Project number: 2023-STN-001

Running freight services that are safe and economic, even when carrying dangerous goods

Improvements were identified for the standard for freight train operation. The revised standard provides guidance on freight train staff workload during planning and managing third-party staff. This supports safe, efficient freight transport.

'The updates are key in delivering safe trains. The new guidance strengthens key safety activities.'

Martin Bloomfield
Principal Train Operations & Dangerous Goods Manager, Network Rail

The challenge

Improper preparation of freight trains poses risks of incidents and delays.

Transport operators must create and maintain suitable plans and controls. This ensures the safe operation of freight trains, adhering to the industry’s operational principle 5: ‘Trains must not start or continue their journeys until it is clear that it is safe for them to do so.’

What we did

RIS-3781-TOM has been revised with new requirements in issue two.

Railway undertakings must now assess the time and resources needed to prepare a train for service.

Additional requirements on using a Certificate of Readiness have been added.

Also, a review of information from The Working Manual for Rail Staff – Freight Train Operations (GORT3056) and The Working Manual for Rail Staff Handling and Carriage of Dangerous Goods (GORT3053) has been completed, resulting in updated guidance in the dangerous goods section.

Benefits delivered

Checking train preparation locations and tasks can reduce delays and improve freight performance.

This could save nearly £15m over 5 years. It helps operators meet legal obligations set out in regulation 26 of the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006. This requires operators and contractors to work together on safety-critical tasks.

Having clear train preparation guidelines can improve safety when staff and contractors load or unload trains.