Rail Safety Awareness

Working on or near the railway is one of the most dangerous environments in the UK construction industry.
All persons accessing Network Rail infrastructure must hold a valid Personal Track Safety (PTS) certificate.
The Rule Book and associated standards govern all activities on or near the operational railway.
Trains can approach silently at speeds up to 125 mph — you may not hear or see them until it is too late.
A safe system of work must be in place before anyone enters the railway corridor for any purpose.
The Controller of Site Safety (COSS) is responsible for implementing the safe system of work on track.
Lookout warning systems provide advance warning of approaching trains so workers can move to a position of safety.
Possessions block train movements to allow engineering work, but strict safety rules still apply within them.
The Sentinel card system tracks worker competency and site access — entry without a valid card is prohibited.
Electrified railways add the risk of electrocution from overhead line equipment or third rail at 750V or 25kV.

Prevent train strikes	Trains cannot stop quickly — a safe system of work and lookout protection are your only defence against being struck.
Legal and regulatory	Network Rail standards and the Rule Book are mandatory; breaches lead to removal from the railway and criminal prosecution.
Electrocution risk	Contact with overhead line equipment at 25kV or third rail at 750V is instantly fatal — safe distances must be maintained.

Do

Don't

Hold a valid PTS certificate and Sentinel card before accessing any railway infrastructure.
Follow the safe system of work briefed by the COSS before entering the railway.
Respond immediately to lookout warnings and move to the designated position of safety.
Stay within the site boundary and authorised work area at all times on the railway.
Maintain safe distances from overhead line equipment and third rail as briefed.
Carry your PTS certificate and Sentinel card on your person at all times on site.
Attend all safety briefings and sign on with the COSS before starting work each shift.
Report any concerns about the safe system of work to the COSS immediately.
Wear all required PPE including orange high-visibility clothing as specified.
Know the emergency procedures and location of the nearest telephone or radio.

DON'T enter railway infrastructure without a valid PTS certificate and Sentinel card.
DON'T work on track without a safe system of work briefed and in place.
DON'T ignore lookout warnings — move immediately to the position of safety.
DON'T stray outside the authorised work area or cross running lines without permission.
DON'T approach overhead line equipment or third rail beyond the safe distance limits.
DON'T forget your PTS card — you will be refused access and sent home from site.
DON'T start work without signing on with the COSS and receiving the safety briefing.
DON'T assume trains are not running — check with the COSS before crossing any line.
DON'T wear personal headphones or earphones that could mask warning signals.
DON'T touch any fallen wires, cables, or equipment that may be electrically live.

See also: PTS (Personal Track Safety) Requirements | Safe System of Work on Track

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