Lineside Working

Lineside working takes place in the railway corridor but outside the danger zone of the running rails.
Activities include vegetation management, fencing, drainage, and equipment installation adjacent to the track.
Even though workers are outside the danger zone, trains pass at high speed creating air pressure effects.
The aerodynamic wake from a passing high-speed train can knock workers off balance and blow loose items.
A safe system of work plan (SSOWP) must define the limits of the lineside work area.
All workers must hold a valid PTS card and attend the site-specific safety briefing from the COSS.
Materials and equipment must be stored clear of the cess and within the defined work boundary.
Overhead line equipment (OLE) may be present above the lineside work area, creating electrocution risk.
Access to the lineside corridor is controlled — workers must use designated access points.
Communication with the signaller or control may be required for some lineside activities.

Train proximity	Trains pass at high speed within metres of lineside workers — air pressure and suction effects are dangerous.
Electrocution	Overhead line equipment above lineside areas carries 25kV — equipment raised into the OLE zone is fatal.
Controlled environment	The railway corridor is tightly regulated — working without the correct plan and competence is a criminal offence.

Do

Don't

Hold a valid PTS card before accessing any railway lineside work area
Attend the COSS safety briefing and understand the SSOWP before starting work
Stay within the defined lineside work boundary shown in the SSOWP at all times
Keep all materials and equipment clear of the cess and running lines
Maintain awareness of approaching trains and brace against aerodynamic wake effects
Observe safe clearance distances from overhead line equipment above the work area
Use designated access points to enter and leave the railway lineside corridor
Wear orange high-visibility clothing as required by rail industry standards
Communicate with the COSS before moving equipment or changing your work position
Report any items blown towards the track by wind or train passage immediately

DON'T work outside the lineside boundary defined in the SSOWP
DON'T raise equipment, tools, or materials above head height near the OLE zone
DON'T place materials where they could fall or be blown onto the running track
DON'T access the lineside corridor without using the designated access point
DON'T wear headphones or use a phone in a way that prevents hearing train warnings
DON'T assume trains only run on the nearest track — all lines may carry traffic
DON'T allow loose items such as sheets, plastic, or lightweight panels near the track
DON'T cross the running lines except at designated crossing points with COSS approval
DON'T work near the lineside without a valid PTS card and site-specific briefing
DON'T ignore the COSS — their instructions must be followed without question for safety

See also: Rail Safety Awareness | Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) Safety

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