5. OCCUPYING A RUNNING LINE

Track Vehicles may occupy a Running Line only with the Authority of the:
 Train Controller responsible for the Location;
 Possession Protection Officer (PPO) in charge of a Local Possession Authority
(LPA); or
 Protection Officer (PO) in charge of a Track Occupancy Authority (TOA).
The Track Vehicle Operator must use a Track Circuit Shorting Clip, with the Train
Controller’s permission, to illuminate a Track to enable Train Control to confirm the
Location.
The Train Controller must apply Blocking Facilities to protect the Location at which the
Track Vehicle is to enter or be placed on the Running Line.
The Train Controller must advise the Competent Worker when Blocking Facilities have
been applied. Blocking Facilities must be applied and removed in accordance with
Rule 6003 Blocking Facilities.
Track Vehicles must enter or be placed on Running Lines only:
 within the limits of an Occupancy Authority; or
 at approved on and off Track Locations where the approach of Rail Traffic can be
managed by Controlled Absolute Signals.
The Location where the Track Vehicle is to enter or be placed on the Running Line
must be verified using one or more of the following:
 a kilometre sign and Section;

 a Points Identification Number;
 a Signal Identification Number;
 observance of Points or Signal Aspect change;
 recognised on/off tracking Locations; or
 another identifier.
Before Travel begins, the Competent Worker in charge of the Track Vehicles must
make sure that there is Effective Communication between all Track Vehicles involved
and the Train Controller.