Prioritising Safety on the Rail Network

The risks associated with working on rail lines open to traffic should not be underestimated. Such activities must strictly adhere to the preventive principles outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR). Operations with Adjacent Lines Open (ALO) In an effort to minimize disruption to operational rail lines, it has become common practice to carry out various construction, maintenance, and renewal activities while keeping adjacent lines open (ALO) for rail traffic. This practice is commonly referred to as "working ALO." Regulatory Framework To ensure the safety of these operations, the Adjacent Line Open Working Group was established to identify, on behalf of the industry, safe working systems whenever any plant or loads associated with these activities could potentially encroach upon rail network lines open to traffic (referred to as "ALO working"). Nonetheless, when necessary, a documented risk assessment must be conducted, and appropriate controls must be implemented. This document outlines the procedure for evaluating works conducted in proximity to Network Rail Managed Infrastructure and specifies the required controls. Coverage and Significance The guide encompasses work conducted with on-track plant (OTP), civil construction plant, and On Track Machines (OTM). It is also applicable when railway organizations perform work outside the railway infrastructure boundary but in areas where there is a potential to interfere with lines open to traffic. Importance of ALO Operations Adjacent Line Open (ALO) operations hold increasing significance in terms of reducing disruptions on busy rail network segments. They help avoid the need for comprehensive line blockages by allowing adjacent live line working. Approved Products All of our security block systems come with RISQS approval (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme). These blocks are equipped with integral lifting options that can be customized with your preferred colours, safety notices, and Ministry of Transport approved chevrons, among other features. These concrete blocks effectively secure the working area alongside the track works, presenting a more cost-effective alternative to the rental of barriers. Dedicated Customer Service At Elite, we pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, our agile team is dedicated to meeting your needs with prompt project pricing and the delivery of quality products from stock within 48 hours of ordering. To learn more, please do not hesitate to contact our team at 01952 588885 or via email at sales@eliteprecast.co.uk. Your safety and project requirements are our utmost priorities.