POSSESSION SUPPORT
KEYPOINTS
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: CURRENT SENTINEL CARD
ENDORSED WITH PTS, IWA AND/OR COSS AND
POSSESSION SUPPORT COMPETENCIES AS APPROPRIATE.
Issue two valid from December 2013
Keypoint Cards have been produced for many of the track safety
competencies, as a reminder of the main duties, rules and requirements.
Further copies are available from Willsons Group Services.
To obtain an order form, email:
denise@willsons.com
(phone 01636 702334 or fax 01636 701396)
1
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Have your Sentinel card with you, fully endorsed PTS, IWA
and/or COSS and PS.
ROLES
Possession Support (PS) is appointed to:
Place and remove detonator protection and possession
limit boards (PLBs) under the instruction of the Person in
Charge of Possession (PICOP) and operate a Signal Post
Replacement Switch (SPRS) under the authority of the
Signaller
These duties may also include the requirement to assist
the Engineering Supervisor (ES) when placing or removing
Marker Boards. The PS may also be required to assist the
PICOP or ES in conjunction with train movements.
PLANNING FOR A POSSESSION
Planning for the Possession will have taken place prior to the
possession. A copy of the Possession Pack will be given to you
in advance:-
It will include
The nature and location of the work
The access point and route to site
The limits of the site
The lines at the site and the speed/direction of trains
Communication details
Whether there are hazards such as limited clearance
Whether it is a red zone prohibited area
The Safe System of Work to be used
2
POSSESSION SUPPORT – Do you know your site location?
You should never undertake Possession Support duties unless
you are familiar with the site location you are going to work at.
Site Familiarisation with the location(s) can be achieved by:
Site visit or;
Provision of relevant documentation; including Sectional
Appendix, Hazard Directory, site photographs and signalling
diagrams
Details of site familiarisation should be recorded
What must I know about the area?
The approved access points
The most suitable means of communications between you
and the PICOP (N.B. communication methods between the
various parties will have been discussed and agreed at the
planning meetings)
The most suitable means of communication to call
emergency services
The speed at which trains can travel on each line
The track layout and the direction from which trains will
normally approach on each line
Whether single line working or other exceptional wrong
direction movements will be in operation
Whether there is overhead line equipment or conductor rail
at the site of work
Whether there are any open line prohibition areas at the
location
3
You must take into account other hazards, for example:-
Limited sighting conditions of approaching trains, such as
curves, bridges, or other structures, limited clearances, poor
underfoot conditions, noise from external sources (factories
etc) other local features which may affect the Safe System of
Work
Are there any fixed warning systems at the location
TAKING THE POSSESSION
For each line on which the possession is to be taken, the
PICOP/SPICOP will make the necessary arrangements with the
Signaller.
The PICOP and Signaller will agree:-
The time for the possession to be taken
Signaller will confirm that the line is clear(unless the
possession is being taken around a train)
Points have been set to protect the possession
The protecting signals have been placed and will be
maintained at danger
Signaller will grant the PICOP authority to place their
Possession protection
4
PLACING THE PROTECTION
PICOP contacts PS to:
Confirm arrival at the access point
Instruct the PS to place detonator
protection at the agreed locations
Protection consists of
3 detonators placed 20 metres
apart
PLB placed at the middle detonator
Under no circumstances must any detonator be placed on the
approach to:-
The protecting signal, or
Any points or through crossing that will be used for normal
train movements
5
400 metres
400 metres
400
metres
400 metres 400 metres
possession
Normal Position for
detonator protection
6
Approach and Beyond Signals and
Points
Beyond is on the far side of the signal
when looking in the normal direction of
traffic.
On the Approach is on the near side of a
signal or points when looking in the normal
direction of traffic.
An example is given here, however the terms are used for points
or another fixed structure e.g. bridge, gantry.
This term is used extensively on the railway.
Approach & Beyond Points
Approach
Beyond
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DETONATOR PROTECTION ON APPROACH TO
POSSESSION
ON APPROACH TO SIGNAL BEYOND
POSSESSION
The PICOP may also require un-worked (catch) points to be
secured
Possession Support will be asked to undertake this as part of
their duties:-
A PS may be requested by the PICOP to secure unworked
points for the possession
PICOP will instruct PS to go to the points that are to be
secured
3 – Detonator Protection
etonator Protection for a T3 consists of:
• three detonators on the line concerned, 20 metres (approximately
20 yards) apart on the same rail, and
• a possession limit board in the four-foot next to the middle
detonator
e PICOP will give you the location and lines on which to place the
etonator Protection,
Detonator Protection for a T3 consists of:
• three detonators on the line concerned, 20 metres (approximately
20 yards) apart on the same rail, and
• a possession limit board in the four-foot next to the middle
detonator
The PICOP will give you the location and lines on which to place the
Detonator Protection,
This distance is normally
400m beyond a signal
or points but can be any
distance up to 400m.
This distance is normally
400m on approach to a
signal or points but can be
any distance up to 400m.
On approach to signal beyond possession
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Switch blade against the stock rail at the same side as
the points identification plate the points are in the normal
position
When PS have confirmed the position of points PICOP will
authorise PS to scotch and clip the points
PS must ensure that they have the correct Clip for the type of
point
PS will move to a position of safety before confirming with
PICOP points are secure
9
SIGNAL POST REPLACEMENT SWITCH
Signal Post Replacement Switches (SPRS) are provided at some
automatic and semi automatic signals. When operated, they
place the signal to danger.
Although called a SPRS, they are not always on the signal post.
They will be near to the signal and may be on a separate post.
KEYING A SIGNAL TO DANGER
If you are going to use a SPRS, you must first make sure the
signal is showing a proceed aspect (NOT RED) if the signal is
showing a proceed aspect, you must:
Call the signaller
Provide your name, role and employer
Obtain the signaller’s permission to place the key in the
switch and operate it
Check the aspect of the signal
Confirm to the signaller the signal is showing a danger
aspect
Remove the key
An IWA may be asked to undertake protection procedures; this may involve
keying signals to danger, placing detonator protection for a T2H or a T3
possession and the placement of T3 worksite marker boards.
Signal Post Replacement Switch
Signal post replacement switches (SPRS) are provided at some automatic
and semi-automatic signals. When operated, they place the signal to
danger.
Although called a SPRS, they are not always on the signal post but will be
near to the signal and may be on a separate post.
10
If the key is displaying a red aspect when you arrive; you must
tell the signaller and ask for further instructions.
KEYING A SIGNAL TO AUTOMATIC
Upon arrival contact the signaller
Confirm your name, role and employer
Confirm the signal aspect to the signaller
Obtain permission from the signaller to place the key in the
switch and operate it
Confirm to the signaller the aspect of the signal
Obtain permission from the signaller to remove the key
PROTECTION PLACED
Upon placing possession protection at the Possession
Blocking Points as directed by the PICOP Possession
Support will move clear of the line
PS will call PICOP to confirm protection placed and that they
are clear of the line and in a position of safety
PS may be stood down to await further instructions, or
advised to return to their workgroup
11
WORKSITE MARKER BOARDS (WSMB)
Possession Support duties may be to place Work Site Marker
Boards for a worksite within a possession. The Engineering
Supervisor will give you the location and lines you are to place
marker boards. Worksite marker boards are to be placed 100m
from each end of the worksite. They are to be positioned in the
4 foot with the red lights facing away from the worksite.
The Engineering Supervisor may give you a mileage/chainage
to place the marker boards e.g. 35 miles 20 chains.
Yards – Chains – Miles
22 yards = 1 chain
20 chains =¼ mile
40 chains = ½ mile
60 chains = ¾ mile
80 chains = 1 mile
Marker Boards for a T3 Worksite
The Engineering Supervisor will give you the location and lines you are to
place marker boards, these are to be placed 100m from each end of the
worksite. They are to be positioned in the 4 foot with the Red over Red
flashing lights facing away from the worksite.
The Engineering Supervisor may give you a chainage to place the marker
boards e.g. 35 miles 30 chains.
Yards – Chains – Miles
22 yards = 1 Chain
20 chains = ¼ mile
40 chains = ½ mile
60 chains = ¾ mile
80 chains = 1 mile
12
Where there is less than 100m between the worksite and the
detonators then the marker boards must be placed at those
detonators.
Multiple worksites must have a minimum of 100 between the
marker boards and which means there must be a minimum
of 300 yards between worksites
WORKSITE WITH NO ENGINEERING TRAINS
OR OTP
Where there are no OTP or engineering trains within the
Possession there is not a requirement for the use of Marker
Boards to identify the Engineering Supervisor’s worksite.
PICOP/OTP OPERATOR/DRIVER PROTOCOLS
Where there are engineering trains/OTP entering or leaving
the Possession then it may be the responsibility of Possession
Support to be the liaison point between the PICOP and driver/
operator.
13
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will Possession Support lift the
detonator protection or WSMB without a clear instruction to do
so from the PICOP/ES (as appropriate).
PICOP and Driver/Operator Communications
Process
The PICOP directs all movements of trains/OTP etc. into the
Possession.
PICOP will advise Possession Support that a train is due to
enter the Possession
Possession Support when advised will go to the Possession
blocking points and advise PICOP of their arrival
PICOP will instruct Possession Support to advise them upon
arrival of OTP/Engineering train at the Detonator Protection
Possession Support will be instructed to hand their mobile
phone/radio to the driver or operator
PICOP will give their instructions directly to the driver/
operator as to the process for entering the Possession
Once these arrangements are confirmed the PICOP will
advise the driver or operator to give the phone back to
Possession Support
PICOP will now give a clear instruction to Possession
Support to remove the detonator protection to remove the
detonator protection to enable the engineering train/OTP to
enter the possession.
When the train has entered the Possession, Possession
Support will advise the PICOP that the train has gone
beyond the Possession Blocking Limits
14
Possession Support will replace detonators and PLB
immediately
Possession Support will move immediately to a place of
safety and will call PICOP to confirm protection replaced.
TRAIN ENTERING A WORKSITE
Only the Engineering Supervisor can authorise train movements
into and within their worksite. Possession Support duties may
include the temporary removal of worksite protection to allow
engineering train/OTP to enter and exit the worksite.
ES will request Possession Support to go to the WSMB
where the train will enter the worksite
Possession Support will be advised to contact the ES upon
arrival of the train/OTP at the WSMB
ES will instruct Possession Support to hand their phone/radio
to the operator/driver
ES will give their instructions directly to the driver/operator
The driver/operator upon confirming their instructions will
hand the phone or radio to Possession Support
ES will give a clear instruction to Possession Support to
remove the WSMB
Possession Support will replace the worksite marker board
when train/OTP has entered the worksite
Possession Support will move immediately to a Position of
Safety and will confirm to ES that worksite protection has
been reinstated
15
MANAGING CHANGE WITHIN THE
POSSESSION
As work progresses it may become necessary to change
protection limits either within the Possession or worksite.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES would Possession Support
change location of protection, detonators, possession limit
boards, worksite marker boards without a clear instruction from
the PICOP/ES (as appropriate).
END OF POSSESSION – REMOVING
PROTECTION
Possession Support duties may include the removal of worksite
marker boards.
ES will instruct Possession Support to remove WSMBs when
the ES is ready to give up the worksite
Upon removing WSMB, Possession Support move
immediately to a position of safety
When in a position of safety, Possession Support contact ES
to confirm WSMB removed
Removing Possession Protection
PICOP will instruct PS to release un-worked points (as
required)
Once in a position of safety, PS will advise PICOP points are
now released
PICOP will now instruct PS to remove detonators and PLB
PS will remove protection
16
PS will advise PICOP when the protection has been removed
and that they have either;
• safely returned to the nearest access point, or;
• assured the PICOP that they are clear of the line and in a
position of safety
GIVING UP THE POSSESSION AROUND AN
ENGINEERING TRAIN
A PICOP can give up the possession around an engineering
train only if all of the following apply:-
Line is signalled by track circuit block (other than by axle
counters)
The movement after the possession is given up will be in the
normal signalled direction and will be driven from the leading
cab
Signaller has confirmed that the engineering train has
arrived at an agreed signal
Impact on Possession Support
Possession Support MUST NOT contact the PICOP to confirm
protection removed when it is given up around a train, until they
are clear of the line, ie. Through the access point.
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EFFECTIVE SAFETY CRITICAL
COMMUNICATION
ABC of safe communication
A – Accurate
B – Brief
C – Clear
MAKE SURE YOUR MESSAGE IS UNDERSTOOD
To make sure your message is understood:
You must always speak:
With the mouthpiece close to your mouth (but not too close)
Directly into the mouthpiece
Slightly slower than normal, with a natural rhythm
At the same volume as you would in normal conversation.
You must always:
Use clear sentences
Use normal railway words and phrases found in the rules,
regulations and instructions
Use the phonetic alphabet – to check your message is
understood correctly
Try to avoid hesitation sounds (for example, ‘um’ or ‘er’) and
slurring one word into another
If the other person responds or speaks in an accent or
dialect which is unfamiliar, take time to make sure your
message is understood and that you understand his or her
message.
18
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
PHONETIC ALPHABET
You must always:
Use the phonetic alphabet to give signal/OLE post
information and to clarify names and locations that are
difficult to pronounce or which may not be correctly
recognised
Be sure to pronounce numbers one digit at a time. For
example, ‘1702’ would be pronounced ‘one-seven-zero-two’.
Always be sure to say ‘zero’ for the figure ‘0’ and not ‘nought’
or ‘O’.
Exceptions are as follows:
When you refer to times weights and measurements e.g. time
1317 hours should be stated as thirteen seventeen hours
When you refer to Rule Book and Handbook modules. For
example; T10, you may use ‘Tee Ten’ rather than ‘Tango One
Zero’
Be clear about the purpose of the call
Be clear about who has lead responsiblitiy
Use appropriate language
Confirm understanding
Identify yourself and your location
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A
Alpha
B
Bravo Charlie
C D
Delta
E
Echo Foxtrot
F
G
Golf
H
Hotel
I
India
J
Juliet
K
Kilo
L
Lima
M
Mike November
N O
Oscar
P
Papa Quebec
Q
Romeo
R
S
Sierra Tango
T
Uniform
U V
Victor
W
Whisky
X
X-ray
Yankee
Y Z
Zulu
20
PHRASES TO USE
Phrases to use when using a radio or telephone
Phrase Meaning
‘This is an
emergency call.’
This message conveys information which requires
immediate action to prevent death, serious injury
or damage
‘Repeat back.’ Repeat all of the message back to me
‘Correction.’ I have made a mistake and will now correct the
word or phrase just said
Phrases to use when using a radio and only one person can
be heard at a time
Phrase Meaning
‘Over.’ I have finished my message and am expecting a
reply
‘Out.’ I have finished my message and I do not expect
a reply
Do not use phrases such as ‘not clear’ or ‘not safe’ to describe a
line that is unsafe.
Always use the phrase ‘line blocked’ to describe a line which is
blocked to trains.
21
LIFE SAVING RULES LIFE SAVING RULES
22
23
Rail Sentinel
Rail Sentinel website offers the latest developments on the new
Sentinel Service.
http://www.railsentinel.co.uk
RGS online
RGS online is the website providing free access to all current
(many withdrawn) Railway Group Standards, Rail Industry
Approved Codes of Practice (RACOPS), Guidance Notes (GNs)
and Rail Industry Standards (RISs).
http://www.rgsonline.co.uk
RSSB Rail Safety and Standards Board
RSSB provides support and facilitation for a wide range of
cross-industry activities.
http://www.rssb.co.uk
Safety Central – The site is your one-stop shop of safety
information, advice, resources and useful contacts, designed
to promote consistency and best practice across the whole rail
industry.
There are two ways to report safety concerns. Your first step
should be to tell your supervisor or sponsor. If this isn’t possible,
you can contact CIRAS – the railway’s confidential reporting
service – www.ciras.org.uk
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No matter where you work, reporting a Close Call is vital to
improving safety. If you see something with the potential to
cause harm raise the alarm on site and make it safe. If it is
not safe to continue work then stop. Once the hazard has
been removed or made safe then report it. The more data we
receive about Close Calls the smarter we can be in preventing
accidents nationally.
There are different numbers to call depending on who you work
for. Your manager will be able to tell you what the number is for
your organisation.
The purpose of this Keypoint Card is to act as a reminder only.
If you are unsure about any issue relating to the information
given here, you must refer to the appropriate module of the
Rule Book GE/RT 8000 Series or Handbook.
In supplying this document, Network Rail makes no warranties,
expressed or implied, that compliance with all or any
documents it issues is sufficient on its own to check safe
systems of work or operation.
Users are reminded of their own duties under health and
safety legislation.
NETWORK RAIL, KINGS PLACE, 90 YORK WAY, LONDON N1 9AG
WWW.NETWORKRAIL.CO.UK
NR9933 ISSUE 2 © NETWORK RAIL 2013