GERT8000 HB1 Iss 7

Uncontrolled when printed
Supersedes GERT8000-HB1 Iss 6 with effect from 04/12/2021
Handbook 1
GERT8000-HB1
Rule Book
General duties and track

safety for track workers
Issue 7
September 2021
Comes into force 04 December 2021
This handbook is for those personnel who need to go

on the operational railway to carry out their duties,
with the exception of a:
• train driver
• guard
• shunter
• signaller
• crossing keeper
• designated person (DP).
The personnel listed above will not receive this
handbook but will get Rule Book module G1 General
safety responsibilities and personal track safety for
non-track workers.
All personnel, other than those listed above, who go
on to the operational railway are defined as track
workers for the purpose of the Rule Book.
Published by:
RSSB
The authoritative version of this document is available
at www.rssb.co.uk
Contents approved by Traffic Operation and

Management Standards Committee.
For information regarding the Rule Book, contact:

https://customer-portal.rssb.co.uk
First issued June 2010

Issue 7, September 2021
Comes into force 04 December 2021
© Copyright 2021
Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited
Page
1 Definitions 2
2 General instructions 5
3 Going on the lineside 7
4 Going on or near the line alone 8
5 Going on or near the line with others 10
6 Reporting an accident 12
7 Preventing hazards 13
8 Stopping trains in an emergency 15
9 Communications procedure 16
10 Limited clearance signs 22
11 Telephones with limited clearance 24
Issue 7 1
1 Definitions
A position of safety
If the maximum speed is 100 mph (160 km/h) or less,
you are in a position of safety if you are at least 1.25
metres (4 feet) from the nearest line on which a train can
approach.
If the maximum speed is over 100 mph (160 km/h), the
distance increases to 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches).
Automatic track warning system (ATWS)
An automatic system of warning track workers when a
train is approaching.
Lookout-operated warning system (LOWS)
A system operated by a lookout used for warning track
workers when a train is approaching.
Semi-automatic track warning system (SATWS)
A system of warning track workers that a train is
approaching, where the warning is cancelled manually.
Train-operated warning system (TOWS)
A system operated by trains used for warning track
workers when a train is approaching.
Lineside
You are on the lineside (shown green in diagram HB1.1)
if you are between the railway boundary fence and the
area called 'on or near the line'.
You are not on the lineside if you are on a station
platform.
You are not on or near the line if you are crossing the
line at a level crossing.
2 Issue 7
On or near the line

You are on or near the line (shown orange in diagram
HB1.1) if you are:
• within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line and there is no
permanent fence or structure between you and the
line
• on the line itself.
You are not on or near the line if you are on a station
platform unless you are carrying out engineering or
technical work within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of the platform
edge.
Issue 7 3
Diagram HB1.1
Positions on or near the line

The following terms are used to describe the different
positions on or near the line.
The terms shown are not exact measurements.
The cess is the space alongside the line or lines on the
outside edge of the running rail.
The four-foot is the space between the rails of one line.
The six-foot is the space between one line and another
(where the rails are the normal distance apart).
4 Issue 7
The ten-foot is the space between one line and another

where there is a wide space between a pair of lines and
there are three lines or more. This distance may be less
than 10 feet.
Maximum speed
The maximum speed is the highest speed at which trains
are allowed to travel over a line. The maximum speed for
each line is shown in the Sectional Appendix.
Operational railway
The term operational railway includes the area called on
the lineside and the area called on or near the line.
Safety barrier
A safety barrier can be a permanent fence or barrier or a
temporary fence made of rigid or tensioned material,
plastic netting or barricade tape.
2 General instructions
2.1 Rules, regulations and instructions

Rules, regulations and instructions apply to the task
being carried out and to those carrying out the task, no
matter what grade or job title they have.
Unless you are under instruction from a competent
person, you must be competent to correctly apply the
rules, regulations and instructions to the tasks you are
authorised to carry out.
Issue 7 5
Safety must always be your first concern. If there is no

rule that allows or prevents you doing something you
believe must be done, you must do it in the safest way
you know taking into account your training and
experience.
2.2 Mechanical and electrical plant or other

equipment
You must not operate mechanical or electrical plant or
any other equipment unless you have been trained and
are authorised to do so. If necessary, you must also hold
a certificate of competency in operating the plant or
equipment.
2.3 Getting on and off moving rail vehicles

You must not get off a moving rail vehicle. This does not
apply to vehicles designed for continuous slow-speed
movement such as the high-output ballast cleaner.
You must not get on a moving rail vehicle unless it is
absolutely necessary, and then only if you can do so
safely.
You must not ride on the steps of a locomotive or vehicle
or ride on a hand trolley or any other vehicle not
designed for this purpose.
2.4 Travelling in driving cabs

You must only travel in the driving cab of a train if this is
in connection with your duties shown in the Rule Book or
you have authority to do so.
6 Issue 7
If you are in possession of a valid cab pass, you must:

• show your cab pass to the driver before entering the
cab
• show the driver the additional permission issued by
the train operator when asking for access to the cab
of a train carrying high consequence dangerous
goods
• tell the driver the reason for travelling in the cab and
where you plan to travel to
• arrange for the train to be stopped specially if
necessary
• check you have any required personal protective
equipment your company policy requires if you plan
to leave the train at other than a station platform
• check with the driver if any mobile electronic devices
are to be switched off before entering the cab.
When travelling in the driving cab you must not distract
the driver.
3 Going on the lineside
3.1 General
You must wear the correct high-visibility clothing issued
to you by your employer.
You must use an authorised access point, if provided, to
get onto the operational railway.
You must use authorised walking routes if they are
provided.
Issue 7 7
You must raise one arm above your head to

acknowledge the driver of any approaching train who
sounds the warning horn.
3.2 Working on the lineside

Any work done on the lineside must not affect or go
within the area called on or near the line unless a
controller of site safety (COSS) or a safe work leader
(SWL) is present and has given permission for the work
to take place.
3.3 Using a road vehicle on the lineside

If you are using a road vehicle, you must not allow it to
enter the area called on or near the line unless:
• you are the driver of the vehicle and are either a
COSS, IWA or an SWL, or
• a COSS or SWL is present and has given you
permission.
4 Going on or near the line alone
4.1 General
You must have with you a valid certificate of competence
in personal track safety issued by your employer.
The only occasion when you can go on or near the line
without a COSS or SWL, is when you are walking alone.
You must never work alone unless you are a COSS,
IWA or SWL.
8 Issue 7
Make sure you have a suitable lamp with you if you will
be on or near the line during darkness, poor visibility or if
you are to enter a tunnel.
4.2 Local knowledge

Before you go on or near the line alone, you must know
about all of the following for each line:
• the maximum speed
• the direction from which trains normally approach
• the location of any area where you must not go while
trains are running
• any location with limited clearances.
4.3 While walking alone

Any items you carry while walking must not affect your
ability to walk safely or to see or hear and acknowledge
approaching trains.
You must use authorised walking routes if they are
provided.
Do not wear anything that makes you less able to see or
hear approaching trains.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted by anyone or
anything.
If you have to cross the line, you must not step on rails
or sleepers or between movable parts of points.
If you have to use a mobile phone, first move to a
position of safety and then stand still until you have
finished using the phone.
Issue 7 9
Keep a good lookout for approaching trains. Make sure

you look up at least every 5 seconds so that you can
reach a position of safety and be in it no less than 10
seconds before an approaching train arrives.
4.4 When a train approaches

When a train approaches you must immediately move to
a position of safety or, if already in a position of safety,
stay there.
If the driver sounds the warning horn, raise one arm
above your head to show you have heard the warning.
You must stay in your position of safety until the train
has passed clear or you are certain you will not be put in
danger by that train or any other train.
5 Going on or near the line with others
5.1 General
You must have with you a valid certificate of competence
in personal track safety issued by your employer.
5.2 COSS or SWL must be present

You must not go into the area called on or near the line
with another person unless you are with a COSS or
SWL. The COSS or SWL must then stay with you while
you are there.
You can identify the COSS or SWL by the armband on
the left arm or the badge worn on the chest.
10 Issue 7
The COSS or SWL must have given you a briefing about

the safe system of work that has been set up so that you
will not be put in danger from passing trains.
If you do not understand the briefing, ask the COSS or
SWL to explain it.
You must sign the safe-work briefing form (RT9909) to
show you understand the safe system of work that is to
be used.
You must follow all instructions given by the COSS or
SWL.
5.3 Using a safety barrier

If a safety barrier is being used as part of the safe
system of work, you must not lean against it or rest tools
or equipment against it.
5.4 Using lookouts

You must stop any work, acknowledge the warning and
move to the position of safety immediately the lookout
gives the warning.
If someone does not acknowledge or move to the
position of safety when the lookout gives the warning,
the lookout will give an urgent warning. This urgent
warning is a series of short sharp blasts on the whistle or
horn.
You must not leave the position of safety until the COSS
or SWL gives you permission.
You must never distract a lookout.
Issue 7 11
5.5 Using site wardens

If the site warden gives a warning, you must check you
are in the safe area. If you have moved into the danger
area, you must immediately step back into the safe area.
The site warden will give a series of sharp short blasts
on the whistle or horn as an urgent warning if the person
does not immediately move back into the safe area.
You must never distract a site warden.
5.6 Using ATWS, SATWS, TOWS or LOWS

The COSS or SWL will tell you about the warning you
will receive. You must immediately move to the position
of safety when the warning is given.
You must not then leave the position of safety until the
COSS or SWL gives you permission.
6 Reporting an accident
You must report an accident as quickly as possible to
the person in charge or to the signaller or Operations
Control.
When reporting an accident, you must first say ‘This is
an emergency call’. This is important, as you will get
the immediate attention of the person you are speaking
to.
You must give your name, the exact location and details
of the accident including whether any lines are or may
be obstructed.
You must also say which emergency services are
needed.
12 Issue 7
You must report all accidents and near misses to your

supervisor or manager.
7 Preventing hazards
7.1 Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment must not be placed any closer than
2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) from a line on which a train
could pass, unless you are absolutely sure that they will
not be hit by a passing train or be moved by the
slipstream of passing trains.
7.2 Gates and lineside fences

You must keep gates at access points to the railway
closed and locked to prevent people from trespassing
and causing vandalism.
If you come across a damaged fence you must secure it
if you can, and report any defects to the signaller or
Operation Control.
7.3 Trespassers
You must report anyone you believe to be trespassing to
the person in charge, the signaller or Operations Control.
7.4 Reporting lineside fires

You must immediately report a lineside fire to the person
in charge, the signaller or Operations Control.
Issue 7 13
7.5 Flowing or pooling water that might

affect structures or earthworks
If you discover any flowing or pooling water that might
affect structures or earthworks, you must immediately
report this to the signaller or Operations Control.
Examples of this include:
• water rising up from the track or the cess
• unusual amounts of water pooling next to the track or
in the cess
• water flowing down or pouring out of the sides of
embankments or cuttings.
You must tell the signaller or Operations Control if the
water appears to be displacing any material.
7.6 If you see something wrong with a train

You must report to the person in charge, the signaller or
Operations Control, anything that looks unsafe on a
train, such as:
• a door not closed properly or an insecure load
• a vehicle on fire or a hot-axle box
• the headlight not lit or the tail lamp missing or not lit
• the driver sounding the train in distress warning
(which is a continuous series of long blasts on the
high/loud tone of the horn)
• the driver or guard displaying a red handsignal
• the hazard warning indicator (flashing headlights).
14 Issue 7
7.7 Overhead power lines

If an overhead electric power line belonging to an
electricity company falls onto or near the railway line,
you must, if necessary, carry out the instructions shown
in section 8 of this handbook.
You must not go closer than 5 metres (approximately 5
yards) to the fallen power line or anything in contact with
it, until it has been confirmed by the electricity company
that it is safe to do so.
8 Stopping trains in an emergency
8.1 Hazards that may put trains in danger

The following hazards might put approaching trains in
danger.
• A track defect.
• A flood.
• An obstruction.
• A fire.
• Damage to structures or earthworks above or below
the line.
• Any light which is out at an emergency indicator.
• A cow, bull or other large animal within the boundary
fence (even if it is not an immediate danger to trains).
• Any other animals on or near the line.
Issue 7 15
8.2 Reporting the hazard and stopping trains

If you become aware of any of these or other dangers,
you must immediately tell the person in charge, the
signaller or Operations Control.
As well as reporting the hazard, you must take any
necessary action, such as stopping trains yourself. If you
have to stop a train in an emergency, you must show a
hand danger signal clearly to the driver as follows.
During daylight
You must show a red flag. If you do not have a red flag,
raise both arms above your head. If you are riding on a
vehicle, raise one arm held out horizontally.
During darkness or in poor visibility
You must show a red light to the driver or wave any light
violently.
9 Communications procedure
9.1 Communicating clearly

You must make sure you properly understand the
meaning of all messages whether they are
communicated by phone, radio or face-to-face.
16 Issue 7
You must:
• make sure you are talking to the right person
• give your location, if using a phone or radio
• give your name and the name of your employer
• state what task you are performing
• if necessary, let the person know how you can be
contacted
• use the phonetic alphabet to make sure names and
locations that are difficult to pronounce are fully
understood
• never use the words ‘not clear’ to describe a line that
is obstructed, always use ‘line blocked’.
You must say numbers one at a time. You should say
8107 as ‘eight, one, zero, seven’. There are exceptions
to this such as when giving the time or when referring to
a rule book module or handbook.
If you are receiving a message, make sure you fully
understand it. You must repeat the message back so
that the other person knows you correctly understand it.
Issue 7 17
To help make sure your message is fully understood

when using a telephone or radio:
• speak with the mouthpiece close to your mouth and
speak directly into the mouthpiece
• talk slightly slower than normal using a natural
rhythm
• use your normal level of volume when speaking
• avoid using hesitation sounds for example ‘um’ and
‘er’
• use clear sentences
• get the person to repeat your message back to you.
9.2 Lead responsibility

During any conversation, one person must always take
lead responsibility.
The person who must take lead responsibility depends
on the task being carried out. Examples are shown
below.
Lead responsibility When communicating

with
Electrical control operator anyone
(ECO)
Signaller anyone except the ECO
PICOP (person in charge anyone except the ECO or
of the possession) signaller
Route-setting agent points operator
Protection controller (PC) each COSS or SWL
COSS or SWL members of the work
group
18 Issue 7
COSS or SWL each lookout/site warden
If it is not clear who has lead responsibility, or if two

people carrying out the same task are communicating
with each other, the person who begins the conversation
must always take lead responsibility.
9.3 Phrases to use when using a radio or

telephone
Phrase Meaning
This is an emergency This message provides
call information which needs
immediate action to
prevent death, serious
injury or damage.
Repeat back Repeat all of the message
back to me.
Correction I have made a mistake
and will now correct the
word or phrase just said.
9.4 Other phrases to use when using a radio

and only one person can be heard at a
time
Phrase Meaning
Over I have finished my
message and am
expecting a reply.
Issue 7 19
Out I have finished my

message no reply is
expected.
9.5 Using the phonetic alphabet

You must use the phonetic alphabet:
• to identify letters of the alphabet
• to spell words and place names that are difficult to
say, or may be misunderstood
• if there is interference on the radio or phone
• when quoting the identity of signals or points
• when quoting train descriptions.
20 Issue 7
This is the phonetic alphabet.

A - alpha N - november
B – bravo O - oscar
C - charlie P - papa
D - delta Q - quebec
E – echo R - romeo
F - foxtrot S - sierra
G – golf T - tango
H - hotel U - uniform
I - india V - victor
J - juliet W - whisky
K – kilo X - x-ray
L – lima Y - yankee
M – mike Z - zulu
9.6 Using communications equipment

You must not use communications equipment if it may
cause a distraction or affect safety.
Make sure you are in a position of safety before using
mobile communications equipment.
Issue 7 21
Unless it is an emergency, you must not use the group

call, general call or conference-call facility for passing
instructions to do with:
• passing signals at danger or an end of authority
(EoA) without a movement authority (MA)
• protecting trains
• wrong-direction movements
• unsignalled movements.
10 Limited clearance signs
Limited clearance warning sign
There is no position of safety on this side of the railway

for the length of the structure. You must not enter or
stand at that location when a train is approaching.
No refuges warning sign
22 Issue 7
There is no position of safety on this side of the railway

for the length of the structure. However, there are
positions of safety, or refuges, on the opposite side of
the railway line.
Prohibition sign
You must not pass beyond this sign while trains are
running unless you are carrying out emergency
protection. This is because you would not be able to
reach a position of safety or refuge safely. If you are
carrying out emergency protection, you must take
extreme care.
Issue 7 23
11 Telephones with limited clearance

Some telephones are positioned where there is limited
clearance between the telephone and the adjacent lines.
These telephones are identified by one of the following
signs shown on or near to the telephone or on the signal
post or gantry.
You may use these telephones only in an emergency
and then only if no other form of communication is
available.
24 Issue 7
Core operational aim

The core aim of the fundamental operational principles
is to enable the safe and timely delivery of people and
goods to their destination.
Fundamental operational principles
1 The method of signalling must maintain a space

interval between trains that is safe.
2 Before a train is allowed to start or continue

moving, it must have an authority to move that
clearly indicates the limit of that authority.
3 Trains proceeding over any portion of line must not

be obstructed in a way that threatens their safety.
4 Trains must be prevented from proceeding onto a

portion of line if it is known or suspected that it
would not be safe for them to pass.
5 Trains must not be allowed to begin or continue

their journeys until it is clear it is safe for them to do
so.
6 Trains must only be allowed to operate over any

portion of line as long as the rolling stock is
compatible with the infrastructure on that portion of
line.
Issue 7 25
7 Trains must not continue to operate after they have

been found to be unsafe in any respect, until
measures have been taken to allow them to
continue safely.
8 People must be kept a safe distance from moving

trains.
9 The workforce must be protected from the particular

hazards associated with electrified railways.
26 Issue 7
Notes
Contact https://customer-
portal.rssb.co.uk
Tel +44 (0) 20 3142 5300
Twitter @RSSB_rail
Web www.rssb.co.uk
Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited

The Helicon
One South Place
London
EC2M 2RB

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Uncontrolled when printed

Supersedes GERT8000-HB1 Iss 6 with effect from 04/12/2021

General duties and track

This handbook is for those personnel who need to go

Contents approved by Traffic Operation and

For information regarding the Rule Book, contact:

First issued June 2010

On or near the line

Positions on or near the line

The ten-foot is the space between one line and another

2.1 Rules, regulations and instructions

Safety must always be your first concern. If there is no

2.2 Mechanical and electrical plant or other

2.3 Getting on and off moving rail vehicles

2.4 Travelling in driving cabs

If you are in possession of a valid cab pass, you must:

3 Going on the lineside

You must raise one arm above your head to

3.2 Working on the lineside

3.3 Using a road vehicle on the lineside

4.2 Local knowledge

4.3 While walking alone

Keep a good lookout for approaching trains. Make sure

4.4 When a train approaches

5 Going on or near the line with others

5.2 COSS or SWL must be present

The COSS or SWL must have given you a briefing about

5.3 Using a safety barrier

5.4 Using lookouts

5.5 Using site wardens

5.6 Using ATWS, SATWS, TOWS or LOWS

You must report all accidents and near misses to your

7.1 Tools and equipment

7.2 Gates and lineside fences

7.4 Reporting lineside fires

7.5 Flowing or pooling water that might

7.6 If you see something wrong with a train

7.7 Overhead power lines

8 Stopping trains in an emergency

8.1 Hazards that may put trains in danger

8.2 Reporting the hazard and stopping trains

9.1 Communicating clearly

To help make sure your message is fully understood

9.2 Lead responsibility

Lead responsibility When communicating

COSS or SWL each lookout/site warden

If it is not clear who has lead responsibility, or if two

9.3 Phrases to use when using a radio or

9.4 Other phrases to use when using a radio

Out I have finished my

9.5 Using the phonetic alphabet

This is the phonetic alphabet.

9.6 Using communications equipment

Unless it is an emergency, you must not use the group

There is no position of safety on this side of the railway

There is no position of safety on this side of the railway

11 Telephones with limited clearance