Possession Support Handbook DC Electrified area v1.0

Possession Support
Handbook

(DC Electrified Area)

Version: 1.0 December 2019 Page 1

Version: 1.0 December 2019 Page 2

Contents Page 3

1. Roles and Responsibilities
2. Documentation
3. Equipment
4. Understanding a Possession
5. Detonator protection
6. WONs, Supplements and WIRES
7. Engineer’s Line References (ELRs)
8. Blocking from Points
9. Keying an Automatic Signal
10. Electricity at Work Regulation Act
11. Hook Switches
12. Track Isolating Switches
13. Negative Short Circuit Devices
14. DC Isolation Strapping Guide
15. Train Movements
16. Safe Work Packs
17. Communications
18. Summary
19. Line Diagrams – Key
20. Life Saving Rules
21. Emergency Contact Numbers
22. Notes

Version: 1.0 December 2019

1. Roles and Responsibilities

• To place and remove Detonator Protection
and Possession Limit Boards (PLBs) under the
instruction of the Person in Charge of
Possession (PICOP)

• To operate Signal Post Replacement Switches
(SPRS) when required under the authority of
the Signaller

• To assist the Engineering Supervisor in
placing and removing worksite Marker
Boards

• To assist the PICOP with Engineering Train
movements into and out of the possession

• Opening/Closing and securing Hook Switches
under the direction of the PICOP

• Operating Track Isolation Switches
• Operating Negative Short Circuit Devices
• Live line testing
• Applying and removing DC Lines Earthing

Straps
• To brief the Possession Support Assistant on

the Safe System of Work and emergency
arrangements

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2. Documentation

It is compulsory that you have with you the
following items whenever you access the
infrastructure to perform Possession Support and /
or Isolation duties:

• Verified and Accepted Safe Work Pack
• Extract from the WON
• Line Diagrams
• Sentinel Card endorsed with COSS & PS
• Sentinel Card endorsed with Level B,

Procedure A, Strapping, Switching, NSCD
• Emergency First Aid Certification
• Possession Support Assistant Briefing Sheet

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3. Equipment

You will require as a minimum:

• Recordable mobile phone (where issued)
• Full Personal Protective Equipment
• Safety glasses
• Cut 5 gloves
• COSS Armlet
• 2 x Possession Limit Boards
• Spare batteries
• 6 x Detonators with clips
• Route specific access keys
• BR1 Key
• NSCD Abloy Key
• Headlamp or Torch
• 2 x Marker Boards
• 1 x Hookswitch Pole
• 2 x DC Lines earthing Straps
• 1 x Short Circuiting Bar
• 1 x Proving Unit – must be in date
• 1 x Live Line Tester – must be in date
• 1 x Pair of Rubber Gauntlets
• Wire brush

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Possession Limit Boards and Marker Boards must
be in good working order and have sufficient
battery life.

Detonators have a lifespan of 5 years from the
production date. They must have two lead straps or
a detonator clip to attach them to the rail head.
Any out of date or rusty detonators must be
returned to the Vital office for disposal.

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4. Understanding a Possession

A Possession of the line is taken to protect work
groups from non-engineering train movements.
Detonator protection is always placed “Possession
Side” of the protecting Signals or Points.

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5. Detonator Protection

5.1 How to place detonator protection.

Three detonators should be placed 20m apart on
the running rail furthest from the conductor rail,
with the Possession Limit Board at the middle
detonator.

5.2 Protection full distance from signals.

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5.3 Placing substandard protection.

If the possession limits are published in the WON as
Substandard (#), your detonator protection will be
placed as near to 400 metres (440 yards) from the
Signal or Points as the situation allows at a mileage
stipulated by the PICOP.

5.4 Placing Worksite Marker Boards

If you are asked to place Worksite Marker Boards,
you must place them at the exact location
instructed by the Engineering Supervisor or PICOP.
Worksite Marker Boards have red flashing lights on
one side and yellow on the other. They must be
placed so that the yellow lights face the inside of
the worksite and the red lights face outwards from
the worksite into the PICOP controlled area.

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6. WONs, Supplements and Wires

6.1 The WON (Weekley Operating Notice)

The possession limits are published in the WON.

As Possession Support, your role is to place
detonator protection for the PICOP at the limits
published in the WON.

You should confirm at which limits you are placing
detonator protection with the PICOP when you
receive your brief and again when you arrive at
your location.

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6.2 The Supplement to the WON

The Supplement is a document detailing changes to
the WON.

6.3 Wires

A Wire can be issued at any time to make
amendments to a possession.

As Possession Support, you may not always be
issued with Supplements and Wires. The PICOP will
confirm any amended possession limits with you.

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7. Engineer's Line References

An ELR is a unique code given to a section of
railway.
ELRs are essential for confirming your exact
location on the infrastructure.
For example, there are many 42 mile posts but only
one 42 mile post on the TBH1.

The ELR is detailed on the Line Diagrams.

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The ELR is also shown on the Sectional Appendix.
Changes of ELR are shown on the Line Diagrams.

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ELRs can also be found on the ID plates of bridges
and structures.

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8. Blocking from Points

It is possible that Beyond or On the Approach to a
set of points could be used to describe more than
one location.

Beyond 860pts on the BTH3

Beyond 860pts on the LEJ

This is why the ELR must be referenced.

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When blocking from points you must use an
additional, fixed point of reference to confirm that
you are on the correct line.

This could be a signal, structure or other set of
points.

For example, if you were placing detonator
protection beyond 860pts on the BTH3, your
additional point of reference would be W491 signal

.

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9. Operating an Automatic Signal

To key aa Automatic signal, you will need a Signal
Post Replacement Switch key (T-Bar, shown below,
and Gas type). The keying unit is usually attached
to the signal post (below) but may sometimes be
on an adjacent Location Cabinet.

Automatic signals which can be keyed to Danger
are identified on the Line Diagrams by the symbol
below.

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Keying an Automatic signal to Danger

1. The PICOP will instruct you to contact the
Signaller to get permission to key the signal
to Danger.

2. Phone the Signaller from the Signal Post
Telephone and give your name, employer
and the signal that you have been asked to
key.

3. Confirm that the signal is showing a proceed
aspect (Green, Yellow, or Double Yellow).

4. The Signaller will ask you to key the signal to
Danger.

5. Insert your SPRS key into the keying unit and
turn it anti-clockwise.

6. Confirm to the Signaller that the signal is
showing a Red, Danger aspect.

7. Record the time given to you by the Signaller.
8. Inform the PICOP that the signal has been

keyed to Danger and give him the time
confirmed by the Signaller.

Do not leave your SPRS key in the keying unit!

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Returning an Automatic signal to Auto

1. When the PICOP has given up the possession,
he will instruct you to contact the Signaller to
get permission to key the signal to Auto.

2. Phone the Signaller from the Signal Post
Telephone and give your name, employer
and the signal that you have been asked to
key.

3. Confirm that the signal is showing a Red,
Danger aspect.

4. The Signaller will ask you to key the signal to
Auto.

5. Insert your SPRS key into the keying unit and
turn it clockwise.

6. Confirm to the Signaller that the signal is
showing a proceed aspect (Green, Yellow, or
Double Yellow).

7. Record the time given to you by the Signaller.
8. Inform the PICOP that the signal has been

keyed to Auto and give him the time
confirmed by the Signaller.

Do not leave your SPRS key in the keying unit!

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10. The Electricity at Work
Regulations act 1989

Regulation 14 - Work on or near live conductors

No person shall be engaged in any work activity on or so
near any live conductor (other than one suitably covered
with insulating material so as to prevent danger) that
danger may arise unless –

(a) it is unreasonable in all the circumstances for it to be
dead; and

(b) it is reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be at
work on or near it while it is live; and

(c) suitable precautions (including where necessary the
provision of suitable
protective equipment) are taken to prevent injury.

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The need to take precautions to prevent injury

211 The precautions necessary to comply with regulation
14(c) should be commensurate with the risk.

212 The system of work must:
(a) allow only people who are competent to do so to work
on or near exposed, live conductors (competence for these
and other purposes is further dealt with at regulation 16);
and
(b) indicate within what limits the work is to be attempted;
and
(c) indicate what levels of competence apply to each
category of such work; and
(d) incorporate procedures under which the person
attempting the work will report back if the limits specified in
the system are likely to be exceeded.

213 This usually requires detailed planning before the work
is started.

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214 Suitable precautions should include, as appropriate:

(a) the use of people who are properly trained and
competent to work on live equipment safely (see also
regulation 16);

(b) the provision of adequate information to the person
carrying out the work about the live conductors involved,
the associated electrical system and the foreseeable risks
(NB: when excavation work is ongoing the insulation of a
cable is not an effective measure against damage to the
cable or penetration of it by a mechanical tool);

(c) the use of suitable tools, including insulated tools,
equipment and protective clothing (see also regulation
4(4));

(d) the use of suitable insulated barriers or screens (see also
regulation 4(4));

(e) the use of suitable instruments and test probes;

(f) accompaniment by another person or people if the
presence of such person or people could contribute
significantly to ensuring that injury is prevented;

(g) the restriction of routine live test work (e.g. product
testing) to specific areas and the use of special precautions
within those areas, such as isolated power supplies, non-
conducting locations etc;

(h) effective control of any area where there is danger from
live conductors

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Accompaniment

215 A dutyholder’s judgement as to whether someone
carrying out work subject to regulation 14 should be
accompanied, should be based on considerations of
how injury is to be prevented.

If an accompanying person can substantially contribute
towards the implementation of safe working practice, then
they should be present.

They should be trained to recognise danger and, if
necessary, to render assistance in the event of an
emergency.

216 Some examples of electrical work where it is likely that
the person carrying out the work should be accompanied
are:

(a) electrical work involving manipulation of live,
uninsulated power conductors at, say, 230 V using insulated
tools;

(b) other work on or near bare live conductors where
someone working on their own would not be capable of
undertaking the work safely without assistance in, for
example, keeping other people from the work area.

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11. Hook Switches

You may only operate a hook switch if you are
competent to do so and have the authority of the
PICOP.

The PICOP will give you instructions on whether the
switches are to be opened or closed and the order
in which they are to be operated. You must
immediately tell the PICOP when you have
operated the switch.

You must replace the white sleeve to a normally
open hook switch when restoring it to its normal
position to prevent it from being operated
accidentally.

Normally Open Hook Switches must be considered
LIVE at ALL TIMES

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Hook Switch PPE & tools.

When carrying out the opening and closing of hook
switches, all staff should be wearing in date rubber
gauntlets and full PPE.

The ONLY tool that should be used when opening
and closing a hook switch is an insulated hooks
witch pole.

Under no circumstances should anything else be
used such as a keying hammer.

Such tools will cause damage to the hook switch
and the operator will be breaking one of the Life
Saving Rules:

Always use equipment that is fit for purpose

If incorrect methods of operation are used, it will
cause the blade to bend. High resistance in the
system will start to burn components of the switch
and it will become very difficult to operate in the
future.

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Opening a Hook Switch

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Stage 1

When using an insulated hook switch pole, you
should open the jaw locking pin closest to the hole
in the blade, tapping the locking pin with the hook
switch pole to turn it anti- clockwise. Then the
same with the pivot pin. Once both are turned fully
anti-clockwise you are now ready to open the
blade.
Note: if at this point any of the locking pins will not
open, it must be reported to the PICOP who will in
turn, report the fault to the ECO.

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Stage 2

Once both pins are opened fully anti-clockwise you
are now ready to withdraw the hook switch blade.
This can only be pulled by using an insulated hook
switch pole. This is completed by using the metal
hook like end. It is placed into the hole which is
located in the blade.

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The operator should look away and warn others to
do so when pulling the blade in case the hook
switch arcs. The blade needs to be pulled fully in
the opposite direction.

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The pivot pin needs to be turned clockwise and
locked to prevent the blade from moving or
inadvertently closing. Once this is completed the
hook switch is now open.

Notice the left pin is now locked to prevent the
blade from closing.

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Closing a Hook Switch

When closing a hook switch you must remember to
open the locked pivot pin before attempting to
close the blade or you will break the pivot pin. This
would lead to the blade to be loose when pushed
back into the hook switch housing causing the
blade and pin to start burning. This would lead to
the hook switch becoming stiff and in-operable in
the future.

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Once the pivot pin has been turned fully anti-
clockwise the blade can be pushed firmly back into
the hook switch. Then the jaw and pivot pin can be
firmly secured shut.

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It is essential that the pivot and jaw pins are closed
after the blade is pushed back in, if they are not
locked the hook switch will burn and become
in-operable.

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12. Track Isolating Switches (TIS)

You may only operate a track isolating switch if you
are competent to do so and have the authority of
the PICOP.

The PICOP will give you instructions on whether the
switches are to be opened or closed and the order
in which they are to be operated. You must
immediately tell the PICOP when you have
operated the switch.

You must keep a track isolating switch enclosed
and locked to stop unauthorised interference.

You must fit a caution notice to a normally open
track isolating switch to prevent it being operated
accidentally.

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13. Negative Short Circuit Devices

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Before you start:

Check you are at the correct Substation or Track
Paralleling Hut location. Open the Local Control
Panel (LCP) door and press test lamp to confirm the
LCP is functioning properly. Await instructions from
the ES before proceeding to operate the NSCD(s).

The call with the ES:

Confirm the location and identity of the NSCD(s) to
be operated, and whether they are to be opened or
closed.

Pre operating checks:

Press test lamp to confirm the LCP is functioning
properly. Check that both the “Fault” lamp and
“Conductor Rail Live’ lamps are not illuminated.
Check that the NSCD is in the correct position.

Before isolation commences the NSCD will be in
the “OPEN” position.

Before handing back an isolation the NSCD will be
in the “CLOSED” position

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Operating the NSCD

Move the control switch to LOCAL.

Turn the operating switch to “OPEN” or “CLOSE”

If closing the NSCD, check that the CLOSE lamp is
illuminated after operation.

If opening the NSCD, check that the OPEN lamp is
illuminated after operation.

Return the Switch to the Lockout position.

If closing the NSCD, apply padlocks and caution
labels to the appropriate NSCD Control switches.

If opening the NSCD, remove padlocks and caution
labels from the appropriate NSCD.

Place the NSCD padlock keys inside the Key Safe
Box.

If closing the NSCD, lock the Key Safe Box and
retain the Key Safe Key unless instructed to return
the Key Safe Key to the ES.

If opening the NSCD, lock the Key Safe Key and
leave the Key Safe Key in the lock.

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14. DC Isolation Strapping Guide

NR/WI/ELP/3091 DC Electrified Line Work Instructions

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT LIST
• This guide
• Electrical gauntlets
• Safety goggles
• Dry towel
• First aid kit
• Mobile phone
• SWP
•Wire brush
• Short Circuit Bar
• Short Circuit Straps
• Live Line Tester, Proving Unit and spare battery
• Non-conductive paddle for removal of ballast
• Bag to carry equipment

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1. Confirm that you have received and verified
the SWP a minimum of one shift before work starts
(pack to include strap layout diagram).

2. Check that you have the required equipment
and PPE to undertake your role.

3. Check that all the equipment is in good
condition.

4. Before going to the strapping location, you
must receive a face to face briefing from the
Engineering Supervisor (ES).

5. Check that you know where the strapping
access point is and where the strapping points are
relative to the access point. If not sure – ask the ES
to show you.

6. DO NOT START WORK WITHOUT THE ABOVE
ITEMS BEING IN PLACE

7. Check that the SWP covers from the access
point to the strapping location.

Applying Short Circuiting Straps

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1. Before use, the Short Circuiting Straps shall
be visually examined for damage or wear and
that all bolted connections are secure.

2. Clean the underside of the running rail
furthest from the conductor rail.

3. Secure the single leg of the Short Circuiting
Strap to this running rail

4. Clean the underside of the running rail
closest to the conductor rail.

5. Secure the double leg clamp of the Short
Circuiting Strap to the running rail closest to
the conductor rail.

6. The Live Line Tester must be checked on the
Proving Unit. Test the conductor rail is not
live with the Live Line Tester and test again
back on the Proving Unit.

7. Apply the Short Circuiting Bar between the
running rail and the conductor rail close to
the location of Short Circuiting Strap
application.

8. Clean the conductor rail.
9. Secure the strap to the conductor rail.

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15. Train Movements

Allowing an engineering train into or out of
a possession.

1. When an engineering train comes to a
stand at your detonator protection,
confirm the Head Code with the Driver
and advise the PICOP of its arrival, stating
on which line it is stood.

2. If the PICOP is ready to pass on their
instructions, they will ask you to hand your
phone to the Driver.

3. Once the PICOP has given the Driver his
instructions, they may ask you to lift your
detonator protection and stand clear
whilst the train enters or leaves the
possession.

4. When the train has entered/left the
possession, replace your detonator
protection and advise the PICOP.

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16. Safe Work Packs

For every shift you undertake, you will receive a
Safe Work Pack at least a shift in advance.

You must check this pack thoroughly and if you
are happy with it, verify it and return it for
Authorisation by the Responsible Manager.

If you are not happy with your Safe Work Pack,
you must reject it and detail why you are doing
so in the Comments box.

When you arrive on site for your shift, you must
fill in the part-completed RT9909 and accept the
pack.

Until you have done so, you are not
authorised to be on the infrastucture.

When you have completed your shift, you MUST
return your completed Safe Work Pack to the
Planner. Any unused Safe System of Work Packs
must also be returned.

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17. Communication - ABCP

Always speak in a clear and measured tone.
Always talk at a steady speed.
Always use the phonetic alphabet.
Always repeat back safety critical messages.
Always reach a clear understanding.
Be Accurate, Brief, Clear and Proffesional.

Useful Phrases

Repeat back
Please repeat all of the message back to me.

Correction
I have made a mistake and will now re-state my
message or part of the message correcting the
mistake.

Say again from…
I did not understand your message, please
repeat it from…

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The Phonetic Alphabet

The number 0 must be pronounced Zero.

Say numbers individually, not, for example,
Double Seven.

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18. Summary

• Check your equipment is in working order.
• Arrive on site at least one hour before the

possession is booked to be taken.
• Contact the PICOP on arrival.
• Ensure your Assistant speaks to the PICOP.
• Complete your Safe Work Pack.
• If the PICOP asks you to place protection

at a location that you think is incorrect,
you MUST question his instructions and
establish whether the limits have changed.
You need to reach a clear understanding
as to the exact location of where the
protection is to be placed.
• DO NOT PLACE ANY DETONATOR
PROTECTION UNTIL A COMPLETE
UNDERSTANDING HAS BEEN REACHED.
• If detonator protection is already in place,
confirm with the PICOP which protection
you are responsible for and check that it is
placed correctly and in good working
order.

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19. Line Diagrams – Key

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20. Lifesaving Rules

You must comply with the
Network Rail Lifesaving Rules at all times.

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21. Emergency Contact Numbers

Network Rail – Route Control 020 7979 3577
Kent 020 7979 3801
Sussex 020 7979 3901
Wessex 01908 723500
Network Rail – NSC 24/7 Operational Close Call, incident or accident reporting

Electrical Control Room (ECR) 01273 820050
Brighton 01227 765977
Canterbury 02380 728252
Eastleigh 020 8694 4400
Lewisham 01892 833018
Paddock Wood 020 8545 5900
Raynes Park 020 8653 6297
Selhurst

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