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Safety Critical Training Information

ALO

This course is designed to train persons who are responsible for undertaking roles within the Control of Any Line Open Working as part of their duties on Network Rail Infrastructure. It is designed to develop a person’s knowledge, understanding and skills in both ALO Planning and ALO Coordination. Based upon their organisational requirements, delegates will be able to either plan, coordinate or undertake both roles.

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The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the skills and knowledge required to plan and co-ordinate Any Line Open activities on Network Rail infrastructure.

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2 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Relate the requirements of legislation, RSSB rule book and Network Rail standards applicable to the role of ALO Planning and Co-ordination

  • Support individuals to work within the Network Rail Lifesaving rules and displaying the Network Rail behaviours

  • Select and access the appropriate sources of information to effectively plan ALO activities

  • Plan a safe ALO activity

  • Discuss the process for ALO plan authorisation describing the roles within the authorisation process

  • Implement an authorised ALO plan

  • The process to modify the ALO plan to take into account changes on site

  • The process to re-plan a safe ALO activity working within the change control process

Delegates:

  • Must be a minimum age of 18

  • Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card endorsed with PTS

  • Must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Medical Fitness Level 2.

  • Must meet the British standard of literacy and numeracy

  • Must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/051 (Drugs & Alcohol)

PTS AC/DCCR

The PTS course is comprised of two components. There is an e-learning training package followed by a practical training day. Successful completion of the e-learning assessment is required prior to attendance on the practical training day.

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This practical training module is designed to train persons who are responsible for undertaking Personal Track Safety training as part of their duties on Network Rail Infrastructure.

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It is designed to develop a person’s knowledge, understanding and skills and is therefore particularly suited to persons required to prove their competence in these areas.

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The aim of the course is to instruct delegates on correctly determining their responsibilities and duties when working on or near the line.

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1 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Demonstrate their ability to interpret correctly the Rule Book GE/RT 8000 Series or Guide to Personal            •Track Safety or PTS Key Point Card NR9922 and relevant local instructions when required to go on or near      the line.

  • Demonstrate their understanding and ability to follow a Safe System of Work.

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Delegates Initial:

  • Must be a minimum age of 16.

  • Must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements at levels 1, 2, 3, or 4. 3.

  • Make necessary arrangements for Knowledge Assessments to be read to support those who have difficulty with reading.

  • Meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/00120 (Drugs & Alcohol). (Supply chain only) - A drugs and alcohol test must have been carried out no more than 3 months prior to attending a PTS initial training event.

  • Must have successfully completed the e-learning training and assessment prior to attendance and supplied the certificate as evidence.

  • The sponsor shall have a process in place to check learner pre-reqs. They should be able to confirm the delegate is of a required level.​

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Delegates Recertification (Supply Chain):

  • Hold a current and valid PTS competence or be within the grace period and not in learning support

  • Provide proof of work experience as defined in NR/L2/CTM/021 standard​

TIC

This course is designed for individuals who are new to working on or around the track and whose duties may involve the maintenance, inspection or renewal of the track, or other activities that could affect the stability, position or integrity of the track infrastructure.

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The course is designed to develop delegates’ knowledge, understanding and practical skills in line with the relevant competence standards listed below. It is particularly suited to individuals who are required to demonstrate competence in these areas:

  • TR1 – Maintain Permanent Way Assets

  • TR2 – Maintain ‘Off Track’ Assets

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5 Day Course

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At the end of the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Work in accordance with the TR1 – Maintain Permanent Way Assets and TR2 – Maintain ‘Off Track’ Assets competence requirements while following the relevant Network Rail standards and safe working practices.

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to be delivered in accordance with Network Rail standards:

  • Delegates must be a minimum of 16 years of age.

  • Delegates must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 – Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements.

  • Delegates must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/00120 – Drugs & Alcohol.

  • Delegates must have successfully completed the PTS AC training and assessment prior to attending the course.

  • Delegates must have a sufficient command of the English language, in accordance with Network Rail Company Specification NR/S/CTM/021 – Competence & Training in Track Safety.

  • Delegates must have the required minimum PPE available due to the practical elements of the course.

  • Delegates must hold valid First Aid at Work, Fire Safety and Manual Handling training.

  • Delegates must hold the relevant competencies in the use of small tools and P-Way tools, such as jacks.

Site Warden

This course is designed to train persons who are responsible for undertaking this course as part of their duties on Network Rail Infrastructure.

 

It is designed to develop a person’s knowledge, understanding and skills and is therefore particularly suited to persons required to prove their capability in these areas.

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The aim of this course is to provide delegates with the technical and non-technical skills and underpinning knowledge required to undertake their duties in line with the unit of competence.

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1/2 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Recall the local health and safety arrangements of the training centre.

  • Examine the role of a Site Warden.

  • Examine the safety responsibilities of a Site Warden on site.

  • Analyse the role of a Site Warden in a scenario.

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to be delivered in accordance with Network Rail standards:

  • Must be a minimum age of 18.

  • Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card endorsed with PTS and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.

  • Must meet the minimum medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Medical Fitness Level 1 or 3.

  • Must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/00120 (Drugs & Alcohol).

  • They cannot attend if their Sentinel Card is endorsed, they must be accompanied.

  • It is the responsibility of delegates’ Local Manager to decide upon their suitability to attend this course, in accordance with the current issue of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.

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COSS Initial
IWA

This course is designed to train persons who have been nominated by their line manager/sponsor to enable them to attain the Individual Working Alone (IWA) competence.

 

The IWA competence is required to be held by anyone who is required to work on or near the line on their own.

 

The IWA course will take delegates through the procedures as set out in the Rule Book; Handbook 6 (General Duties of an IWA), Handbook 8 (IWA, COSS or PC blocking a line) and Handbook 9 (IWA or COSS setting up safe systems of work within possessions).

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The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the skills and underpinning knowledge required to undertake Individual Working Alone duties in line with the Individual Working Alone unit of competence.

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3 Day Course - With PTS

2 Day Course - Without PTS Recert

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • To enable suitably qualified staff to carry out the Duties of an Individual Working Alone as set out in HB6, HB7,               HB8, HB9, HB13, the Rule Book GE/RT 8000 Series and competence requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 and                     NR/L2/OHS/019.

 

Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to run to Network Rail Standards:

  • 1. Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/ CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.

  • 2. Must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements at Level 1 or Level 3.

  • 3. In addition the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/051 (Drugs & Alcohol) must be met.

  • 4. It is the responsibility of delegates’ Local Manager to decide upon their suitability to attend this course, in accordance with the current issue of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.

PC

This course is designed to train persons who have been nominated by their line manager/sponsor to enable them to attain the Protection Controller competence.

 

A Protection Controller must be appointed when a line blockage is required to be taken and shared by two or more COSSs or IWAs. The PC course will take delegates through the procedures as set out in Handbook 8 of the Rule Book, as well as highlighting the importance of using the correct communication protocols and adopting the appropriate behaviours to be able to carry out this role safely and effectively.

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The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the skills and underpinning knowledge required to undertake Protection Controller duties in line with the Protection Controller unit of competence.

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1 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Gained the  knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the role of a Protection Controller safely and effectively.

  • They will understand their responsibilities, relevant protection arrangements, communication requirements and procedures necessary to establish, maintain and remove protection in accordance with the relevant Network Rail rules and standards.

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to run to Network Rail Standards:

  • 1. Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – competence and Training in Track Safety.

  • 2. Must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements for levels 1, 2, 3 or 4.

  • 3. Must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/00120 (Drugs & Alcohol).

  • 4. It is the responsibility of the delegates’ Local Manager to decide upon their suitability to attend this course, and to check they are not subject to current Sentinel investigation in accordance with the current issue of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.

  • 5. Must hold valid and current COSS certification and is not undergoing mentoring.

  • 6. Have proof COSS competence, taking line blockages has been practiced as required by the current issue of NR/L2/CTM/021.

ES

This course is designed to train persons who have been nominated by their line manager/sponsor to enable them to attain the Engineering Supervisor (ES) competence.

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The ES competence is required to be held by anyone who is required to set up and manage a worksite within an engineering possession on the rail infrastructure under the direction of a Person in Charge of Possession (PICOP). This includes the management of on and off-tracking On Track Plant (OTP) and train movements within the designated worksite.

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The ES course will take delegates through the procedures as set out in the Rule Book; Handbook 12 (Duties of the Engineering Supervisor) and Handbook 13 (Duties of the Person in Charge of the Siding).

The course includes the importance of using the correct communication protocols and adopting the appropriate behaviours to be able to carry out this role safely and effectively.

 

The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the skills and underpinning knowledge required to undertake Engineering Supervisor duties in line with the Engineering Supervisor unit of competence.

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2 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Recall the local health and safety arrangements of the training location

  • Examine the role of an Engineering Supervisor

  • Examine the role of an Engineering Supervisor within the Possession Planning Process

  • Examine the procedure of a PICOP taking a possession

  • Analyse the role of the ES in setting up a worksite

  • Examine the role of a PICOS and the relationship with an ES and a worksite

  • Examine the responsibilities of an ES in the management of rail vehicle movements through an engineering possession

  • Examine the role of the ES in relation to loading, unloading and preparation of engineering prior to leaving a worksite

  • Analyse the role of the ES within the line clear verification process (LCV) as defined within NR/L3/OPS/084​

  • Outline the procedure of handing over ES responsibilities during a possession

  • Outline the process of dealing with possession overruns

  • Discuss the process for suspending and handing back worksites

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to run to Network Rail Standards:

  • Minimum age of 18

  • Good level of literacy required

  • Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety. Full IWA or COSS competence is required (not probationary).

  • Meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements at level 1 or level 2.

  • In addition, the requirements of Network Rail Specification NR/L1/OHS/051 (Drugs & Alcohol) must be met.

SSOWP

This course is designed to train persons who are responsible for undertaking this course as part of their duties on Network Rail Infrastructure.

 

It is designed to develop a person’s knowledge, understanding and skills and is therefore particularly suited to persons required to prove their capability in these areas.

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The aim of this course is to provide delegates with the underpinning knowledge and skills to complete Safe Work Pack (SWP) for staff required to work on the Network Rail Controlled Infrastructure.

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2 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Understand the process for planning Safe Systems of Work in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019, Safety of people at         work on or near the line.

  • Access and extract information from various sources and using that information in the production of Safe Work Packs       (SWP) for use by staff required to work safely on the Network Rail Managed Infrastructure.

  • Have a basic understanding of key Rail Rule Book modules and Handbooks associated with planning and                           implementing Safe Systems of Work

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to run to Network Rail Standards:

  • Candidates must hold either: o SPO1 as a section planner (Network Rail candidates only) o PTS competence

  • If either SPO1 or PTS is not applicable to the job role, then the delegates must attend the Introduction to the Railway       e-learning prior to attending the SSOWP course.

  • Must be a minimum age of 18.

  • Must have a good level of literacy to meet Entry Qualifications.

  • Must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/0120 (Drugs & Alcohol), any person attending             SSOWP shall have undergone a drugs and alcohol testing and achieved a negative result within the last 5 years and         evidence provided. Where an individual already holds a valid PTS competence, there is no requirement to undertake       a new D&A test. Delegates Recertification (Supply Chain):

  • Hold a current and valid SSOWP competence or be within the grace period.

  • Provide proof of work experience as defined in NR/L2/CTM/209.

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PS

This module is designed to train persons who are responsible for undertaking Possession Support training as part of their duties on Network Rail Infrastructure.

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It is designed to develop a person’s knowledge, understanding and skills and is therefore particularly suited to persons required to prove their competence in these areas.

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The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the skills and underpinning knowledge required to undertake Possession Support duties in line with the Possession Support unit of competence.

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1 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Examine the role of Possession Support.

  • Identify what needs to be done before setting up a possession.

  • Explain the process to set up and hand back a possession under the instruction of a PICOP.

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to run to Network Rail Standards:

  • Must be a minimum age of 18.

  • Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card endorsed with IWA or COSS.

  • Must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Medical Fitness Level 1.

  • Must have a good level of literacy to meet Entry Qualifications.

  • Must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/051 (Drugs & Alcohol).

  • The candidate cannot hold a blue circle or red triangle on their Sentinel card.

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PICOP

This course is designed to train persons who have been nominated by their line manager/sponsor to enable them to attain the Person in Charge of Possession (PICOP) competence.

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The PICOP competence is required to be held by anyone who is required to set up and manage a possession for the purpose of undertaking engineering works on the rail infrastructure and includes the management of single train movements within the possession.

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The PICOP course will take delegates through the procedures as set out in the Rule Book; Handbook 11 (Duties of the Person in Charge of Possession), Handbook 12 (Duties of the Engineering Supervisor) and Handbook 13 (Duties of the Person in Charge of the Siding).

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The course includes the importance of using the correct communication protocols and adopting the appropriate behaviours to be able to carry out this role safely and effectively.

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The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the skills and underpinning knowledge required to undertake Person in Charge of Possession duties in line with the Person in Charge of Possession unit of competence.

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1 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Recall the local health and safety arrangements of the training location

  • Examine the role of a Person in Charge of Possession (PICOP)

  • Examine the role of a Person in Charge of Possession within the Possession Planning Process  Analyse the role of the PICOP in taking a possession

  • Analyse the role of the ES in setting up a worksite

  • Examine the role of the PICOP in allowing work outside of a worksite

  • Examine the role of a PICOS and the relationship with a PICOP and a possession

  • Examine the responsibilities of an PICOP in the management of rail vehicle movements through a possession

  • Outline the procedure of handing over PICOP responsibilities during a possession.

  • Outline the process of dealing with possession overruns

  • Examine the Suspension of Handing Back of Worksite or Site of Work

  • Explain the procedure for giving up a possession

  • Analyse the role of the PICOP within the line clear verification process (LCV) as defined within NR/L3/OPS/084

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to run to Network Rail Standards:

  • 1. Minimum age of 18.

  • 2. Good level of literacy required.

  • 3. Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety. Full IWA or COSS competence is required (not probationary).

  • 4. Meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements at level 1 or level 2.

  • 5. In addition, the requirements of Network Rail Specification NR/L1/OHS/051 (Drugs & Alcohol) must be met.

PTMP16

The PTMP16 – Safe Use of Track Trolley course is designed for individuals who are required to use and operate track trolleys as part of their duties on Network Rail infrastructure.

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The course develops delegates’ knowledge, understanding and practical skills to enable them to use track trolleys safely and correctly. Training covers the safe use, handling and operation of track trolleys, including the appropriate safety requirements and working practices.

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The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the underpinning knowledge and practical experience on the control and safe use of ‘Hand Trolleys’.

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1/2 Day Course

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  •Complete appropriate pre-use checks to ensure that the hand trolley is fit for purpose

  •Select and use personal protective equipment appropriate to using a hand trolley

  •Understand what safe systems are required to be put in place prior to the hand trolley being placed on the track

  •Assemble, load, operate and control the hand trolley safely taking account of the manufacturer’s instructions

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to be delivered in accordance with Network Rail requirements:

  • Delegates must be a minimum of 16 years of age.

  • Delegates must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card endorsed with a valid, in-date PTS competence.

  • Delegates must have an active Sentinel profile with a valid Sponsor who has authorised the training.

  • Delegates must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 – Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements, at the appropriate medical level.

  • Delegates must meet Network Rail’s Drugs & Alcohol requirements.

  • Delegates must have a sufficient command of the English language in accordance with Network Rail competence and training requirements.

  • For Network Rail employees, a valid PTMP Core competence is required.

  • Delegates must bring the appropriate PPE required for the practical elements of the course.

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                      Other courses may be available, please contact for further information training@richardsonrail.co.uk​

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COSS Recert

This course is designed to train persons who have been nominated by their line manager/sponsor to enable them to attain the Controller of Site Safety (COSS) competence.

 

The COSS competence will be held by anyone who is required to set up a safe system of work on or near the line for a group (two or more people). A COSS can also carry out the duties of an IWA, provided there are no medical restrictions that would prevent this.

 

The COSS course will take delegates through the procedures set out in the Rule Book; Handbook 6 (General Duties of an IWA), Handbook 7 (General duties of a controller of site safety (COSS), Handbook 8 (IWA, COSS or PC blocking a line), Handbook 9 (IWA or COSS setting up safe systems of work within possessions), Handbook 10 (Duties of the COSS and person in charge of a hand trolley) and Handbook 13 (Duties of the person in charge of the siding).

 

The course includes the importance of using the correct communication protocols and adopting the appropriate behaviours to be able to carry out this role safely and effectively.

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The aim of the course is to provide delegates with the skills and underpinning knowledge required to undertake Controller of Site Safety duties in line with the Controller of Site Safety unit of competence.

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8 Day Course, Inc PTS, COSS OLP and COSS CRP

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The COSS is the person who is appointed to set up and maintain a safe system of work for a group (2 or more people) who are required to work on or near the line. The course aims to refresh existing COSS in the procedures required for the planning and implementing a safe system of work as well as assessing learners in their attitudes and behaviours while carrying out the role.

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

  • Recall the local health and safety arrangements of the training location

  • Examine the role of a Controller of Site Safety (COSS)

  • Analyse how different factors impact on an individual’s ability to complete their role safely

  • Demonstrate using the sentinel application

  • Examine the role of the Person in Charge and COSS within the planning process as defined within                   standard NR/L2/OHS/019

  • Demonstrate the role of the Person in Charge and COSS in planning a safe system of work in accordance       with NR/L2/OHS/019 Module 1 planning & working for fault failure & incident response

  • Interpret appropriate information sources to gather the required information on the site of work

  • Analyse the hierarchy of controls as defined within NR/L2/OHS/019

  • Examine the role of the COSS in the implementation and management of Safeguarded and Line Block Safe Systems of Work

  • Examine the role of the COSS in the implementation of fenced and separated Safe Systems of Work

  • Analyse the role of the COSS in managing the response to an emergency

  • Examine the role of the COSS in the implementation of warning based safe systems of work

  • Discuss the role of a Protection Controller and their relationship with the COSS in implementing a Line        •Block safe system of work

  • State the communication requirements as outlined in GERT8000 – HB1

  • Explain the Crossing the Line Procedure

  • Analyse the role of the COSS when working alone

  • Examine the importance of COSS Safety Briefings in setting up safe systems of work

  • Assess how Safety Critical Communications contribute to railway safety

  • Analyse the role of the COSS in managing incidents and emergency response

  • Analyse the role of the COSS within the line clear verification process (LCV)

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to be delivered in accordance with Network Rail standards:

  • 1. Minimum age of 18

  • 2. Meets the entry requirements of PTS competence

  • 3. Good level of literacy required

  • 4. Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.

  • 5. Meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements at Levels 1,2,3, or 4. 6. In addition the requirements of Network Rail Specification NR/L1/OHS/00120 (Drugs & Alcohol) must be met.

The COSS is the person who is appointed to set up and maintain a safe system of work for a group (2 or more people) who are required to work on or near the line. The course aims to refresh existing COSS in the procedures required for the planning and implementing a safe system of work as well as assessing learners in their attitudes and behaviours while carrying out the role.

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5 Day Course with PTS Recert, COSS OLP and COSS CRP.

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At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

 • Recall the local health and safety arrangements of the training location

 • Outline the standard and rulebook updates since your last COSS Recertification Event 

 • Analyse how different factors impact on an individual’s ability to complete their role safely Evaluate the technical and        non-technical aspects of a SWP briefing and identify areas of improvement

 • Demonstrate the effective management of hand trollies within a site of work

 • Plan the access and egress of a workgroup to/from a site of work

 • Analyse the requirements for a safe system of work

 • Plan, prepare and review a safe system of work

 • Identify the protection or warning arrangements required for a safe system of work

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Pre-requisites & Requirements

The following requirements must be met for this course to run to Network Rail Standards:

  • Must be a minimum age of 18

  • 2. Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card endorsed with PTS and COSS

  • 3. Must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 at Fitness Levels 1, 2, 3 or 4

  • 4. Must have a good level of literacy to meet Entry Qualifications

  • 5. If the learner fails the PTS Recert element then both their PTS and COSS competencies will be ended and they will need to start the PTS and COSS initial cycle again.

  • 6. Must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/00120 (Drugs & Alcohol) 7. Must bring evidence of the necessary practices of the competence as outlined in the current version of the NR/L2/CTM/021 standard

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