RAI/Track Safety/TBT-RAI-006

Possession and Worksite Setup

Rail Works › Track Safety › Possession and Worksite Setup

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

A possession is a formal block on train movements within a defined section of railway, allowing construction work on the track.
Possessions are granted through Network Rail's planning process and define the exact times, locations, and conditions for work.
Worksite setup includes installing detonator protection, placing signs, and establishing the site limits of the worksite.
The Engineering Supervisor is responsible for worksite setup and confirming that all protection is in place before work begins.
Worksites must have clearly defined limits marked with marker boards that all workers must stay within during the possession.
Line blockages within a possession provide additional protection by placing a physical barrier against train movements.
Pre-possession briefings inform all workers of the possession times, safe systems, worksite limits, and emergency procedures.
The possession ends at a fixed time — all equipment, materials, and workers must be clear before trains resume running.
Failure to clear the line before a possession ends is a safety-critical event that endangers the lives of rail passengers.
The COSS controls the worksite and is responsible for ensuring all workers sign on and off and remain within the safe area.

Fixed time window	The possession ends at a defined time — everything must be clear before trains resume, with no possibility of extension.
Worksite limits	Stepping outside the marked worksite limits takes you into unprotected running lines where trains may approach.
Safety-critical event	Failing to clear the line before the possession ends puts rail passengers and staff at extreme risk of collision.

Don't

Attend the pre-possession briefing and understand your worksite limits and timing.
Sign on with the COSS before entering the worksite at the start of the possession.
Stay within the marked worksite limits at all times during the possession.
Monitor the time and begin packing up well before the possession end time.
Clear all equipment, materials, and personnel from the track before the deadline.
Follow the Engineering Supervisor's instructions for worksite setup and protection.
Report any equipment or material that cannot be removed in time immediately.
Sign off with the COSS before leaving the worksite at the end of the possession.
Carry your PTS card and site-specific documentation at all times on track.
Know the emergency procedure and the nearest emergency access point.

DON'T skip the pre-possession briefing — it defines your safe working boundaries.
DON'T enter the worksite without signing on with the COSS.
DON'T step outside the marked worksite limits during the possession.
DON'T leave packing up until the last moment — allow adequate clearance time.
DON'T leave any equipment or materials on or near the track after the possession.
DON'T deviate from the Engineering Supervisor's worksite setup procedures.
DON'T hide problems that might prevent timely clearance — report them immediately.
DON'T leave the worksite without signing off with the COSS.
DON'T work on track without your PTS card and relevant documentation on your person.
DON'T assume you know the emergency procedure — confirm it at every briefing.

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

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