Uncontrolled copy from the catalogue dated August 2004

Railway Group Standard

GC/RT5033
Issue One
Date October 1999

Terminal Tracks -
Managing the
Risk

Synopsis
This standard defines the
arrangements to be provided on
terminal tracks to arrest a train and
protect people, stations and structures
from the effects of an overrun.

Submitted by
This document is the property of
Railtrack PLC. It shall not be
reproduced in whole or in part without
the written permission of the Controller,
Railway Group Standards,
Keith Turner Railtrack PLC.
Standards Project Manager
Published by
Authorised by Safety & Standards Directorate,
Railtrack PLC,
Railtrack House DP01,
Euston Square
London NW1 2EE

Brian Alston © Copyright 1999 Railtrack PLC

Acting Controller, Railway Group Standards
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Railway Group Standard

GC/RT5033
Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk Issue One
Date October 1999
Page 1 of 10

Contents
Section Description Page

Part A
Issue Record 2
Responsibilities 2
Compliance 2
Health and Safety Responsibilities 2
Supply 2

Part B
1 Purpose 3
2 Scope 3
3 Definitions 3
4 Principles 4
5 Requirements for new construction: Stations 4
6 Requirements for new construction: Freight Lines and Sidings 6
7 General requirements for new construction 7
8 Requirements for existing locations 7
9 Changes affecting terminal tracks 8
10 Temporary arrangements 8
11 Maintenance and inspection requirements 8

References 10

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Railway Group Standard

GC/RT5033
Issue One
Date October 1999
Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk
Page 2 of 10

Part A
Issue record
This Standard will be updated when necessary by distribution of a complete
replacement.

Amended or additional parts of revised pages will be marked by a vertical black

line in the adjacent margin.

Issue Date Comments

1 October 1999 Initial Issue. Supersedes Sections 8.5 and
9.2.11 of GC/RT5010, Issue 2.

Responsibilities
Railway Group Standards are mandatory on all members of the Railway Group *
and apply to all relevant activities that fall into the scope of each individual’s
Railway Safety Case. If any of those activities are performed by a contractor, the
contractor’s obligation in respect of Railway Group Standards is determined by
the terms of the contract between the respective parties. Where a contractor is
a duty holder of a Railway Safety Case then Railway Group Standards apply
directly to the activities described in the Safety Case.

* The Railway Group comprises Railtrack and the duty holders of the Railway
Safety Cases accepted by Railtrack.

Compliance
The provisions in this Railway Group Standard, with the exception of the
requirements of Section 8, shall be complied with from April 2000. Where
design for new construction is in progress on that date, the Infrastructure
controller shall decide whether retrospective compliance is required. Initial risk
assessments, as required by Section 8, shall be completed by October 2004,
following which the standard shall be complied with in its entirety.

Health and Safety

responsibilities
In issuing this Standard, Railtrack PLC makes no warranties, express or implied,
that compliance with all or any Railway Group Standards is sufficient on its own
to ensure safe systems of work or operation. Each user is reminded of its own
responsibilities to ensure health and safety at work and its individual duties
under health and safety legislation.

Supply
Controlled and uncontrolled copies of this Standard may be obtained from the
Industry Safety Liaison Dept, Safety and Standards Directorate, Railtrack PLC,
Railtrack House, DP01, Euston Square, London, NW1 2EE.

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Railway Group Standard

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Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk Issue One
Date October 1999
Page 3 of 10

Part B
1 Purpose
The purpose of this Standard is to define the arrangements to be provided on
terminal tracks to arrest a train and protect people, stations and structures from
the effects of an overrun.

2 Scope
The contents of this Standard apply to all terminal tracks on Railtrack Controlled
Infrastructure, as defined in Appendix A to Railway Group Standard GA/RT6001.

Certain requirements relating to the control of trains on terminal tracks are

defined elsewhere, as follows:

• Railway Group Standard GK/RT0031 defines the means of indicating to the

driver the presence of a buffer stop on a signalled route.
• Railway Group Standard GK/RT0032 regards a buffer stop as a stop aspect
for signalling purposes and defines the sequence in which signal aspects are
to be presented to train drivers.
• Railway Group Standard GK/RT0078 describes the use of track circuit
interrupters at buffer stops to detect an overrun.
• The Railway Safety Regulations 1999 require a train protection system to be
installed on an approach to a buffer stop at the end of a passenger platform.
3 Definitions
Arresting device
An assembly provided at the end of a terminal track to arrest an overrunning
train, other than a buffer stop (for example, sand drags or wheel stops).

Buffer stop
An assembly provided at the end of a terminal track to arrest an overrunning
train, designed to take the impact of the train at buffer or coupling height.

Dangerous goods
For the purpose of this standard only, dangerous goods are those in class 1, 2.1,
2.3, 3 Group A and 7 as defined in GO/RT3053/A.

Energy absorbing buffer stop

A buffer stop designed to bring a train to a controlled halt from a determined
impact speed by providing a means of progressively absorbing the kinetic energy
of the train.

End impact wall

A structure or other arrangement located behind a buffer stop designed to
contain a train that has run through the buffer stop, so preventing harm to people
or damage to critical structures that would otherwise have been in the path of the
train.

Freight line
A line normally only used by non-passenger carrying trains or empty passenger
stock.

New construction
The provision of a buffer stop or arresting device on a new terminal track or the
complete replacement of a buffer stop or arresting device on a remodelled track
or station layout.

Overrun
The movement of a train or vehicle beyond the designed end limit of a track.

Terminal track
A dead end or terminating track in a station or at the end of a freight line or
siding.
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Issue One
Date October 1999
Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk
Page 4 of 10

Other technical terms used in this standard have the meanings defined in
Railtrack Approved Code of Practice GC/RC5603 and Railway Group Standard
GK/RT0002.

4 Principles
4.1 Terminal tracks at stations
4.1.1
Where stations have terminal tracks, arrangements are to be provided to arrest a
train and protect people and the station from the effects of an overrun. This
principle supports HMRI Safety Principle 12.

4.2 Terminal tracks on freight lines and sidings

4.2.1
Where freight lines and sidings have terminal tracks, arrangements are to be
provided to arrest a train and protect people and structures from the effects of an
overrun.

5 Requirements for new

construction: Stations
5.1 Provision of buffer stops
5.1.1
Energy absorbing buffer stops shall be provided at terminal or bay platforms.

5.1.2
The type of buffer stop selected and its design shall take into account the
following factors:

Factors influencing speed and force of impact;

• types of rolling stock;

• minimum and maximum train weights;
• approach gradient;
• identified likely track adhesion conditions, including the effect on braking
performance of the weather and the covering or otherwise of the track;
• signalling arrangements and sighting distances;
• permissible speed (shown in the sectional Appendix) on the approach to the
buffer stop;
• lighting conditions.

Other factors;

• space required for movement of the buffers;

• rolling stock coupling systems;
• requirements for insulated rail joints and electrical insulation of the buffer
stop;
• numbers of trains proposed to use the line;
• any running lines, structures, walking routes, or other areas of risk behind the
buffer stop;
• history of train overruns, if appropriate for new construction.

5.1.3
The impact speed to be used in design calculations shall be determined
following an assessment of the relevant factors listed above. The determined
impact speed shall be not less than 10 km/h.

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Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk Issue One
Date October 1999
Page 5 of 10

5.1.4
Buffer stops shall be designed to arrest the full range of trains between the
heaviest and lightest using a track without risk of serious injury to people on the
train. Trains shall be brought to a controlled halt from the determined impact
2
speed with an average retardation rate not exceeding 0.15g (1.47 m/s ). Where
site constraints make it unavoidable, lightweight trains may be subjected to
higher retardation rates, but the average retardation rate for any train shall not
2
exceed 0.25g (2.45 m/s ).

5.2 Provision of end impact walls

5.2.1
Where reasonably practicable, end impact walls shall be provided where they
would reduce the risk of a train overrun causing harm to people and damage to
critical structures. When assessing this risk, the following shall be taken into
account:

• the positioning of critical structures and supports;

• the positioning of workplaces and retail outlets;
• the areas where people are likely to congregate;
• other areas of risk behind buffer stops.

5.3 Locations of station columns, buildings and other permanent

structures
5.3.1
Railway Group Standard GC/RT5161 defines the permissible locations of station
columns, buildings and other permanent structures in relation to the face of
buffer stops.

5.4 Additional requirements for railways in tunnels

5.4.1
Terminal tracks at stations in tunnels shall be provided with an adequate length
of overrun tunnel. The length of overrun provided shall take account of the
factors listed in Clause 5.1.2.

5.5 Additional safety measures

5.5.1
Consideration shall be given to the provision of additional safety measures at
locations where:

• an assessment of the factors listed in Clause 5.1.2 suggests that there may
be a high probability of train overruns;
• an assessment of the factors listed in clause 5.2.1 suggests that there may
be severe consequences from a train overrun.

These additional safety measures include, but are not limited to:

• improved illumination;
• countdown marker boards. The use of these is described in Railway Group
Standard GK/RT0033;
• permanent speed restrictions on the approaches to the buffer stop;
• screening or removal of driver distractions, for example advertising
hoardings.

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Issue One
Date October 1999
Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk
Page 6 of 10

6 Requirements for new

construction: Freight
lines and sidings
6. 1 Provision of arrangements for arresting a train
6.1.1
Buffer stops or arresting devices shall be provided at terminal tracks on freight
lines and sidings.

6.1.2
The type of buffer stop or arresting device selected and its design shall take into
account the following factors:

Factors influencing speed and force of impact:

• types of rolling stock;

• maximum train weights;
• approach gradient;
• identified likely track adhesion conditions;
• signalling arrangements and sighting distances;
• permissible speed (shown in the sectional Appendix) on the approach to the
buffer stop or arresting device;
• lighting conditions.

Other factors:

• rolling stock coupling systems;

• requirements for insulated rail joints and electrical insulation of the buffer
stop or arresting device;
• likely traffic levels;
• carriage of dangerous goods and their type;
• any running lines, structures, walking routes or other areas of risks behind
the buffer stop or arresting device;
• history of train overruns, if appropriate for new construction.

6.2 Provision of end impact walls

6.2.1
Where reasonably practicable, end impact walls shall be provided where they
would reduce the risk of a train overrun causing harm to people and damage to
critical structures. When assessing this risk, the following shall be taken into
account:

• the positioning of critical structures and supports;

• other areas of risk behind buffer stops or arresting devices.

6.3 Additional requirements for railways in tunnels

6.3.1
Where terminal tracks on freight lines or sidings are accommodated within a
tunnel, the need for an additional length of overrun tunnel beyond the buffer stop
or arresting device shall be assessed, taking into account the factors listed in
clause 6.1.2.

6.3.2
Where a turnback siding is formed by the continuation of a running line through
the terminal station of a railway in tunnel, the requirements of section 5 shall
apply.

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Date October 1999
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7 General requirements
for new construction
7.1 Track at buffer stops and arresting devices
7.1.1
Track adjacent to, or connected to a buffer stop or arresting device shall be
designed to ensure the effective operation of the buffer stop or arresting device.
The design of the track shall consider:

• the position and strength of rail joints;

• the arrangements for holding down rails and the resistance of the track to
uplift in the event of a train impact.

7.1.2
A length of straight track, greater than the length of the longest vehicle permitted
to use the track, shall be provided wherever reasonably practicable at the
approach to the buffer stop, so that any vehicle striking the buffer stop will do so
with its longitudinal axis at right angles to the buffer beam.

7.1.3
Where sliding or friction buffer stops are proposed, an appropriate length of
straight track shall be provided behind the buffer stop to accommodate the
movement of the buffer stop and its associated friction shoes (sometimes
referred to as ‘slave units’).

7.2 Acceptance of buffer stops and arresting devices

7.2.1
Buffer stops and arresting devices shall be accepted for use on Railtrack
controlled infrastructure in accordance with the requirements of Railway Group
Standard GI/RT7002.

8 Requirements for
existing locations
8.1 Requirement for risk assessments
8.1.1
The risks of harm to people and damage to critical structures arising from a train
overrun at the following locations shall be assessed:

• terminal or bay platforms;

• terminal tracks on freight lines and sidings used by trains carrying dangerous
goods;
• where there are significant identified risks to persons or property beyond the
railway boundary.

8.1.2
The risk assessment shall take account of the factors listed in Clauses 5.1 and
5.2 (stations) or Clause 6.1 (freight lines and sidings), as appropriate; the type
and condition of the buffer stop or arresting device provided; and the history of
buffer stop collisions at the particular location being considered.

8.1.3
The risk assessment shall be used when determining inspection frequencies, as
required by section 11.

8.2 Frequency of risk assessment

8.2.1
Risks shall be reassessed when there is reason to believe that the previous risk
assessment has become invalid or after any significant change in the
circumstances at a location (see section 9).

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Date October 1999
Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk
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8.3 Review of existing arrangements

8.3.1
Following a risk assessment, existing arrangements at the location shall be
reviewed. Works to reduce risks shall be planned and implemented where
necessary.

8.4 Records of risk assessments

8.4.1
Records of the current risk assessment for each location shall be kept, together
with records of any works undertaken to reduce risks as a result of the
assessment. The requirements for the management of records are described in
GI/RT7001.

9 Changes affecting
terminal tracks
9.1.1
Where reasonably practicable, the requirements of section 5 (stations) or section
6 (freight lines and sidings) shall be met where significant changes affecting
terminal tracks are proposed.

9.1.2
Significant changes shall include:

• remodelling of track layouts;

• introduction of significantly different rolling stock;
• any increase in approach speed;
• significant increase in the number of trains using the line;
• significant changes to signalling arrangements;
• significant change in use of the area behind buffer stops or arresting devices;
• construction of structures or other critical supports behind buffer stops or
arresting devices;
• introduction of freight trains carrying dangerous goods.

10 Temporary
arrangements
10.1.1
A buffer stop or arresting device shall be provided where a terminal track is
created by temporary arrangements, for example during works to a station or
track remodelling.

10.1.2
The design of the buffer stop or arresting device shall take into account the
factors listed in Clauses 5.1 and 5.2 (stations) or Clause 6.1 (freight lines and
sidings), as appropriate. It shall also take into account:

• the duration of the temporary arrangements;

• any work site or temporary structures behind the buffer stop or arresting
device.

11 Maintenance and
inspection requirements
11.1 Requirement for maintenance and inspection
11.1.1
A maintenance regime shall be in place to ensure the continued correct
functioning of buffer stops and arresting devices. Maintenance shall comply with
any relevant manufacturer’s instructions.

11.1.2
Buffer stops and arresting devices on terminal tracks shall be regularly inspected
as part of the maintenance regime. The inspection shall take account of:

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Date October 1999
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• The general condition of the buffer stop or arresting device;

• Factors affecting the ability of the buffer stop or arresting device to function
correctly in the event of a train overrun;
• Damage from train impacts;
• The condition of the track and rail joints on either side of the buffer stop or
arresting device;
• Obstructions to the slide path of sliding or friction buffer stops;
• In the case of sliding or friction buffer stops, the need to re-set the buffer stop
to its initial position following movement as a result of train impacts;
• The effects of extreme weather on the functioning of the buffer stop or
arresting device.

11.1.3
The requirements and methodology for the maintenance and inspection of each
type of energy absorbing buffer stop shall be recorded. The record shall
describe the buffer stop’s basic design, method of operation and likely failure
modes.

11.2 Frequency of inspection

11.2.1
The frequency of inspection shall be commensurate with the risks at each
location, assessed as required in section 8.

11.2.2
At the following locations the maximum interval between inspections shall be 6
months unless the risk assessment carried out in accordance with section 8
concludes otherwise:

• terminal or bay platforms;

• terminal tracks on freight lines and sidings used by trains carrying dangerous
goods;
• where there are significant identified risks to persons or property beyond the
railway boundary.

11.2.3
The maximum interval between inspections shall be 2 years.

11.3 Corrective action

11.3.1
Where a buffer stop or arresting device is found to be in a condition that would
prevent it from functioning correctly in the event of a train overrun, work to
remedy the condition shall be planned and implemented within a timescale
commensurate with the risks. This timescale shall take account of:

• The condition of the buffer stop or arresting device;

• The risks of harm to people and damage to critical structures arising from a
train overrun whilst the functioning of the buffer stop or arresting device is
impaired.

Consideration shall be given to provision of temporary measures to reduce the

risk of an overrun during the period of impaired functioning.

11.4 Records of inspections and corrective action

11.4.1
Records of all inspections and corrective action undertaken shall be made. The
requirements for the management of records are described in GI/RT7001.

11.5 Inspection and corrective action following train impact

11.5.1
Buffer stops and arresting devices shall be inspected as soon as possible
following any train impact. The inspection shall take into account the factors
listed in Clause 11.1.2. Corrective action shall be planned and implemented as
required by Clause 11.3 and records kept as required by Clause 11.4.

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Date October 1999
Terminal Tracks - Managing the Risk
Page 10 of 10

References
GA/RT6001 Railway Group Standards Change Procedures

GC/RT5161 Station Platform Design Requirements

GC/RC5603 Standard Definitions of Civil Engineering Terms

GI/RT7001 Management of Safety Related Records of Elements of the Infrastructure.

GI/RT7002 Acceptance of Systems, Equipment and Materials for use in Railtrack Controlled
Infrastructure

GK/RT0002 Glossary of Signalling Terms

GK/RT0031 Lineside Signals and Indicators

GK/RT0032 Lineside Signal Aspect Sequences

GK/RT0033 Lineside Signs

GK/RT0078 Overrun Protection and Mitigation

GO/RT3053/A Working Manual for Rail Staff - Handling and Carriage of Dangerous Goods
(Pink pages) Classification, Acceptance and Identification

Other references
HMRI Railway Safety Principles and Guidance
Railway Safety Regulations 1999

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