Working in Summer Instructions

1. Network Maintenance Sydney Trains
Working in Summer Instructions
ALL staff working or planning work that will affect track or track stability in the defined summer
period MUST know the requirements for working in summer months - MN T 20211.
The defined summer period is from 1 November to 31 March.
Special maintenance practices are adopted for welded track when the AIR temperature reaches
38°C OR is forecast (by the Bureau of Meteorology) to reach 38°C (35°C prior to 15 November).
All proposed work that affects track stability should be postponed if this temperature is forecast
and stop immediately if these temperatures are reached during work.
Green Card “Safety Net” provisions apply for Manual Resleepering, Mechanised Resleepering,
Mechanised Resurfacing, and Manual Fettling. DO NOT start work unless the maximum forecast
AIR temperature is less than 35°C. And STOP work immediately if the Rail Temperature reaches
38°C or the track shows any sign of moving.
DO NOT carry out ballast cleaning, track jacking, reconditioning etc when the rail temperature is
above 38°C. In the case that WOLO is applied ALL work which may affect track stability MUST
STOP and the track reinstated.
STOP WORK if the temperature exceeds 38°C or WOLO is applied
Before commencing any work that may affect track stability in summer, you MUST request a
“Permission to Disturb” assessment be carried out.
Work that reduces track stability and increases the risk of a misalignment includes:
• Any disturbance to rails, sleepers or ballast.
• Resurfacing.
• Rerailing.
• Resleepering.
• Ballast cleaning.
• Earthworks and drainage.
• Welding & CWR.
• Trenching or installing cables under or alongside the track.
• Repairing rail defects.
• Damaging ballast shoulder/profile with plant/road vehicles
All work that reduces track stability and increases the risk of a misalignment must be assessed
by the local Technical Officer. Work that creates a WTSA P1 or P2 must be authorised by the
Territory Track Engineer.
email: PermissionToDisturb@transport.nsw.gov.au
Authorisation must be received from the local Territory before work may commence.

2. Working In Summer Instructions – Network Maintenance
If the track shows any sign of movement or high temperature limits are exceeded
and the work cannot be stopped. Contact the local Territory Engineer immediately
During and after work, maintenance staff must be satisfied that the track has been maintained to
its maximum stability and must comply with the requirements detailed in MN T 20211. Any staff
carrying out work affecting track stability MUST report full details of the work to the Territory, In
particular:
 Welding/adjustment returns MUST show steel in / steel out measurements
 Any disturbances
 Alignment measurements (at the time of adjustment)
Report immediately any incidents or unplanned works that occur without the prior knowledge of
the Territory.
 Bumping or disturbing track.
 Uncontrolled rail welding.
 Disturbing ballast.
 Changing track alignment on curves.
 Failing to complete planned rail adjustment.
Authorised Work Outside Green Card Provisions
Clear written authorisation is required before working outside green card provisions.
Mechanised Resurfacing Concrete Sleepered Track and Turnouts
Resurfacing on concrete sleepered track and concrete turnouts may continue under the following
conditions:
 The supervisor in charge has written authorisation from the Territory Track Engineer.
 There is enough ballast to restore a full ballast profile.
 Appropriate speed restrictions are applied following the work in accordance with
MNT20211 (confirm in writing that arrangements for temporary speed have been made).
 Minimum maintenance lifts of no more than 20mm are to be applied.
The supervisor in charge of the resurfacing is to cease work immediately if the rail temperature
exceeds 50°C or the track shows any signs of loss of stability.
Mechanised Resurfacing Timber Sleepered Track and Turnouts (CWR only)
Resurfacing on timber sleepered CWR track may continue under the following conditions:
 The supervisor in charge has written authorisation from the Territory Track Engineer
 Welded Track Stability calculations DO NOT produce a WTSA P2 or higher priority.
 There is enough ballast to restore a full ballast profile.
 Appropriate speed restrictions are applied following the work in accordance with
MNT20211 (confirm in writing that arrangements for temporary speed have been made).
 Minimum maintenance lifts of no more than 20mm are to be applied.
The supervisor in charge of the resurfacing is to cease work immediately if the rail temperature
exceeds 40°C or the track shows any signs of loss of stability.

3. Working In Summer Instructions – Network Maintenance
Document History
The history of changes made to this document are shown below.
Version Date Author
Description / changes from
previous version
1 22/08/2014 Peter George Initial draft
2 01/10/2014 Peter George Green Card details added
3 06/02/2015 Peter George Approvals changed.
4 01/08/2017 Peter George Work outside Green Card