guard, shunter or signaller. You will also need this module if you carry out the…

Dealing with a train accident or train evacuation

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of a driver, guard or signaller.

Additional controls applied to isolation personnel only

This form allows a controller of site safety (COSS) or individual working alone (IWA) carrying out AC traction current isolation duties to receive a…

Work-site certificate

This form is used by the engineering supervisor (ES) to record arrangements for setting up work sites within a possession of a running line.

Duties of the lookout and site warden

This handbook is for those personnel who have duties of the lookout and site warden.

Possession of a running line for engineering work

You will need this module if you carry out the duties of: • a driver • a signaller.

End of Degraded Working

This document provides design details for sign AK215 - End of degraded working.

Directional arrows

This document provides design details for sign AJ10 - Directional arrows.  

Advance lower pantograph (temporary power changeover)

This document provides design details for sign AJ12 - Advance lower pantograph (temporary power changeover).

Lower pantograph (temporary power changeover)

This document provides design details for sign AJ13 - Lower pantograph (temporary power changeover).  

Warning of Traction System Changeover

This document provides design details for sign AJ04 - Warning of traction system changeover.  

Indication of route

This document provides design details for sign AJ11 - Indication of route.

Changeover to Overhead Electric Traction

This document provides design details for sign AJ07 - Changeover to Overhead Electric Traction.

Do not raise pantograph

This document provides design details for sign AJ09 - Do not raise pantograph.  

Changeover to or from self-powered

This document provides design details for sign AJ08 - Changeover to or from self-powered.

Do not raise pantograph (temporary power changeover)

This document provides design details for sign AJ15 – Do not raise pantograph (temporary power changeover).

Code of Practice for the Storage and Recommissioning of OTP

This Code of Practice is to define the actions that should be taken for any OTP designated as Out of Service recommending a minimum level of…

Code of Practice for Plant Modules on Rail Wagons and Trailers

This Code of Practice identifies the process to be undertaken when plant modules are attached to rail wagons or trailers. This covers the use of plant…

Code of Practice for Piling using OTP

Code of Practice for OTM Driver Communication Review Group (CRG)

This Code of Practice supports the national strategy for improved Safety Critical Communications.  It provides a collaborative process (M&EE Group OTM…

Code of Practice for Action following Hydraulic Pump and/or Motor Failure

This Code of Practice details the details the action to be taken following the failure of an hydraulic pump and/or motor on an on-track machine (OTM).

Code of Practice for Plant Any Line Open (ALO) Working

This Code of Practice provides guidance on how to safely manage Plant Any Line Open (ALO) working.

Code of Practice for Hydraulic Hose In-use Repair

This Code of Practice details the action to be taken following the failure of  hydraulic hose(s) on an on-track machine (OTM).

Code of Practice for Safe use of Quick Hitches

This Code of Practice identifies the types of quick hitches as categorised by the HSE and details the safety issues and provides safe systems of work…

Code of Practice for OTM Ready to Run Card

This Code of Practice provides guidance on the action to be taken and design of card to show that an applicable on-track machine (OTM) is ready to be…

Code of Practice for Re-railing Kirow Cranes using Outriggers

This Code of Practice provides guidance in the re-railing of Kirow cranes utilising the crane’s outriggers.