Rule book track safety

1. GS1. GENERAL SAFETY AND
PERSONAL TRACK SAFETY

2. GS1. 1Rules, regulations and instructions
 Rules, regulations and instructions apply to the task being carried out and to those
carrying out the task, no matter what grade or job title they have.
 Unless you are being instructed by a competent person, you must only undertake
tasks in which you are competent and can correctly apply the rules, regulations
and instructions for the task.
 Safety must always be your first concern. If there are no rules that allow or prevent
you doing something you believe must be done, you must do it in the safest way
possible taking into account your training and experience.
 Every worker has the right to refuse a task that they consider dangerous to
themselves or colleagues that may cause damage to property or is not in the best
interests of the Saudi Railway Company.

3. GS1. 2 Behaviors
 Employees must wear the correct uniform where provided. Employees
shall maintain a presentable appearance at all times. Those members of staff provided with PPE must ensure that
it remains clean and serviceable at all times.
 Employees and contractors will:
 Report fit for duty at the correct time and location
 Ensure they have all the required equipment, forms and documentation to complete their duties
 Take appropriate action to prevent an injury or accident when a hazardous or dangerous condition is discovered
 Ensure they are familiar with all the relevant rules, procedures and standards
 Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Inspect PPE, tools and equipment before use to ensure that they are in good condition
 When working on or near the line place tools or equipment more than 2 metres from a line on which trains may pass
 Ensure they have understood any job briefings including evacuation procedures, first aid, hazard identification, safety procedures,
communication standards and the communication needed to protect all people working on the job
 Always use authorised or safe walking routes to and from lineside locations
 Report any unsafe situation or condition to their Supervisor or appropriate SAR Manager
 Report all accidents, injuries or damage as well as near misses
 Report any leakage, spillage or escape of potentially hazardous substances

4. GS1.3 Gates and Fencing
 You must keep gates to the railway closed and locked to prevent people, vehicles
and animals from trespassing and causing damage. If you become aware of an
open gate you must close it and lock it if possible. If you are unable to lock the
gate you must report it to the Train Controller. If you become aware of a damaged
fence you must secure it if possible and report any defects (including the
approximate size and location of the damage) to the Train Controller.

5. GS1. 4 Protecting company affairs
 Unless you have been especially authorised it is not permitted to:
 Discuss or reveal information in relation to the Company and its business with people outside of
SAR
 Publish photographs or information in relation to the Company on any social media platform
 Employees must, where possible, prevent Company property from becoming damaged or placed at
risk of damage. Misplaced articles and items found on Company property must be reported
promptly to the line manager or supervisor.
 It is prohibited to abuse, misuse, deface, or deliberately damage or destroy company property,
tools, or equipment. Equipment that is issued on a personal basis must be looked after and
serviced in accordance with supplier details, any personnel issued equipment is the sole
responsibility of the person charged with its use.

6. GS1. 5Prohibited activities
 The following behaviors are prohibited while on duty or on Company property:
 Gambling
 Fighting
 Participating in any illegal, immoral or unauthorised activity
 Sleeping
 Using electronic devices not related to your duties, unless authorised by your Manager
 Connecting personal electrical appliances to SAR power supplies unless authorised by your Manager
 Solicitation of gratuities from patrons
 Using personal headphones
 The use of mobile telephones is prohibited:
 While operating the controls of a moving locomotive, train or machine
 While operating signalling equipment
 While on or near the line, unless required as part of your duties
 When occupying the controlling cab of a moving train or engine and not operating the controls, unless the communication directly relates to duties, and no distraction is afforded to the Driver
 When in the control of a company vehicle
 Unless you need to contact the OCC in an emergency
 You may use a mobile telephone if:
 You are standing in a position of safety
 It will not interfere with your duties

7. GS1. 6 Operating signalling equipment,
locomotives and on-track machines
 Only a qualified employee or a trainee under the personal supervision of a
qualified employee is permitted to operate signalling equipment, a locomotive or
on-track machine.

8. GS1. 7 Getting on and off rail vehicles
 Unless authorised you must not:
 Get on or off a moving rail vehicle
 Ride on the steps of a locomotive or vehicle
 Ride on a moving wagon
 Ride on a hand trolley or any other vehicle not designed for this purpose

9. GS1. 8 Mechanical and electrical plant or
other equipment
 You must not operate mechanical or electrical plant or any other equipment unless
you have been trained and are authorised to do so. If necessary, you must also hold
a certificate of competency in operating the plant or equipment.

10. GS1. 9 Tampering with appliances and
equipment
 Employees are prohibited from breaking seals on interlocking appliances or other
equipment, except when authorised as part of their duties.
 Employees are prohibited from altering, nullifying or in any manner restricting or
interfering with the normal intended function of any device or equipment on
locomotives, rail maintenance vehicles or other rail property, except when specifically
authorised to do so.
 Employees are prohibited from removing any defective wagon label from vehicles
unless specifically authorised by the Rolling Stock Maintenance Engineer or Technician
and then only where necessary for essential traffic movements.
 In case of failure, or where seals are found to be tampered with, broken, missing, or
authorised to be removed, a report must be made immediately to the Chief Train
Controller, Terminal Master, or Maintenance Engineer in charge.

11. GS1. 10 Travelling in driving cabs
 You must only travel in the driving cab of a train if it is in connection with your
duties or are in possession of a cab pass or you have authority to do so.
 When travelling in the driving cab, you must not distract the Driver.

12. GS1. 11 Reporting lineside fires
 You must immediately report a lineside fire to the Operations Control Centre.

13. GS1. 12 Reporting trespassers
 You must report anyone you believe to be trespassing to the Operations Control
Centre.
 Train Controller
 If a Train Controller becomes aware that one or more trespassers are on or near the
line, the Train Controller must arrange for the trespassers to be removed.
 If a Train Controller believes that the trespassers are in danger from passing trains,
the Train Controller must tell the Driver of each train in the affected area to
proceed with caution.
 The Train Controller must tell each Driver to proceed with caution until the Train
Controller is told that the affected line is clear.

14. GS1. 13 Animals on the railway
 If a Train Controller becomes aware that one or more animals are within the
boundary fence that could affect the safe passage of trains, the Train Controller
must:
 Arrange for the animals to be removed,
 Tell the Driver of each train in the affected area to proceed with caution.
 The Train Controller must tell each Driver to proceed with caution until the Train
Controller is told that the affected line is clear.

15. GS1. 14 Defective rail vehicles
 You must not remove or obscure a ‘Do Not Move’ board or other repair label on a
defective rail vehicle unless you are authorised to do so.

16. GS1. 15 Danger to trains
 Whenever you can, you must check a passing train for anything that looks unsafe such as:
 A door not closed properly
 An insecure load
 A vehicle on fire
 A hot axle box
 The headlight not lit
 Any unusual noise
 The Driver sounding the train in distress warning (which is a continuous series of long blasts on the
horn)
 The Driver, Pilot or Train Captain displaying a red flag or waving a light vigorously
 If you become aware of any of these hazards or warnings or other dangers, you must immediately
tell the Train Controller, or if this is not possible, the person in charge.

17. GS1. 16 Stopping a Train in an Emergency
 When stopping a train in an emergency you must, if possible avoid stopping the
train:
 On a viaduct
 In a tunnel
 At the entrance to a station
 On a level crossing
 On a gradient
 Adjacent to a steep embankment

18. GS1. 17 Hazards placing trains in danger
 The following hazards might put approaching trains in danger:
 A track defect
 A sand build up on the track
 A flood
 An obstruction
 A fire
 A camel or other large animal within the rail boundary fence
 Any other animals on or near the line
 If you become aware of any of these hazards or other dangers, you must immediately make an emergency call to the Train Controller. If this is not possible, you must tell the person in charge (who must tell the Train Controller).
 As well as reporting the hazard, you must take any other necessary action, such as:
 Stopping trains
 Calling the emergency services
 If you have to stop a train in an emergency, you must show a hand danger signal clearly to the Driver using one of the following methods:
 During Daylight
 You must show a red flag. If you do not have a red flag, raise both arms above your head. If you are riding on a vehicle, raise one arm held out horizontally.
 During Darkness or in Poor Visibility
 You must show a red light to the Driver or wave any coloured light vigorously.

19. GS1. 18 Reporting an accident/making an
emergency call
 You must report all accidents and incidents affecting the safe operation of the railway as quickly as possible to the Operations Control Centre.
 In an emergency situation, except for a rail dangerous goods emergency, all emergency communications are to start with the phrase:
 When reporting an accident or incident you must state:
 Your name
 Your job title
 Confirm who you are talking to
 Your employer
 Where you are speaking from
 Your telephone or GSM-R number
 You must give the exact location and details of the accident or incident, including any lines:
 That are definitely blocked, and
 Any lines you think could be blocked

20. GS1. 19 Calling the Emergency Services
 You must make sure you know how to call the emergency services from your usual
place of work.
 You must use a fixed telephone if one is available (this helps the emergency
services to locate where you are calling from).
 If no fixed telephone is available, you may use a mobile telephone. In all cases,
when calling the emergency services, you must:
 Give the exact location of the accident
 Give details of the accident

21. GS1. 20 Preserving evidence at a serious
accident
 Accident investigators will need to examine the site for evidence of the cause of the
accident. You must not interfere with, disturb or remove any evidence of the
possible cause of the accident except to help the injured or to prevent further
injury or damage. This applies to equipment such as:
 Driving controls
 Signalling equipment
 Rolling stock
 Lineside equipment

22. GS1. 21 Reporting a dangerous goods
incident
 If there are dangerous goods on a train, you must tell the Train Controller
or Chief Train Controller, stating the following:
 You must tell them the United Nations number (as well as the
information set out in GS1.4.1). The United Nations number is displayed on the
hazard warning panel on the side of a vehicle (or container). A hazard warning
panel could look like one of the following:
 If there are dangerous goods on a train, you must tell the Train Controller
or Chief Train Controller, stating the following:

23. GS1. 21 Reporting a dangerous goods inci
dent continued
 You must:
 Keep well clear
 Keep the wind behind you as you face any affected vehicles or packages
 Avoid low-lying places where gas may gather
 Keep unauthorised people well clear
 Try to put out any fire, without putting yourself or anyone else at risk
 Keep naked lights well clear
 Not smoke, use matches or pocket lighters
 Not use a mobile phone or GSMR handset near any vehicle carrying flammable load
s

24. GS1. 22 Reporting incidents that do not
affect the safety of the line
 Any incident or accident that does not affect the safe operation of the railway and
does not present a risk to people and trains should be reported to the Train
Controller at the first opportunity.

25. GS1. 23 Observing Flooding or Collecting
Water
 You must report to the Train Controller if you see any flooding or collecting water
that might affect the passage of trains. You must tell the Train Controller if you
believe the water:
 May be a risk to the railway
 Is flowing along or across the track
 Is up to the bottom of the railhead, the top of the railhead or above the railhead
 Has moved, or is likely to move the ballast
 Is flowing down or out of an embankment
 Is flowing or collecting around any railway structures such as bridges or culverts

26. GS1. 24 Communications procedure
 GSMR is the primary method of communication on the SAR network. Mobile and
satellite telephones should only be used when GSMR is not available.

27. GS1. 25 Communicating clearly
 You must make sure you properly understand the meaning of all messages whether they are communicated by telephone, radio or
face-to-face. If you do not understand you must ask the other person to explain more clearly.
 You must:
 Make sure you are talking to the right person
 Give your exact location, if you are using a telephone or a radio
 Give your name and that of your employer
 State what task you are carrying out
 If necessary, let the person know how you can be contacted
 Use the phonetic alphabet to make sure names and locations that are difficult to pronounce are fully understood, and
 Never use the words ‘not clear’ to describe a line that is obstructed. Always use ‘line blocked’
 You must say numbers one at a time. You should say 8107 as ‘eight, one, zero, seven’. There are exceptions to this such as when giving
the time, stating distances and stating weights. If you are receiving a message, make sure you fully understand it. You must repeat the
message back so that the other person knows you correctly understand it.

28. GS1. 25 Communicating clearly
continued
 To help make sure your message is fully understood when using a telephone or
radio:
 Speak with the mouthpiece close to your mouth and speak directly into the
mouthpiece
 Talk slightly slower than normal using a natural rhythm
 Use your normal level of volume when speaking
 Avoid using hesitation sounds for example ‘um’ and ‘er’
 Use clear sentences
 Get the person to repeat your message back to you

29. GS1. 26 Communication protocols
 The primary language for all communications is English, both written and spoken.
English must be used in all instances where safety is a factor.
 When giving a message, either by GSMR, telephone or two way hand held radio,
the Phonetic Alphabet must be used to identify letters of the alphabet and to spell
words and place names that are difficult to pronounce.

30. GS1. 26 Communication protocols cont
inued
Letter Phonetic Letter Phonetic
A Alpha N November
B Bravo O Oscar
C Charlie P Papa
D Delta Q Quebec
E Echo R Romeo
F Foxtrot S Sierra
G Golf T Tango
H Hotel U Uniform
I India V Victor
J Juliet W Whiskey
K Kilo X X-Ray
L Lima Y Yankee
M Mike Z Zulu
NOTE:
The 24 hour clock must be used in all instances where times are given and recorded. When quoting the time, it is
not
necessary
to quote the numbers
singularly;
the
time
must
be
given in
the
24
hour
clock
format.
For
example
times
would
be
given
as eleven
fifteen
or twenty
one
thirty.

31. GS1. 27 Safety critical
phrases
Phrase Meaning
This is an Emergency Call The message requires IMMEDIATE action
Speak slower
Reduce the speed at which you are
speaking
Say again from I want you to repeat your message from….
Repeat the message back to me
I want you to repeat the message back to
confirm you have understood the
message
Spell
I want the caller to use the Phonetic
Alphabet to spell a particular word
I will call you back
I need to give you further instructions.
Wait for me to call you back
Standby
To acknowledge receipt of a transmission,
but telling the sender to wait until called
ETD The Estimated Time of Departure
ETA The Estimated Time of Arrival
Pass your message
I understand you want to speak to me and
I am now waiting to receive your message
Correction
I have made a mistake and will now
correct the word or phrase I have just
spoken
Cancel message
Consider the last message as not sent or
not applicable
Attention
Be prepared, I am about to carry out the
agreed action
The following terms and phrases must be used
in all communications of a safety critical nature:

32. GS1. 28 Using communications equipment
 You must not use communications equipment if it may cause a distraction or
affect safety.
 If you are on or near the line, make sure you are in a position of safety before using
mobile communications equipment, in accordance with section GS1.6 Trackside
Definitions.
 Unless it is an emergency, you must not use the group call (GSMR), general call or
conference-call facility for passing instructions to do with:
 Passing an End of Authority without a Movement Authority
 Protecting trains
 Wrong-direction movements
 Un-signaled movements

33. GS1. 29 Lead responsibility
Lead Responsibility When Communicating with
Chief Train Controller (CTC) Anyone
Train Controller Anyone except the CTC
Senior Protection Officer (SPO) Protection Officer (PO)
Protection Officer (PO) Staff working within a possession
Protection Officer (PO) Lookout
Train Driver Pilot
Ground Staff Driver
During any conversation, one person
must always take lead responsibility. Lead
responsibility means it is your
responsibility to ensure a clear
understanding is reached. The person
who must take lead responsibility
depends on the task being carried out.
Examples are shown below:
NOTE: If it is not clear who has lead
responsibility, or if two people carrying out
the same task are communicating with each
other, the person who starts the
conversation must always take lead
responsibility.

34. GS1. 30 Hand held two-way radios
 Employees are responsible for inspecting their radios prior to use and ensuring
that there is sufficient battery power to last the duration of the work activity.
 When their duties involve the use of radios employees must have the radio on and
tuned to the proper channel at all times. The volume must be adjusted so that all
transmissions can be heard.
 Before transmitting by radio the employee must listen to ensure that the channel
on which they intend to transmit is not in use.

35. GS1. 30
Hand held t
wo-way radios
continued
Phrase Meaning
Over
I have finished my message and am
expecting a reply (only for handheld
radios)
Out
I have finished my message and DO NOT
expect a reply (only for handheld radios)
• All transmissions must be repeated by
the person receiving them,
except transmissions that do not contain
any information, instruction or advice that co
uld affect the safety of rail operations.
• Employees must ensure that radio contact
with the correct people has been made.
Employees must not carry out any
task until certain that a clear understanding
with all those involved has been reached.
• An employee receiving a radio call
must acknowledge the call immediately
unless doing so would interfere with safety. If
a communication
is not fully understood it must be repeated u
ntil a clear understanding is reached.
• The following terms must be used in
all communications when
using hand held radios:

36. GS1. 31 Making an Emergency Call

In an emergency situation, except for a rail dangerous goods emergency, all emergency communications are to start with the phrase:
 When reporting an emergency, you must first say ‘This is an emergency call’. This is important, as you will get the immediate attention of the person you are speaking to. You must then
state:
 Your name
 Your job title
 Confirm who you are talking to
 Your employer
 Where you are speaking from
 Your telephone or GSM-R number
 You must give the exact location and details of the accident including which lines:
 Are definitely blocked, and
 Lines you think could be blocked
 You must also say if any emergency services are needed. You must ensure that your message is repeated or read back to you, to confirm that it has been understood

37. GS1. 32 Trackside Definitions
 Operational railway
 The term operational railway includes the area called on the lineside and the area called on or near the line.
 On or near the line
 You are on or near the line if you are:
 Within 2 metres of the nearest rail
 On the line itself
 You are not on or near the line if you are on a station platform unless you are carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25 metres of the platform edge.
 You are not on or near the line if you are crossing the line at a Temporary Level Crossing.
 Lineside
 You are lineside if you are
 More than 2 metres from the nearest rail
 and
 Inside the railway boundary fence
 You are not lineside if you are on a station platform.
 You are not lineside if you are outside the railway boundary fence

38. GS1. 32 Trackside Definitions
continued
 A position of safety
 You are in a position of safety if you are more than 2 metres from the nearest line on
which a train can approach.
 On the approach to
 When describing a location you must use ‘On the approach to…’ to describe a location
before, or when moving towards a specific piece of equipment or structure such as a
Marker Board, turnout, bridge or station.
 Beyond
 When describing a location you can must ‘Beyond…’ to describe a location after, or
when moving away from a specific piece of equipment or structure such as a Marker
Board, turnout, bridge or station.

39. GS1. 33 Going Trackside
 1 General
 You are required to carry a safety certificate showing that you are competent in the personal track-safety
rules and have a Safe System of Work in place before going on or near the line.
 You must wear clean high-visibility clothing of an approved type in the correct way whenever you are on the
operational railway.
 You must make sure you have a suitable hand lamp with you during poor visibility, darkness, or if you are to
enter a tunnel.
 2 Local knowledge
 Before you go on or near the line, you must know about all of the following for each line:
 The maximum speed
 The direction from which trains approach
 The location of any area where you must not go while trains are running
 Any location with limited clearances

40. GS1. 33 Going Trackside continued
 3 While walking
 You must use authorised walking routes if they are provided. If you have to cross the line, you must:
 Always use an authorised crossing point where provided
 Ensure there is a position of safety on the opposite side of the line
 Ensure there is good visibility of approaching trains
 Not step on rails or sleepers or between movable parts of turnouts
 If you have to use a mobile or GSM-R telephone, first move to a position of safety and then stand still until you have finished using the telephone.
 Do not allow yourself to be distracted by anyone or anything. Keep a good lookout for approaching trains.
 4 Driving Vehicles Lineside
 You are driving lineside if you are:
 Within the boundary fence of the railway and
 More than 2 metres from the nearest running line
 To drive a vehicle lineside, you must:
 Hold a valid driving license
 Have approval from your Line Manager to drive the vehicle

41. GS1. 33 Going Trackside continued
continued
 Whilst driving lineside you must:
 Only drive SAR vehicles or SAR approved vehicles
 Not use any mobile communications equipment
 Always wear a seatbelt
 Ensure all passengers are wearing a seatbelt
 Drive the vehicle at such a speed that control of the vehicle can be maintained at all times
 Never drive at a speed greater than 50 km/h. This is a maximum speed, not a target speed
 Always maintain a minimum distance of 2 metres from the running line
 Ensure the vehicles hazard lights are on
 Never reverse towards the running line

42. GS1. 34 Heavy Plant or Machinery
Working Within the Boundary Fence
 y heavy plant or machinery required to work within 10 metres of the running line
must have either:
 A safe system of work in place that has been approved by the relevant Supervisor
or Line Manager,
 or
 A Possession, as per module SSW2 – Possessions, in place to protect the work

43. GS1. 35 Protection of rail maintenance
vehicles
 Where possible all on-track machinery, plant and equipment must be stabled on
the third line at all siding locations across the SAR network, this restriction does
not apply to yards and depots where local instructions will apply.
 All turnouts must be positioned to protect the vehicles, with inhibits applied by the
Train Controller. Where vehicles are protected by non-electrically operated
turnouts, the turnouts must be secured with a turnout clip and padlock. The
padlock and clip may only be removed by the Designated Person who applied
them or by their Supervisor.
 The rail maintenance vehicles can only be coupled together with the permission of
the Person in Charge.

44. GS1. 36 Accommodation vehicles
 When rail accommodation vehicles are parked on a line for the purpose of housing rail
employees, a Designated Person in Charge for the accommodation vehicles or their
immediate Supervisor must take the following actions as soon as the locomotive has
been detached from the accommodation vehicles:
 Notify the Train Controller in charge of the line on which the accommodation vehicles
are parked
 Ensure that each turnout providing access to the line is appropriately set by the Train
Controller with an inhibit applied. Where unfitted turnouts are protecting the vehicles,
clips and padlocks must be applied to each turnout
 Obtain confirmation that remotely controlled turnouts that provide access to the line
have an inhibit applied by the Train Controller
 Place red lights or a red flag within the four foot in both directions, positioned at the
fouling point

45. GS1. 37 Accommodation vehicles stabled
on the main line
 Accommodation vehicles can only be stabled on the main line if the arrangements
have previously been planned and published in the Weekly Operating Notice
(WON), Daily Agreed Track Access (DATA) or in an Engineering Notice.

46. GS1. 38 Moving accommodation vehicles
 When accommodation vehicles need to be moved the Designated Person or their
Supervisor must:
 Notify the Train Controller prior to the Driver requesting a Movement Authority or
Written Order
 Notify accommodation vehicle occupants
 Request the Train Controller to remove all necessary inhibits, where applied
 Remove any clips, padlocks and flags