RAI/Track Safety/TBT-RAI-012

Red Zone and Green Zone Working

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Red Zone and Green Zone Working

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-RAI-012  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Red zone working means working within the danger zone of an open railway line with trains running.
  • Green zone working means the line is blocked to train movements providing a protected work area.
  • Network Rail policy requires green zone working wherever reasonably practicable.
  • Red zone working is only permitted when a green zone method is not feasible and risks are controlled.
  • The danger zone extends to a defined distance either side of the nearest running rail.
  • A safe system of work plan (SSOWP) must specify whether the work is red or green zone.
  • In a red zone, lookouts or a site warden must warn workers of approaching trains.
  • Workers in a red zone must reach a position of safety before a train passes the site.
  • The COSS (Controller of Site Safety) is responsible for implementing the safe system on site.
  • Fatalities on the railway often involve workers failing to clear the danger zone in time.

Why?

Prevent fatalitiesBeing struck by a train is almost always fatal — safe zone planning is the primary control against this risk.
Industry standardNetwork Rail mandates green zone working as the default; red zone work requires specific justification and additional controls.
Legal dutyThe employer must provide a safe system of work under HSWA 1974, and the Rule Book defines how this applies on the railway.
Do Don't
  • Check the SSOWP to confirm whether your worksite is red or green zone
  • Attend the site safety briefing from the COSS before starting any work
  • Know the position of safety and be able to reach it within the warning time
  • Respond immediately to lookout warnings by moving to a safe position
  • Keep tools and materials clear of the danger zone at all times
  • Maintain situational awareness of train movements even in green zone sites
  • Wear orange hi-vis clothing as required by rail industry standards
  • Report any concerns about warning times or sighting distances to the COSS
  • Confirm you hold a valid PTS card before accessing any rail infrastructure
  • Stop work and seek clarification if you are unsure of the safe system
  • DON'T enter the danger zone without a valid safe system of work in place
  • DON'T work in a red zone without a lookout or site warden on duty
  • DON'T ignore warnings or delay moving to your position of safety
  • DON'T assume all lines are blocked — check with the COSS each time
  • DON'T wear headphones or use a mobile phone near the running line
  • DON'T place equipment or materials where they foul the railway track
  • DON'T re-enter the danger zone after a train passes without clearance
  • DON'T take shortcuts across tracks outside the designated crossing points
  • DON'T work beyond the limits of the worksite shown in the SSOWP
  • DON'T start work before the COSS confirms the safe system is in force

See also: Rail Safety Awareness | COSS (Controller of Site Safety) Role
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