RAI/Track Safety/TBT-RAI-005

Lookout Warning Procedures

Rail Works › Track Safety › Lookout Warning Procedures

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Lookout warning is a safe system of work where trained lookouts give advance warning of approaching trains to workers on track.
Lookouts are positioned at a distance that provides sufficient warning time for all workers to reach a position of safety.
The warning time must account for train speed, sighting distance, and the time workers need to move clear of the danger zone.
Lookouts must hold valid PTS and lookout competency certification issued through the Network Rail sentinel system.
A lookout must be fully dedicated to watching for trains — they must not carry out any other task while on lookout duty.
The agreed warning signal is typically a horn blast or verbal shout — the method must be confirmed during the safety briefing.
Workers must respond immediately to the lookout's warning — there is no time for hesitation or finishing a task.
Positions of safety must be identified, clearly marked, and within the distance that workers can reach in the warning time.
Poor visibility, noise, curves, and multiple tracks reduce the effectiveness of lookout protection — additional lookouts may be needed.
Lookout warning is a lower level of protection than a possession — it should only be used when a possession is not practicable.

Seconds to react	Trains approach at up to 125 mph — the lookout provides the few seconds of warning that allow workers to reach safety.
Dedicated role	A lookout who is distracted by other tasks will not see the approaching train in time — total dedication to watching is mandatory.
Immediate response	When the lookout sounds the warning, every second counts — hesitation means the difference between safety and being struck.

Don't

Ensure lookouts hold valid PTS and lookout competency certificates before deployment.
Position lookouts to provide sufficient warning time for the train speed and sighting distance.
Confirm the warning signal method during the safety briefing before work begins.
Identify and mark positions of safety within reach during the available warning time.
Ensure lookouts are dedicated solely to watching — no other duties during lookout.
Respond immediately to the lookout warning — move to safety without hesitation.
Assess the need for additional lookouts at curves, crossings, and multi-track locations.
Maintain communication between lookouts and the COSS throughout the work period.
Clear tools and equipment from the track when stepping back for approaching trains.
Use lookout protection only when a possession is not practicable for the work.

DON'T deploy lookouts without valid PTS and lookout competency certification.
DON'T position lookouts where sighting distance is insufficient for the train speed.
DON'T start work without confirming the warning signal with the lookout and team.
DON'T work without positions of safety identified and within reachable distance.
DON'T give lookouts any other task while they are on lookout duty.
DON'T hesitate when you hear the warning — move to safety immediately every time.
DON'T rely on a single lookout at curves or locations with restricted sighting.
DON'T allow communication breakdown between lookouts and the person in charge.
DON'T leave tools or equipment fouling the running line when stepping back.
DON'T use lookout warning as the default — use a possession whenever practicable.

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

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