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