Interface between Station Platforms, Track and Trains

Transcription

1 Interface between Station Platforms, Track Synopsis This document mandates requirements for the design and maintenance of station platforms for their safe interface with trains. Signatures removed from electronic version Submitted by Laura Beales Standards Project Manager Authorised by Anne Blakeney Acting Department Head s Management This document is the property of the Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited. It shall not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the Department Head, Railway Group Standards Management, Rail Safety and Standards Board. Published by: Rail Safety and Standards Board Evergreen House 160 Euston Road London NW1 2DX Copyright 2004 Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited

2 This page has been left blank intentionally

3 Page 1 of 13 Contents Section Description Page Part A A1 Issue record 2 A2 Implementation of this document 2 A3 Scope of s 2 A4 Responsibilities 2 A5 Health and safety responsibilities 3 A6 Technical content 3 A7 Supply 3 Part B B1 Purpose 4 B2 Application of this document 4 B3 Definitions 5 B4 Principles 6 B5 Introduction alterations to station platforms 6 Part C C1 Location of new platforms 7 C2 Usable length of platforms 7 C3 Usable width of platforms 8 C4 Standard platform position relative to adjacent track 9 C5 Altering the position of platforms relative to adjacent track 10 C6 Management of changes to infrastructure or train operation at platforms 11 C7 Provision for track maintenance 11 Appendix 1 Example of the determination of the minimum usable platform width for a double face platform 12 References 13 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD 1

4 Page 2 of 13 A1 Issue record Part A Issue Date Comments One February 2003 Original document, replaces GC/RT5161 issue two in part. This document will be updated when necessary by distribution of a complete replacement. A2 Implementation of this document The publication date of this document is 07 February This document comes into force on 03 April The dates by which compliance with the requirements of this document is to be achieved are set out in Part B2. Where those dates are later than the date on which this document comes into force, this is to give Railway Group members additional time to plan and commence implementation so as to achieve full compliance by the dates set out in Part B2. This document supersedes the following, either in whole or in part as indicated: Railway Group Standard Issue No. Title GC/RT Station Design and Maintenance Requirements RGS sections superseded by this document 5.1, 5.6.2, 5.8, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 10.7, (part), , 16.1 Date(s) as of which sections are superseded 03 April 2004 The remaining sections of GC/RT5161 are superseded by GI/RT7014, which also comes into force on 03 April GC/RT5161 ceases to be in force and is withdrawn with effect from 02 October A3 Scope of Railway Group Standards A4 Responsibilities The overall scope of s is set out in Appendix A of GA/RT6001. The specific scope of this document is set out in Part B2. s are mandatory on all members of the Railway Group* and apply to all relevant activities that fall into the scope of each Railway Safety Case. If any of those activities are performed by a contractor, the contractor s obligation in respect of s is determined by the terms of the contract between the respective parties. Where a contractor is a duty holder of a Railway Safety Case then s apply directly to the activities described in the Safety Case. * The Railway Group comprises Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited, and the train and station operators who hold railway safety cases for operation on or related to infrastructure controlled by Network Rail Infrastructure Limited. Network Rail Infrastructure Limited is also known as Network Rail. Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited is also known as RSSB. 2 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

5 Page 3 of 13 A5 Health and safety responsibilities A6 Technical content Each Railway Group member is reminded of the need to consider its own responsibilities to ensure health and safety at work and its own duties under health and safety legislation. RSSB does not warrant that compliance with all or any documents published by RSSB is sufficient in itself to ensure safe systems of work or operation or to satisfy such responsibilities or duties. The technical content of this document has been approved by: Jon Taylor, Principal Track and Structures Engineer, RSSB Enquiries should be directed to RSSB Telephone: or enquiries@rssb.co.uk. A7 Supply Controlled and uncontrolled copies of this document may be obtained from the Industry Safety Liaison Department, Rail Safety and Standards Board, Evergreen House, 160 Euston Road, London NW1 2DX or enquiries@rssb.co.uk. RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD 3

6 Page 4 of 13 B1 Purpose B2 Application of this document Part B This document mandates requirements for the design and maintenance of station platforms for their safe interface with trains. B2.1 To whom the requirements apply This document contains requirements that are applicable to duty holders of the following categories of Railway Safety Case: a) infrastructure controller b) station operator. At a station contractual arrangements (including a station lease) do not of themselves relieve the duty holder of his obligation to comply with Railway Group Standards that are relevant to the duty holder s licensed activities. This obligation is established by the duty holder s licence and his Railway Safety Case which has been submitted and accepted in accordance with the Railways (Safety Case) Regulations B2.2 Compliance requirements B2.2.1 New station platforms and alterations to existing station platforms The requirements of this document are mandatory for new station platforms and for alterations (as defined in section B3) to existing station platforms for which Approval in Principle has been given on or after 03 April When Approval in Principle has been given before 03 April 2004, but the station platform (or station platform alteration) has not yet been brought into service, the design shall be reviewed and, where reasonably practicable, brought into line with the requirements of this document. Where it is not reasonably practicable to do so, the situation shall be regularised by means of a non-compliance or derogation (see section B2.3). B2.2.2 Existing station platforms The requirements of section C2 (Usable length of platforms) and section C5.1 (Maintaining the position of existing platforms complying with the standard platform position) are mandatory for existing station platforms and shall be complied with no later than 03 April 2004, except as set out below. Compliance with section C2.3 (Extending the length of existing platforms) is required no later than 05 February Action to bring existing stations into compliance with the other requirements of this document is not required. B2.3 General compliance requirements Until the compliance dates, or the date by which compliance is achieved if earlier, the applicable requirements of the predecessor documents shall continue to be met (see Part A for details). After the compliance dates, or after the date by which compliance is achieved if earlier, Railway Group members shall maintain compliance with the requirements set out in this document. Where it is considered not reasonably practicable to comply with the requirements set out in this document, authorisation not to comply shall be sought in accordance with GA/RT6001, GA/RT6004 or GA/RT RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

7 Page 5 of 13 B2.4 Related requirements in other documents GI/RT7014 sets out other requirements for station design and maintenance. In particular GI/RT7014 sets out requirements relating to the location of items on platforms relative to the platform edge. GC/RT5212 sets out requirements for defining and maintaining clearances to trains. GC/RT5021 sets out the requirements for the track system including the limitations on track cant at stations. GC/RT5101 sets out the technical approval requirements for changes to the infrastructure. GE/RT8270 sets out the requirements and responsibilities for route acceptance of rail vehicles for operation on Network Rail controlled infrastructure necessitated by the introduction of a new vehicle, modification to an existing vehicle, change to the operation of the vehicle or change to the infrastructure. B3 Definitions Alteration [of a platform] For the purpose of this document, the substantial lengthening or rebuilding of all or part of an existing platform which provides a reasonable opportunity to significantly improve the safety performance of the element subject to alteration. Double face platform A platform with operational track on both sides. New platform A platform other than a platform that already exists. The term excludes a disused platform that is brought back into use. Permissible or enhanced permissible speed The maximum speed published in the Sectional Appendix at which traffic is allowed to run on a line. Platform The structure forming the part of a station that provides access to or from a train. Platform furniture Permanent or semi-permanent equipment or apparatus, or seating placed upon a platform for station users. Platform height The height of the edge of the platform relative to the track measured at right angles to the plane of the rails of the track adjacent to the platform. Platform offset The distance between the upper surface of the platform edge and the running edge of the nearest rail on the track adjacent to the platform measured parallel to the plane of the rails. Single face platform A platform with operational track on one side only. Sub-surface station A station with platforms enclosed or underground as defined in clause 3 of the Fire Precautions (Sub-surface Railway Stations) Regulations Usable platform length The length of that part of the platform that can be used by passengers for egress from and access to trains, measured along the platform edge. RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD 5

8 Page 6 of 13 Usable platform width The width of the platform that can be used by passengers for egress from and access to trains, or for waiting, taking into account the width of any items on the platform (for example, furniture, access or egress, or structures). B4 Principles This document supports HM Railway Inspectorate Railway Safety Principle 11: Platforms should allow for the safe waiting of people, their boarding and alighting from trains. B5 Introduction This section (B5) is a descriptive introduction to. It does not contain mandatory requirements, but draws attention to two important points. B5.1 Alterations to station platforms It is the intention of this document that alterations to platforms contribute to improving safety by the eventual achievement of 'standard' platforms throughout Network Rail controlled infrastructure (that is, platforms meeting the requirements of this document). This should however be achieved without imposing unreasonable costs on the industry. Alteration of a platform is therefore defined (in section B3) as 'the substantial lengthening or rebuilding of all or part of an existing platform which provides a reasonable opportunity to significantly improve the safety performance of the element subject to alteration'. It is important to understand that the requirements of this document do not apply simply because an alteration is made to a platform. The requirements are only mandatory where the alterations provide a reasonable opportunity for achieving compliance. For example, if an extension is proposed to an existing platform that does not have a recess beneath the platform edge, the extension is to be designed with a recess (meeting the requirements of section C4.6), but there is no requirement to modify the existing section of the platform to incorporate a recess. B5.2 Other requirements for stations GI/RT7014 sets out other requirements for the design and maintenance of stations to facilitate their safe use. Essentially, GI/RT7014 deals with providing a safe physical environment for passengers waiting on platforms for trains. As stated in section B1, this document () sets out requirements for the design and maintenance of station platforms for their safe interface with trains. therefore contains requirements for the position of platforms relative to the adjacent track (both height and offset); the useable length of platforms; and the useable width of platforms. These issues are dealt with in a separate document because the infrastructure controller has the principal responsibility for compliance, and because the UK has a 'specific case' relating to these issues in the High Speed Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) and is expected to retain a similar 'specific case' in the Conventional Rail TSI. The two documents should be read in conjunction with each other. 6 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

9 Page 7 of 13 C1 Location of new platforms Part C C1.1 Horizontal track alignment through station platforms Station platforms shall be located on straight track unless the particular geographical characteristics of the site and the characteristics of the railway infrastructure at the proposed location of the platform do not provide a reasonable opportunity for achieving this. Station platforms shall not be located on horizontal curves with radii less than 1000 m. Before station platforms are located on curved track, consideration shall be given to the following: a) train to platform stepping distances, taking the types of train likely to call at the platform into account b) visibility (either direct, by means of CCTV screens, or by mirrors) along the length of trains for train crew and station staff responsible for dispatching trains. C1.2 Vertical track alignment through station platforms Wherever possible, platforms shall be located on track with an average gradient not steeper than 1 in 500. It is permissible for platforms to be located on track with average gradients steeper that 1 in 500 provided trains are not planned to terminate or reverse at the platform. Where platforms are located on gradients steeper than 1 in 500, consideration shall be given to the need for additional arrangements to ensure safety. The gradient through the platform shall be constant unless the particular geographical characteristics of the site and the characteristics of the railway infrastructure at the proposed location of the platform do not provide a reasonable opportunity for achieving this. Where the gradient is not constant, the average gradient shall be measured over the length of any train likely to use the platform in its planned stopping position. C2 Usable length of platforms C2.1 General requirement for usable length of platform Except as identified in section C2.2, the usable length of platforms shall be long enough to accommodate the longest train formation regularly booked to stop at a platform, with allowances for inaccurate stopping and operational (including train control) requirements. The usable length of terminal platforms shall include an allowance both for the train to stop before it reaches the buffer stops and for the length taken up by the buffer stop equipment. C2.2 Exemption where operational procedures apply It is permissible for the usable length of a platform to be shorter than is sufficient to accommodate the longest train formation booked to stop at the platform, provided that the platform is long enough to accommodate the majority of the trains and procedures are in place to protect the safety of passengers and train crew boarding and alighting from the other trains. The procedures put in place shall be recorded and supported by a documented safety justification. GE/RT8000 sets out operational procedures when a train is too long to be accommodated at a platform. GM/RT2473 requires a system of selective door opening to be adopted for new trains where there are no alternative means to accommodate all doors on a train within the length of a passenger platform. RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD 7

10 Page 8 of 13 C2.3 Extending the length of existing platforms Where the usable length of a platform is insufficient to accommodate the longest train formation booked to stop at the platform, consideration shall be given to extending the platform to conform with the requirements of section C2.1 where both the following conditions apply: a) the platform is used by vehicles with hinged doors (slam doors) or power operated external doors with no selective door opening b) there are no plans for the withdrawal of such vehicles. Any decision not to extend platforms in these circumstances shall be supported by a documented safety justification. C2.4 Provision where part of a platform is redundant Where a part of a platform is redundant and it is not to be maintained, a fence shall be provided across the platform at the limit of the platform open to passengers. GI/RT7014 sets out additional design requirements for security and deterring unauthorised access at a station. These requirements are applicable to the design of the fence, and any access provided through the fence for authorised people. C3 Usable width of platforms C3.1 Requirements for all new platforms The minimum usable width of a platform shall be sufficient to: a) prevent overcrowding with the maximum anticipated usage of the platform b) permit the emergency evacuation of passengers from a fully occupied train, and any passengers occupying the platform when the train arrives, without risk of injury to those passengers. The minimum usable width of a platform at a sub-surface station shall also be sufficient to permit the emergency evacuation of passengers within the time period specified by the relevant Fire Authority. Additional requirements relating to emergency evacuation are set out in GI/RT7014. C3.2 Number of people to allow for in the emergency evacuation of trains In establishing the number of people to allow for in the emergency evacuation of trains, it is permissible for the maximum number of people to be based on any of the following: a) planned and foreseeable train and platform occupancy b) measurements of train and platform occupancy at peak times c) the result of any practical tests conducted to confirm the maximum train and platform occupancy. The method selected to establish the maximum number of people shall be demonstrated to be appropriate to the particular circumstances prevailing at the platform under consideration. C3.3 Location of buildings, structures and other items on platforms GI/RT7014 sets out requirements for the minimum distance between items on platforms (including buildings, structures, platform furniture, isolated columns supporting lighting and signs, and driver only operation (DOO) equipment) and the platform edge. 8 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

11 Page 9 of 13 Compliance with these requirements usually sets a limit on the minimum useable width of new platforms (subject to also meeting the requirements of section C3.1). In cases where these requirements do not determine the minimum useable width, the requirements of sections C3.4 and C3.5 apply (again, subject to also meeting the requirements of section C3.1). Appendix 1 gives an example of the determination of the minimum usable platform width for a double face platform. C3.4 New single face platforms The usable width of a new single face platform shall be nowhere less than: a) 2500 mm where the permissible or enhanced permissible speed is less than or equal to 100 mph (160 km/h) b) 3000 mm where the permissible or enhanced permissible speed is greater than 100 mph (160 km/h). C3.5 New double face platforms The usable width of a new double face platform shall be nowhere less than: a) 4000 mm where the permissible or enhanced permissible speed is less than or equal to 100 mph (160 km/h) b) 6000 mm where the permissible or enhanced permissible speed is greater than 100 mph (160 km/h). C3.5 Lengthening of existing platforms When existing platforms are lengthened, the width of the new part of the platform shall comply with the requirements for new platforms set out in sections C.3.1 to C3.5. C4 Standard platform position relative to adjacent track C4.1 Platform height For new platforms and an alteration (as defined in section B3) to an existing platform, the height at the edge of the platform shall be 915 mm (within a tolerance of +0, -25 mm) measured at right angles to the plane of the rails of the track adjacent to the platform. Where a new platform or an alteration to an existing platform abuts an existing platform, any discrepancy in height and alignment of the platform shall be gradually tapered into the existing platform. The transition gradient shall not exceed 1 in 20. C4.2 Platform offset For new platforms and an alteration (as defined in section B3) to an existing platform, the platform edge shall be the minimum distance from the adjacent track (within a tolerance of +15, -0 mm) consistent with the lower sector structure gauge set out in Appendix 1 of GC/RT5212. For most rolling stock, this requirement is met on curves with radii greater than or equal to 360 m by a platform offset of 730 mm (within a tolerance of +15, -0 mm). GC/RT5212 sets out exceptions where Class 373 trains or 2.6 m wide containers are required to pass the platform. GC/RT5212 also sets out requirements where the curve radius is less than 360 m C4.3 Footsteps of new trains relative to standard platform position GM/RT2149 sets out the requirements for footsteps for passenger use on new trains relative to a platform positioned in accordance with sections C4.1 and C4.2. Appendix A of GM/RT2149 requires that the footstep be designed so that the stepping distance between the footstep and the edge of the standard RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD 9

12 Page 10 of 13 platform does not exceed the following maximum static dimensions for platforms on curves with radii down to 160 m: a) horizontal 275 mm b) vertical 250 mm c) diagonal 350 mm. C4.4 Increased stepping distances associated with achieving the standard platform position Not all existing trains meet the current requirements of GM/RT2149. Setting the position of a platform edge to meet the requirements of sections C4.1 and C4.2 could therefore result in the stepping distances quoted in section C4.3 being exceeded in the case of some trains that do not meet the current requirements of GM/RT2149. Where this is the case, the station operator shall ensure adequate measures to protect the safety of passengers when boarding or alighting from trains have been put in place before the platform is brought into use. See also section C6 for requirements relating to route acceptance. The measures considered shall include the following: a) provision of warning notices and platform markings b) provision of announcements c) staff attendance. C4.5 S&C adjacent to a platform Where switches and crossings (S&C) are located adjacent to the platform, the effects of vehicle end throw shall be taken into account. C4.6 Provision of recess beneath platform edge For new platforms or a platform subject to alteration (as defined in section B3), a recess with a minimum width of 300 mm shall be formed beneath the platform edge. The recess shall be kept clear of cables and other obstructions. Consideration shall be given to the provision of a wider recess where there is a platform or other obstruction on both sides of the track. C5 Altering the position of platforms relative to adjacent track C5.1 Maintaining the position of existing platforms complying with the standard platform position At existing platforms that conform to the requirements of section C4, the standard platform position shall be maintained when track or structural maintenance, renewal or alteration is carried out. C5.2 Alterations to existing platforms not complying with the standard platform position At existing platforms where the existing platform height or the existing platform offset does not meet the requirements set out in sections C4.1 and C4.2, the requirements of sections C4.1 and C4.2 shall be applied when an alteration (as defined in section B3) to a platform (including extending the usable length of a platform) or an alteration to the track adjacent to the platform is undertaken, unless the particular site constraints or rolling stock using the route prevent this. 10 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

13 Page 11 of 13 Where the particular circumstances prevent the provision of the required dimensions at the time when the alteration (see definition) to a platform are undertaken, the reasons shall be justified and recorded. Alterations shall be designed so as not to increase the platform stepping distances unless this is associated with achieving the standard platform height or platform offset set out in section C4. C6 Management of changes to infrastructure or train operation at platforms C6.1 Requirement to obtain route acceptance GE/RT8270 requires that route acceptance is to be obtained when the infrastructure configuration is modified in a way which has a potentially adverse material effect on the operating safety of any vehicles currently authorised to operate on a route, or those in the process of acceptance. Consideration shall therefore be given to whether any proposed alteration affecting the relative positions of the track and platform edge have a potentially adverse material effect on the operating safety of any vehicles currently authorised to operate past the platform. C6.2 Changes to infrastructure proposed by the station operator The station operator shall have a procedure in place to inform the infrastructure controller when the following changes are proposed: a) an alteration to an existing platform affecting the train to platform interface b) the provision of a new platform. In such cases, GE/RT8270 requires the infrastructure controller to review the effects of any planned changes where there could be an adverse effect on the safe operation of vehicles. C6.3 Change to the authorised operation of vehicles GE/RT8270 also sets out requirements applicable to station operators when there is a planned change to the authorised operation of vehicles affecting stations. C7 Provision for track maintenance In the design of new platforms and alterations to platforms (including their foundations), allowance shall be made for the maintenance and renewal of adjacent track (for example, future reballasting operations). RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD 11

14 Page 12 of 13 Appendix 1 Example of the determination of the minimum usable platform width for a double face platform (This appendix is illustrative only and contains on mandatory requirements) 2500* mm to meet requirement of GI/RT7014 Stairs to exit Boundary of platform area that can be used by passengers for egress from and access to trains, or for waiting Isolated lighting column 2500* mm to meet requirement of GI/RT7014 (assuming no particular site constraints) Not to scale 4000* mm to meet requirement of, section C3.5 * For speeds less than or equal to 100 mph 12 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

15 Page 13 of 13 GA/RT6001 GA/RT6004 GA/RT6006 GC/RT5021 GC/RT5101 GC/RT5212 GE/RT8000 GE/RT8270 GI/RT7014 GM/RT2149 GM/RT2473 References s and Other Railway Group Documents s Change Procedures Temporary Non-Compliance with s Derogations from s Track System Requirements Technical Approval Requirements for Changes to the Infrastructure Requirements for Defining and Maintaining Clearances New modular Rule Book Route Acceptance of Rail Vehicles including changes in Operation or Infrastructure Station Design and Maintenance Requirement Requirements for Defining and Maintaining the Size of Railway Vehicles Power Operated External Doors on Passenger Carrying Rail Vehicles The Catalogue of s and the s CD-ROM give the current issue number and status of documents published by RSSB. Other References HMRI Railway Safety Principles and Guidance Fire Precautions (Sub-surface Railway Stations) Regulations 1989 (At the time of publication of this document, fire legislation was subject to review) RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD 13