GN This document contains one or more pages which contain colour. Published by: Block 2 Angel Square 1 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NY Copyright 2013 Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited GE/GN8648 Issue One: September 2013 Rail Industry Guidance Note for GE/RT8048
Issue record Issue Date Comments One September 2013 Original document. Superseded documents Supply This document gives guidance on interpreting the requirements of Railway Group Standard GE/RT8048 issue two Positioning of Lineside Telephones. This Rail Industry Guidance Note does not supersede any other Railway Group documents. The authoritative version of this document is available at www.rgsonline.co.uk. Uncontrolled copies of this document can be obtained from Communications,, Block 2, Angel Square, 1 Torrens Street, London EC1V 1NY, telephone 020 3142 5400 or e-mail enquirydesk@rssb.co.uk. Other Standards and associated documents can also be viewed at www.rgsonline.co.uk. Page 2 of 14 GE/GN8648 Issue: September 2013
Contents Section Description Page Part 1 Introduction 4 G 1.1 Purpose of this document 4 G 1.2 The structure of this document 4 G 1.3 Copyright 4 G 1.4 Approval and authorisation of this document 4 Part 2 Guidance on the Requirements for Signal Post and Operational Telephone Positioning 5 G 2.1 Guidance on the positioning of lineside telephones 5 G 2.2 Guidance on information labels 9 Part 3 Application of this Document 11 3.1 Application - infrastructure managers 11 3.2 Health and safety responsibilities 12 Definitions and Abbreviations 13 References 14 Figures Figure G 1 An example of the use of an additional SPT 8 Page 3 of 14
RIS-8048-CCS Guidance Iss 1 on with effect Positioning from 04/03/2017 of Lineside Telephones Part 1 G 1.1 G 1.1.1 G 1.2 G 1.2.1 G 1.2.2 G 1.2.3 G 1.3 G 1.3.1 G 1.3.2 G 1.3.3 G 1.4 G 1.4.1 Introduction Purpose of this document This document gives guidance on interpreting the requirements of Railway Group Standard GE/RT8048 issue two Positioning of Lineside Telephones. It does not constitute a recommended method of meeting any set of mandatory requirements. The structure of this document All requirements from Railway Group Standard GE/RT8048 are reproduced with a grey background in this document. Guidance is provided as a series of sequentially numbered clauses prefixed G immediately below the greyed text to which it relates. Specific responsibilities and compliance requirements are laid down in the Railway Group Standard itself. Copyright Copyright in the Railway Group documents is owned by Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited. All rights are hereby reserved. No Railway Group document (in whole or in part) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or means, without the prior written permission of Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited, or as expressly permitted by law. members are granted copyright licence in accordance with the Constitution Agreement relating to Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited. In circumstances where Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited has granted a particular person or organisation permission to copy extracts from Railway Group documents, Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited accepts no responsibility for, nor any liability in connection with, the use of such extracts, or any claims arising therefrom. This disclaimer applies to all forms of media in which extracts from Railway Group Standards may be reproduced. Approval and authorisation of this document The content of this document was approved by Control Command and Signalling (CCS) Standards Committee on 13 June 2013. G 1.4.2 This document was authorised by on 29 July 2013. Page 4 of 14
Part 2 G 2.1 Guidance on the Requirements for Signal Post and Operational Telephone Positioning Guidance on the positioning of lineside telephones Requirements for signal post and operational telephone positioning 2.1 Positioning criteria 2.1.1 Telephones associated with a particular item of infrastructure shall be positioned such that the association is readily apparent. If necessary, signs shall be provided on or adjacent to the item of infrastructure to indicate where the associated telephone is located. G 2.1.1 G 2.1.2 G 2.1.3 G 2.1.4 G 2.1.5 Rationale: Leaving the cab to use a Signal Post Telephone (SPT) brings the driver into the dangerous environment of the trackside. The introduction of the Global System for Mobile Communications Railway (GSM-R) radio system should avoid the need for the driver to leave the cab to communicate with a signaller, except during a failure of GSM-R communication. For the present, provision of SPTs continues to be required and consideration should be given to how the driver uses an SPT. Locating and accessing an SPT should be made as easy and safe as possible. 2.1.2 Where positioning the phone in accordance with 2.1.1 is not possible, then it shall be positioned as close as reasonably practicable to the ideal position. Rationale: A person who uses a trackside telephone, especially in an emergency, should know where to expect that telephone to be located. Rationale: To avoid confusion between a telephone user and the signaller, all lineside telephones, including SPTs, should be located such that it is obvious to the user to which piece of lineside equipment the telephone applies. 2.1.3 The site assessment shall consider and record: a) The lateral and longitudinal position of the telephone (for example, in relation to the running edge of the nearest rail and the signal). b) The mounting arrangement. c) Requirements for accessing the phone. d) Whether conductor rail boarding is required. e) The vandal and environment proofing, and handset cord length required. f) The requirements for additional signs for SPTs. g) Any prohibition of handsignalman working. Rationale: These details should be recorded on the signal sighting form, to permit maintenance of the telephone and its environment throughout the life of the telephone. Without such information being recorded it may not be possible to understand why certain decisions have been made, especially such things as handset cord length. In the case of b) above, the method of mounting the telephone should be limited to whether the phone is mounted on the signal post or some other post either pre-existing or installed for the purpose. Page 5 of 14
RIS-8048-CCS Guidance Iss 1 on with effect Positioning from 04/03/2017 of Lineside Telephones G 2.1.6 When considering the access to the phone the following should be taken into consideration: a) Any need for a safety barrier. b) Whether the ground needs to be made up or a platform provided. G 2.1.7 G 2.1.8 G 2.1.9 G 2.1.10 G 2.1.11 G 2.1.12 2.1.4 Telephones shall be positioned such that the user is in a position of safety, except where permitted by 2.1.5. Where there is a risk that the user could move out of the position of safety while using the telephone, consideration shall be given to the provision of a physical barrier. Rationale: A user of a lineside telephone should be able to concentrate on the conversation they are having (especially if this is a safety-critical call) without being distracted by fears for their own safety. 2.1.5 It is permissible to place an SPT, such that the user is not in a position of safety, where it is not reasonably practicable to comply with the requirements set out in 2.1.4. In this case the signal shall: a) Be fitted with a white diamond plate with a black X on it, and also a second plate with the controlling signal box telephone number. And b) The telephone label shall have a black X in the centre. Or c) Where the stopped train provides protection for the driver, the SPT shall be labelled with a limited clearance sign only. Rationale: Current practice is to provide an SPT at all signals in track circuit block areas, in which case some SPTs may be positioned where there is no place of safety for someone using them. The future introduction of GSM-R on the railway network should reduce or remove the need for SPTs. Further guidance on the provision of SPTs is set out in GO/GN3677. Items of operational railway equipment such as ground frames and lock-out devices may continue to require lineside telephones to be provided. 2.1.6 Telephones shall be located to permit the user to operate them while standing upright. Rationale: Standing upright is the most comfortable position to be in when using such telephones and reduces the potential for injury that might arise if the user stoops to use the telephone. However, there are some locations where deliberately placing the telephone such the user cannot stand up keeps the user in a safer position. 2.1.7 SPTs shall be positioned such that a person using the telephone can readily see all elements of the signal and associated identification plate or sign. Rationale: The user of the SPT may need to talk to the signaller at the same time as viewing the signal so that information can be passed back to the signaller, such as confirmation of the aspects displayed. Page 6 of 14
G 2.1.13 2.1.8 The handset cord length shall be specified, if this is intended as a risk control measure. Rationale: If an SPT is to be provided at a location between two lines, it may be advantageous to fit the telephone with a handset cord of restricted length such that the user cannot move into a hazardous position during a telephone conversation. G 2.1.14 See G 2.2. 2.1.9 All lineside telephones shall have an identification label and an information label, as set out in 2.2. G 2.1.15 G 2.1.16 G 2.1.17 G 2.1.18 G 2.1.19 2.1.10 The assessment shall check that the position of SPTs is compatible with the stopping position of trains. Rationale: In order to reduce the potential for injury from slips, trips and falls while moving around the railway, the SPT should be positioned as near as reasonably practicable to the normal stopping positions of trains. Train drivers are instructed to bring their train to a stand on the approach side of the signal as part of each RU s defensive driving policies. The exact distance from the signal may vary between policies but is usually between 20 m and 25 m on the approach side of the signal. 2.1.11 The SPT shall either be: a) Positioned on the same side of the line as the associated signal. Rationale: Finding the safest location to put an SPT is part of the duty of care that should be applied when siting an SPT. The Signal Sighting Committee (SSC) should decide, as part of the site visit, where the safest location is for an SPT and whether any other protective measures are required. Or b) Positioned on the opposite side, if by doing so it reduces the risk to drivers using it. In this case a sign should be provided where the SPT would normally be, with an arrow sign indicating its actual position. 2.1.12 Where a platform starting signal is not located on the platform, consideration shall be given to providing a second telephone on the platform to avoid the need for the driver to use the cess to gain access to the SPT. Rationale: The provision of a second telephone on the station platform enables a person needing to use the SPT to do so while minimising the risks of trackside hazards such as slips, trips and falls or coming into contact with a moving train. Page 7 of 14
RIS-8048-CCS Guidance Iss 1 on with effect Positioning from 04/03/2017 of Lineside Telephones G 2.1.20 G 2.1.21 2.1.13 Where the driver cannot access the trackside due to the presence of a tunnel or viaduct wall, the assessment shall check that supplementary SPTs, provided to enable use from the driving cab, are positioned so that the driver can use the telephone when the train is stopped at the signal. Rationale: In the case of signals placed in tunnels or on viaducts and other bridge structures, there may not be sufficient clearance for the driver to alight from the cab. In these cases it is permissible to fit a supplementary telephone at cab window height such that the driver can use the telephone without leaving the cab. The use of an additional SPT, where it would be difficult for the driver to use the SPT in the conventional position, is shown in Figure G 1. An SPT should always be provided in the normal location for the use of staff working in the tunnel. Tunnel Additional SPT at Drivers window height and normal stopping point of a train Signal Normal place for SPT Figure G 1 An example of the use of an additional SPT G 2.1.22 Consideration should to be given to the different maintenance and faulting requirements of the supplementary SPT and how this is to be managed, for example, working at height regulations. 2.1.14 An SPT need not be provided if all of the following conditions apply: a) The SPT is positioned between two lines, and the user is not in a position of safety relative to the line that the SPT does not apply to. b) Radio coverage for train radio systems is considered adequate. The assessment shall check that the availability of voice communication is compatible with train radio systems availability. c) Another fixed telephone is positioned nearby which can be used to contact the signaller in an emergency. Page 8 of 14
G 2.1.23 G 2.1.24 G 2.1.25 G 2.1.26 G 2.1.27 G 2.2 G 2.2.1 G 2.2.2 Rationale: Rather than risk the safety of a driver or other user of an SPT which is not in a place of safety this clause permits that an SPT need not be fitted, provided that all the conditions set out in this clause are met. Rationale: Radio systems often have dead spots, most of which are known. However, when positioning a new signal, a check should be made that there is satisfactory radio reception at the proposed location, so that the driver of a train stopped at a signal is able to contact the signaller. This is safer than the driver leaving the cab to use the SPT and may save time. Where a signal is to be positioned in a dead spot it may be necessary to consider alterations to the radio system in order to improve reception in the area of the signal. 2.1.15 Where 2.1.14 applies, the signal shall be fitted with a white diamond plate and also a second plate with the controlling signal box telephone number. Rationale: A white diamond sign indicates to the driver that the presence of the train is indicated in the signal box, and that the phone number is the controlling signaller s phone number. 2.1.16 Where a user is required to talk to the signaller while operating signalling equipment (for example, removing a token or pressing a plunger), the telephone shall be positioned such that the user can continue to speak and listen while carrying out the specific task required. Rationale: Telephones associated with lineside signalling equipment such as ground frames, lockouts and token instruments should be positioned as near as reasonably practicable to the equipment to be operated. Guidance on information labels Requirements for information labels 2.2 Information labels 2.2.1 The information label shall provide: a) Instructions on how to use the telephone. b) The name of the control point (signal box). c) The signal number (for SPTs). d) The location reference, as set out in 2.2.2. e) The phonetic alphabet. Rationale: The provision of information labels should ensure that someone using the telephone in an emergency can do so without prior instruction, know its location and identity, and who controls the signal or other infrastructure item. Provision of a copy of the phonetic alphabet should act as a prompt to proper telephone procedure. Instructions on how to use the telephone may seem superfluous, but there are a number of different SPT systems in use and the operation of some is not immediately obvious to the user. Page 9 of 14
RIS-8048-CCS Guidance Iss 1 on with effect Positioning from 04/03/2017 of Lineside Telephones G 2.2.3 G 2.2.4 G 2.2.5 G 2.2.6 G 2.2.7 G 2.2.8 G 2.2.9 G 2.2.10 G 2.2.11 2.2.2 The Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference of the telephone, accurate to within 100 m, shall be displayed on the information label unless an alternative location reference, agreed between the infrastructure manager (IM) and the emergency services, is provided. Rationale: The grid reference number is recognised by the emergency services as an accurate way of locating any place in the UK and therefore is included on the information label. Grid reference numbers give an accuracy down to 100 m. Rationale: The six number grid reference is used in preference to the twelve number reference sometimes used elsewhere, because although the twelve number reference is more accurate it is more likely to get misquoted, potentially sending the emergency services many miles from an incident. An example of where another location is agreed with the emergency services, rather than the grid number, would be a large location such as Waterloo Station which may cover multiple grid numbers. At such a location, stating a recognised name is more useful to the emergency services as they should know in advance details of road access and who to contact on site. 2.2.3 Where the driver is required to contact the signaller within a time period other than that which is laid down in GE/RT8000 Rule Book, the time period shall be included on the Signal Post Telephone sign. Rationale: At busy locations where trains are brought to a stand frequently, the signaller could become inundated with calls from drivers if they all complied with the requirement in the Rule Book to contact the signaller as soon as possible. Sections 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 permit an exception to the Rule Book requirements. Where it is decided that the driver need not contact the signaller immediately, then the IM, in consultation with the relevant RUs, shall establish how long the driver shall wait. The IM in consultation with the relevant RUs shall identify any signals where the driver of a waiting train need not contact the signaller immediately and shall establish how long the driver shall wait. Where a label is required to be fitted to the SPT indicating how much time a driver should wait before contacting the signaller, this should be noted on the signal sighting form along with the rest of the SPT information. 2.2.4 Lineside telephones other than SPTs that have a direct line to the signal box shall have a Lineside Telephone sign fitted. Rationale: In an emergency, somebody who is on the lineside should be able to identify a telephone easily and recognise what type of telephone they are about to use. Rationale: Users of the telephone should understand that a lineside telephone provides the signaller with knowledge of where a call is coming from, but no indication as to why, or who is calling (unlike an SPT where a signaller should be aware of trains standing at the signal); therefore proper telephone procedure should be followed. Page 10 of 14
Part 3 Application of this Document 3.1 Application - infrastructure managers 3.1.1 Scope 3.1.1.1 The requirements of this document apply to all work that affects the positioning of lineside telephones, whether new or alteration. 3.1.1.2 It is permissible for the infrastructure manager to designate specific infrastructure projects, at an advanced stage of development when this document comes into force, for which compliance with the requirements of this document applicable to the design, construction and commissioning of new or altered infrastructure is not mandatory. When designating such projects, the infrastructure manager shall consider: a) Its responsibilities under its current safety authorisation. b) The stage reached by the project at the time this document comes into force (for example, approval in principle). c) Whether compliance is necessary to ensure compatibility with other parts of the infrastructure. d) Whether compliance is necessary to facilitate the safe working of the railway system having regard to changes to related requirements mandated on another infrastructure manager or a railway undertaking. e) The economic impact of compliance, but subject to its current safety authorisation in relation to the infrastructure in question. 3.1.1.3 Where any designations are made for infrastructure projects, those projects shall continue to meet the equivalent requirements in the RGSs applying to the project before the designation. 3.1.1.4 Where it is known, or becomes known, that existing lineside telephones do not comply with the requirements of this document, action to bring them into compliance is required as follows: a) When a lineside telephone is modified. b) When a lineside telephone is renewed as a whole. c) When any major component of a lineside telephone is replaced. 3.1.2 Exclusions from scope 3.1.2.1 There are no exclusions from the scope specified in 3.1.1 for infrastructure managers. 3.1.3 General compliance date for infrastructure managers 3.1.3.1 This Railway Group Standard comes into force and is to be complied with from 07 December 2013. 3.1.3.2 After the compliance dates, or the date by which compliance is achieved if earlier, infrastructure managers are to maintain compliance with the requirements set out in this Railway Group Standard. Where it is considered not reasonably practicable to comply with the requirements, permission to comply with a specified alternative should be sought in accordance with the Railway Group Standards Code. 3.1.4 Exceptions to general compliance date 3.1.4.1 There are no exceptions to the general compliance date specified in 3.1.3 for infrastructure managers. Page 11 of 14
RIS-8048-CCS Guidance Iss 1 on with effect Positioning from 04/03/2017 of Lineside Telephones 3.2 Health and safety responsibilities 3.2.1 Users of documents published by are reminded of the need to consider their own responsibilities to ensure health and safety at work and their own duties under health and safety legislation. does not warrant that compliance with all or any documents published by is sufficient in itself to ensure safe systems of work or operation or to satisfy such responsibilities or duties. No guidance is associated with Part 3. Page 12 of 14
Definitions and Abbreviations GSM-R Global System for Mobile Communications Railway. Network Rail s chosen train-toshore radio system being brought into use to replace both the National Radio Network (NRN) and Cab Secure Radio (CSR) and which will be the backbone of the European Train Control System (ETCS). IM Infrastructure manager. The company responsible for installation, operation and maintenance of the UK s mainline railway system, that is, Network Rail. Lineside telephone A telephone mounted near the railway line but not at a signal and therefore not a Signal Post Telephone (SPT). Such lineside telephones may be provided for the use of staff operating ground frames or lockout devices, or for the use of staff carrying out maintenance. RU Railway undertaking. Comprises passenger Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Freight Train Operating Companies (FOCs). SPT Signal Post Telephone. A telephone mounted on or near to a signal, which gives the user direct communication with the controlling signaller. SSC Signal Sighting Committee. A group of people comprising staff from the IM and RUs, who have both operating and technical backgrounds and carry out signal sighting. The positioning of SPTs and other lineside telephones is part of their duties. Page 13 of 14
References The Catalogue of Railway Group Standards gives the current issue number and status of documents published by. This information is also available from www.rgsonline.co.uk. RGSC 01 RGSC 02 Railway Group Standards Code Standards Manual Documents referenced in the text Railway Group Standards GE/RT8000 GE/RT8048 documents GO/GN3677 Rule Book Positioning of Lineside Telephones Guidance on Operational Criteria for the Provision of Lineside Telephony Following GSM-R Introduction Page 14 of 14