50316 Discrepancies between terminology used in documents

August 2011 in Network Rail and Suppliers

Rules and procedures Training and briefing Not Specified

A reporter is concerned that paperwork, such as Safe System of Work (SSoW) packs, is being filled out incorrectly because there appears to be a discrepancy between the terminology used in theRule Bookand theRailway Group Standards. 

 The terminology used in theRule Bookwhen referring to different types of SSoW was changed last year and now refers to safeguarded, fenced, Site Warden warning, equipment warning and Lookout warning. 

 According to the reporter, the SSoW packs are still referring to separated zones, Automatic Train Warning System (ATWS), Train Operated Warning System (TOWS) and Lookout Operated Warning System (LOWS).  The reporter has highlighted that there appears to be conflicting terminology being used and the response received was that the paperwork is being filled out in accordance with theRailway Group Standards.  This is causing confusion amongst staff as there is a discrepancy between the terminologies expected to be used and the ones actually being used.

"This is causing confusion amongst staff as there is a discrepancy between the terminologies used..."

The SSoW packs are being signed off by Network Rail.  But the reporter does not feel that this should be allowed as the paperwork does not comply with theRule Book.

 For RSSB:

• Could clarification be provided on whether there is any discrepancy between the terminology used in theRule Bookand theRailway Group Standards?
• If there is, could steps to be taken to bring the two documents in line so the same terminology is used in both?
• If this process is already taking place, could details of when it will be completed be provided?

 For Network Rail:

• Could clarification be provided on whether Network Rail are still using terminology such as separated zones, ATWS, TOWS and LOWS in their SSoW packs?
• Could Network Rail brief all persons responsible for signing off the SSoW packs that the terminology used should be in line with the new terminology used in theRule Book?

Response from RSSB

The reporter is correct in that the rules changed the terminology used for Safe Systems of Work. The terms now used inHandbook 8are safeguarded, fenced, Site Warden warning, equipment warning and Lookout warning.   However there is noGroup Standardthat uses this terminology. The reporter might be getting confused with Network Rail company standards that might well still be using the old terminology. There is no discrepancy between the terminology used in theRule Bookand theRailway Group Standards. It might also be noted that theRule Bookis aGroup Standard. ​

Awaiting response from Network Rail