Track Renewal and Maintenance

Track renewal involves replacing rails, sleepers, ballast, and fittings to maintain the railway infrastructure for safe train operation.
All track work must be carried out within a safe system of work, typically under a possession blocking train movements.
Rail cutting using disc cutters and rail saws generates extreme noise, sparks, and metal dust requiring hearing and eye protection.
Sleepers are heavy — concrete sleepers weigh approximately 300kg each and require mechanical handling equipment for placement.
Ballast is delivered and spread using specialist rail-mounted plant that must be operated by competent, certified personnel.
Tamping and lining machines compact and align the track after renewal — exclusion zones around the machine are mandatory.
Thermite welding joins rail sections using a chemical reaction producing molten steel at over 2,500°C.
Hand tools including rail jacks, rail tongs, and fishplate spanners create manual handling and trapping hazards.
Time-limited possessions create pressure to complete work before trains resume — rushing causes errors and accidents.
All track workers must hold valid PTS certification and sign on with the COSS before entering the worksite.

Train risk	Track work takes place on the running railway — even within possessions, strict rules protect workers from train movements.
Heavy components	Rails and concrete sleepers are extremely heavy — mechanical handling prevents the crushing and musculoskeletal injuries caused by manual methods.
Time pressure	Possession windows create urgency — but rushing to finish before trains resume is when mistakes and injuries happen.

Do

Don't

Hold valid PTS certification and sign on with the COSS before entering the track.
Use mechanical handling for rails, sleepers, and heavy track components.
Wear hearing and eye protection during rail cutting and grinding operations.
Maintain exclusion zones around tamping, lining, and ballast distribution machines.
Follow thermite welding safe procedures including fire watch and exclusion zones.
Work within the possession time window without compromising safety for speed.
Use correct manual handling technique for hand tools and lighter components.
Follow the safe system of work briefed by the COSS throughout the shift.
Respond immediately to any warning signals or changes in the safe system.
Attend the end-of-shift debrief and sign off before leaving the worksite.

DON'T enter the track without valid PTS certification and signing on with the COSS.
DON'T manually handle rails or concrete sleepers — use mechanical lifting equipment.
DON'T cut or grind rails without hearing protection and safety goggles.
DON'T enter exclusion zones around operating tamping or ballast machines.
DON'T approach thermite welds during the reaction — temperatures exceed 2,500°C.
DON'T rush work to beat the possession deadline — safety must never be compromised.
DON'T use track hand tools without assessing the manual handling and trapping risks.
DON'T deviate from the safe system of work without the COSS's authorisation.
DON'T ignore warning signals — move to the position of safety immediately.
DON'T leave the worksite without signing off with the COSS at end of shift.

See also: Rail Safety Awareness | Safe System of Work on Track

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