Working on or near the operational railway is extremely high-risk. Trains travel at up to 125 mph and cannot stop quickly. Contact with overhead line equipment at 25,000 volts or third rail at 750 volts causes instant death. Every person working on Network Rail infrastructure must hold a valid Personal Track Safety certificate and follow the safe system of work at all times. There is zero tolerance for non-compliance on the railway.
Key Hazards
Being struck by a train travelling at high speed with minimal stopping distance
Electrocution from overhead line equipment at 25,000 volts AC
Electrocution from third rail DC traction current at 750 volts
Tripping on ballast, rails, and cable routes in the track area
Control Measures
Hold a valid Personal Track Safety certificate before accessing any railway infrastructure.
Attend the site-specific safety briefing before every shift and sign the safe work pack.
Follow the safe system of work and stay within the defined limits of the worksite at all times.
Obey all lookout warnings immediately and move to the designated position of safety.
Maintain safe distances from overhead line equipment and never raise tools above shoulder height.
Stay clear of the third rail and treat it as live at all times unless confirmed isolated.
Wear full railway-compliant PPE including orange high-visibility clothing at all times.
Never place tools, materials, or equipment on or near the running rails.
Report any safety concerns to the Controller of Site Safety immediately without delay.
Emergency / Rescue
If you hear an unexpected train horn or see an approaching train outside a possession, move to the position of safety immediately. If someone is injured on the track, call the signaller and 999. Do not attempt rescue near live rails.
Remember
A train at 100 mph takes over a mile to stop — it cannot avoid you if you are on the track.
Overhead line equipment can arc across gaps and kill without direct physical contact.
The third rail must always be treated as live unless you have confirmed isolation paperwork.
Your Personal Track Safety certificate must be valid and on your person at all times.
Follow every instruction from the COSS and lookout without question or hesitation.
Zero tolerance means any breach of the safe system of work results in removal from site.
Applicable Legislation: Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Network Rail Standards