S&C (Switches and Crossings) Work

Switches and crossings (S&C) are complex track components that allow trains to change between routes.
S&C renewal and maintenance involves heavy lifting, precision alignment, and working on or near live track.
Switch rails, crossings, and bearers are extremely heavy, requiring planned lifts with road-rail vehicles or cranes.
Work typically takes place during engineering possessions with tight time constraints and night working.
Trapping hazards exist between moving switch blades and stock rails when points are operated.
Electrical isolation of point motors, detection equipment, and signalling circuits is required before hands-on work.
All personnel must hold valid PTS certification and be briefed on the safe system of work for the possession.
Tamping and lining machines are used after S&C installation, creating additional plant movement hazards.
Ballast handling, rail cutting, and thermite welding all create specific hazards within the S&C work zone.
Network Rail standards NR/L2/TRK/2102 and related documents govern all S&C installation and maintenance work.

Prevent fatalities	Workers have been killed by trapping in points, struck by trains, and crushed by heavy S&C components.
Time-critical safety	Tight possession windows increase pressure, raising the risk of shortcuts and errors in safety procedures.
Signalling safety	Incorrect reconnection of point motors and detection can cause signal failures and potential train collisions.
Legal compliance	Network Rail standards and CDM 2015 require safe systems, competent persons, and formal possession procedures.

Do

Don't

Confirm the possession is in place and the COSS has briefed all workers before starting
Isolate point motors and signalling circuits before any hands-on work at the switch
Use planned lifting operations for all heavy switch rails, crossings, and bearer panels
Maintain exclusion zones around rail-mounted plant and road-rail vehicles at all times
Brief all workers on the trapping hazard between switch blades and stock rails
Follow the approved method statement for rail cutting, welding, and alignment tasks
Wear hearing protection during rail cutting, grinding, and tamping machine operations
Monitor the possession time and begin handback preparations well before the deadline
Verify signalling reconnection and point detection with the signalling technician before handback
Ensure all tools, equipment, and materials are cleared from the track before handback

DON'T work on S&C without a confirmed possession and COSS safe system briefing
DON'T place hands or feet between switch blades and stock rails without confirmed isolation
DON'T rush safety procedures because the possession time window is running short
DON'T lift heavy S&C components without a planned lift and certified lifting equipment
DON'T reconnect point motors or signalling without the signalling technician's authorisation
DON'T stand in the path of tamping or lining machines operating on the renewed track
DON'T leave tools or equipment on the track or within the rail gauge after work
DON'T carry out thermite welding without a specific hot works permit and fire watch
DON'T ignore unusual track geometry or alignment issues — report to the engineer immediately
DON'T assume the adjacent line is blocked — confirm protection for all nearby tracks

See also: Rail Safety Awareness | Possession and Worksite Setup

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