Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk

Transcription

1 Railway Group Standard Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk Synopsis This standard defines the arrangements to be provided on terminal tracks to arrest a train and protect people, stations and structures from the effects of an overrun. Signatures removed from electronic version Submitted by Keith Turner Standards Project Manager Authorised by Brian Alston Acting Controller, Railway Group Standards This document is the property of Railtrack PLC. It shall not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the Controller, Railway Group Standards, Railtrack PLC. Published by Safety & Standards Directorate, Railtrack PLC, Railtrack House DP01, Euston Square London NW1 2EE Copyright 1999 Railtrack PLC

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3 Railway Group Standard Page 1 of 10 Contents Section Description Page Part A Issue Record 2 Responsibilities 2 Compliance 2 Health and Safety Responsibilities 2 Supply 2 Part B 1 Purpose 3 2 Scope 3 3 Definitions 3 4 Principles 4 5 Requirements for new construction: Stations 4 6 Requirements for new construction: Freight Lines and Sidings 6 7 General requirements for new construction 7 8 Requirements for existing locations 7 9 Changes affecting terminal tracks 8 10 Temporary arrangements 8 11 Maintenance and inspection requirements 8 References 10 RAILTRACK 1

4 Railway Group Standard Page 2 of 10 Withdrawn Document Issue record Part A This Standard will be updated when necessary by distribution of a complete replacement. Amended or additional parts of revised pages will be marked by a vertical black line in the adjacent margin. Issue Date Comments 1 October 1999 Initial Issue. Supersedes Sections 8.5 and of GC/RT5010, Issue 2. Responsibilities Railway Group Standards are mandatory on all members of the Railway Group * and apply to all relevant activities that fall into the scope of each individual s Railway Safety Case. If any of those activities are performed by a contractor, the contractor s obligation in respect of Railway Group Standards 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 Railway Group Standards apply directly to the activities described in the Safety Case. * The Railway Group comprises Railtrack and the duty holders of the Railway Safety Cases accepted by Railtrack. Compliance The provisions in this Railway Group Standard, with the exception of the requirements of Section 8, shall be complied with from April Where design for new construction is in progress on that date, the Infrastructure controller shall decide whether retrospective compliance is required. Initial risk assessments, as required by Section 8, shall be completed by October 2004, following which the standard shall be complied with in its entirety. Health and Safety responsibilities In issuing this Standard, Railtrack PLC makes no warranties, express or implied, that compliance with all or any Railway Group Standards is sufficient on its own to ensure safe systems of work or operation. Each user is reminded of its own responsibilities to ensure health and safety at work and its individual duties under health and safety legislation. Supply Controlled and uncontrolled copies of this Standard may be obtained from the Industry Safety Liaison Dept, Safety and Standards Directorate, Railtrack PLC, Railtrack House, DP01, Euston Square, London, NW1 2EE. 2 RAILTRACK

5 Railway Group Standard Page 3 of 10 1 Purpose 2 Scope Part B The purpose of this Standard is to define the arrangements to be provided on terminal tracks to arrest a train and protect people, stations and structures from the effects of an overrun. The contents of this Standard apply to all terminal tracks on Railtrack Controlled Infrastructure, as defined in Appendix A to Railway Group Standard GA/RT6001. Certain requirements relating to the control of trains on terminal tracks are defined elsewhere, as follows: 3 Definitions Railway Group Standard GK/RT0031 defines the means of indicating to the driver the presence of a buffer stop on a signalled route. Railway Group Standard GK/RT0032 regards a buffer stop as a stop aspect for signalling purposes and defines the sequence in which signal aspects are to be presented to train drivers. Railway Group Standard GK/RT0078 describes the use of track circuit interrupters at buffer stops to detect an overrun. The Railway Safety Regulations 1999 require a train protection system to be installed on an approach to a buffer stop at the end of a passenger platform. Arresting device An assembly provided at the end of a terminal track to arrest an overrunning train, other than a buffer stop (for example, sand drags or wheel stops). Buffer stop An assembly provided at the end of a terminal track to arrest an overrunning train, designed to take the impact of the train at buffer or coupling height. Dangerous goods For the purpose of this standard only, dangerous goods are those in class 1, 2.1, 2.3, 3 Group A and 7 as defined in GO/RT3053/A. Energy absorbing buffer stop A buffer stop designed to bring a train to a controlled halt from a determined impact speed by providing a means of progressively absorbing the kinetic energy of the train. End impact wall A structure or other arrangement located behind a buffer stop designed to contain a train that has run through the buffer stop, so preventing harm to people or damage to critical structures that would otherwise have been in the path of the train. Freight line A line normally only used by non-passenger carrying trains or empty passenger stock. New construction The provision of a buffer stop or arresting device on a new terminal track or the complete replacement of a buffer stop or arresting device on a remodelled track or station layout. Overrun The movement of a train or vehicle beyond the designed end limit of a track. Terminal track A dead end or terminating track in a station or at the end of a freight line or siding. RAILTRACK 3

6 Railway Group Standard Page 4 of 10 Withdrawn Document Other technical terms used in this standard have the meanings defined in Railtrack Approved Code of Practice GC/RC5603 and Railway Group Standard GK/RT Principles 4.1 Terminal tracks at stations Where stations have terminal tracks, arrangements are to be provided to arrest a train and protect people and the station from the effects of an overrun. This principle supports HMRI Safety Principle Terminal tracks on freight lines and sidings Where freight lines and sidings have terminal tracks, arrangements are to be provided to arrest a train and protect people and structures from the effects of an overrun. 5 Requirements for new construction: Stations 5.1 Provision of buffer stops Energy absorbing buffer stops shall be provided at terminal or bay platforms The type of buffer stop selected and its design shall take into account the following factors: Factors influencing speed and force of impact; types of rolling stock; minimum and maximum train weights; approach gradient; identified likely track adhesion conditions, including the effect on braking performance of the weather and the covering or otherwise of the track; signalling arrangements and sighting distances; permissible speed (shown in the sectional Appendix) on the approach to the buffer stop; lighting conditions. Other factors; space required for movement of the buffers; rolling stock coupling systems; requirements for insulated rail joints and electrical insulation of the buffer stop; numbers of trains proposed to use the line; any running lines, structures, walking routes, or other areas of risk behind the buffer stop; history of train overruns, if appropriate for new construction The impact speed to be used in design calculations shall be determined following an assessment of the relevant factors listed above. The determined impact speed shall be not less than 10 km/h. 4 RAILTRACK

7 Railway Group Standard Page 5 of Buffer stops shall be designed to arrest the full range of trains between the heaviest and lightest using a track without risk of serious injury to people on the train. Trains shall be brought to a controlled halt from the determined impact speed with an average retardation rate not exceeding 0.15g (1.47 m/s 2 ). Where site constraints make it unavoidable, lightweight trains may be subjected to higher retardation rates, but the average retardation rate for any train shall not exceed 0.25g (2.45 m/s 2 ). 5.2 Provision of end impact walls Where reasonably practicable, end impact walls shall be provided where they would reduce the risk of a train overrun causing harm to people and damage to critical structures. When assessing this risk, the following shall be taken into account: the positioning of critical structures and supports; the positioning of workplaces and retail outlets; the areas where people are likely to congregate; other areas of risk behind buffer stops. 5.3 Locations of station columns, buildings and other permanent structures Railway Group Standard GC/RT5161 defines the permissible locations of station columns, buildings and other permanent structures in relation to the face of buffer stops. 5.4 Additional requirements for railways in tunnels Terminal tracks at stations in tunnels shall be provided with an adequate length of overrun tunnel. The length of overrun provided shall take account of the factors listed in Clause Additional safety measures Consideration shall be given to the provision of additional safety measures at locations where: an assessment of the factors listed in Clause suggests that there may be a high probability of train overruns; an assessment of the factors listed in clause suggests that there may be severe consequences from a train overrun. These additional safety measures include, but are not limited to: improved illumination; countdown marker boards. The use of these is described in Railway Group Standard GK/RT0033; permanent speed restrictions on the approaches to the buffer stop; screening or removal of driver distractions, for example advertising hoardings. RAILTRACK 5

8 Railway Group Standard Page 6 of 10 Withdrawn Document 6 Requirements for new construction: Freight lines and sidings 6. 1 Provision of arrangements for arresting a train Buffer stops or arresting devices shall be provided at terminal tracks on freight lines and sidings The type of buffer stop or arresting device selected and its design shall take into account the following factors: Factors influencing speed and force of impact: types of rolling stock; maximum train weights; approach gradient; identified likely track adhesion conditions; signalling arrangements and sighting distances; permissible speed (shown in the sectional Appendix) on the approach to the buffer stop or arresting device; lighting conditions. Other factors: rolling stock coupling systems; requirements for insulated rail joints and electrical insulation of the buffer stop or arresting device; likely traffic levels; carriage of dangerous goods and their type; any running lines, structures, walking routes or other areas of risks behind the buffer stop or arresting device; history of train overruns, if appropriate for new construction. 6.2 Provision of end impact walls Where reasonably practicable, end impact walls shall be provided where they would reduce the risk of a train overrun causing harm to people and damage to critical structures. When assessing this risk, the following shall be taken into account: the positioning of critical structures and supports; other areas of risk behind buffer stops or arresting devices. 6.3 Additional requirements for railways in tunnels Where terminal tracks on freight lines or sidings are accommodated within a tunnel, the need for an additional length of overrun tunnel beyond the buffer stop or arresting device shall be assessed, taking into account the factors listed in clause Where a turnback siding is formed by the continuation of a running line through the terminal station of a railway in tunnel, the requirements of section 5 shall apply. 6 RAILTRACK

9 Railway Group Standard Page 7 of 10 7 General requirements for new construction 7.1 Track at buffer stops and arresting devices Track adjacent to, or connected to a buffer stop or arresting device shall be designed to ensure the effective operation of the buffer stop or arresting device. The design of the track shall consider: the position and strength of rail joints; the arrangements for holding down rails and the resistance of the track to uplift in the event of a train impact A length of straight track, greater than the length of the longest vehicle permitted to use the track, shall be provided wherever reasonably practicable at the approach to the buffer stop, so that any vehicle striking the buffer stop will do so with its longitudinal axis at right angles to the buffer beam Where sliding or friction buffer stops are proposed, an appropriate length of straight track shall be provided behind the buffer stop to accommodate the movement of the buffer stop and its associated friction shoes (sometimes referred to as slave units ). 7.2 Acceptance of buffer stops and arresting devices Buffer stops and arresting devices shall be accepted for use on Railtrack controlled infrastructure in accordance with the requirements of Railway Group Standard GI/RT Requirements for existing locations 8.1 Requirement for risk assessments The risks of harm to people and damage to critical structures arising from a train overrun at the following locations shall be assessed: terminal or bay platforms; terminal tracks on freight lines and sidings used by trains carrying dangerous goods; where there are significant identified risks to persons or property beyond the railway boundary The risk assessment shall take account of the factors listed in Clauses 5.1 and 5.2 (stations) or Clause 6.1 (freight lines and sidings), as appropriate; the type and condition of the buffer stop or arresting device provided; and the history of buffer stop collisions at the particular location being considered The risk assessment shall be used when determining inspection frequencies, as required by section Frequency of risk assessment Risks shall be reassessed when there is reason to believe that the previous risk assessment has become invalid or after any significant change in the circumstances at a location (see section 9). RAILTRACK 7

10 Railway Group Standard Page 8 of 10 Withdrawn Document 8.3 Review of existing arrangements Following a risk assessment, existing arrangements at the location shall be reviewed. Works to reduce risks shall be planned and implemented where necessary. 8.4 Records of risk assessments Records of the current risk assessment for each location shall be kept, together with records of any works undertaken to reduce risks as a result of the assessment. The requirements for the management of records are described in GI/RT Changes affecting terminal tracks Where reasonably practicable, the requirements of section 5 (stations) or section 6 (freight lines and sidings) shall be met where significant changes affecting terminal tracks are proposed Significant changes shall include: remodelling of track layouts; introduction of significantly different rolling stock; any increase in approach speed; significant increase in the number of trains using the line; significant changes to signalling arrangements; significant change in use of the area behind buffer stops or arresting devices; construction of structures or other critical supports behind buffer stops or arresting devices; introduction of freight trains carrying dangerous goods. 10 Temporary arrangements A buffer stop or arresting device shall be provided where a terminal track is created by temporary arrangements, for example during works to a station or track remodelling The design of the buffer stop or arresting device shall take into account the factors listed in Clauses 5.1 and 5.2 (stations) or Clause 6.1 (freight lines and sidings), as appropriate. It shall also take into account: the duration of the temporary arrangements; any work site or temporary structures behind the buffer stop or arresting device. 11 Maintenance and inspection requirements 11.1 Requirement for maintenance and inspection A maintenance regime shall be in place to ensure the continued correct functioning of buffer stops and arresting devices. Maintenance shall comply with any relevant manufacturer s instructions Buffer stops and arresting devices on terminal tracks shall be regularly inspected as part of the maintenance regime. The inspection shall take account of: 8 RAILTRACK

11 Railway Group Standard Page 9 of 10 The general condition of the buffer stop or arresting device; Factors affecting the ability of the buffer stop or arresting device to function correctly in the event of a train overrun; Damage from train impacts; The condition of the track and rail joints on either side of the buffer stop or arresting device; Obstructions to the slide path of sliding or friction buffer stops; In the case of sliding or friction buffer stops, the need to re-set the buffer stop to its initial position following movement as a result of train impacts; The effects of extreme weather on the functioning of the buffer stop or arresting device The requirements and methodology for the maintenance and inspection of each type of energy absorbing buffer stop shall be recorded. The record shall describe the buffer stop s basic design, method of operation and likely failure modes Frequency of inspection The frequency of inspection shall be commensurate with the risks at each location, assessed as required in section At the following locations the maximum interval between inspections shall be 6 months unless the risk assessment carried out in accordance with section 8 concludes otherwise: terminal or bay platforms; terminal tracks on freight lines and sidings used by trains carrying dangerous goods; where there are significant identified risks to persons or property beyond the railway boundary The maximum interval between inspections shall be 2 years Corrective action Where a buffer stop or arresting device is found to be in a condition that would prevent it from functioning correctly in the event of a train overrun, work to remedy the condition shall be planned and implemented within a timescale commensurate with the risks. This timescale shall take account of: The condition of the buffer stop or arresting device; The risks of harm to people and damage to critical structures arising from a train overrun whilst the functioning of the buffer stop or arresting device is impaired. Consideration shall be given to provision of temporary measures to reduce the risk of an overrun during the period of impaired functioning Records of inspections and corrective action Records of all inspections and corrective action undertaken shall be made. The requirements for the management of records are described in GI/RT Inspection and corrective action following train impact Buffer stops and arresting devices shall be inspected as soon as possible following any train impact. The inspection shall take into account the factors listed in Clause Corrective action shall be planned and implemented as required by Clause 11.3 and records kept as required by Clause RAILTRACK 9

12 Railway Group Standard Page 10 of 10 Withdrawn Document References GA/RT6001 GC/RT5161 GC/RC5603 GI/RT7001 GI/RT7002 GK/RT0002 GK/RT0031 GK/RT0032 GK/RT0033 GK/RT0078 GO/RT3053/A Other references Railway Group Standards Change Procedures Station Platform Design Requirements Standard Definitions of Civil Engineering Terms Management of Safety Related Records of Elements of the Infrastructure. Acceptance of Systems, Equipment and Materials for use in Railtrack Controlled Infrastructure Glossary of Signalling Terms Lineside Signals and Indicators Lineside Signal Aspect Sequences Lineside Signs Overrun Protection and Mitigation Working Manual for Rail Staff - Handling and Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Pink pages) Classification, Acceptance and Identification HMRI Railway Safety Principles and Guidance Railway Safety Regulations RAILTRACK