L4-OPS-GDL-002
Version: 2 Effective From: 22/01/2018
R.S.W.H.A. Briefing Note
General Information
A Rail Safety Worksite Hazard Assessment (R.S.W.H.A.) MUST be
completed prior to commencing ANY work in the rail corridor as
outlined in L1-SQE-PRO-054, including Absolute Occupation &
Permit to Foul.
The WHITE copy must be submitted to the Delivery T.F.P.C.’s line
manager and stored in line with Metro requirements.
The BLUE carbon copy must remain in this book, which MUST be
held by the T.F.P.C. for auditing purposes.
A valid R.S.W.H.A. must be uploaded to the Access & Resource
Management database PRIOR to submitting a request for Absolute
Occupation or Pre-Planned method of Worksite Protection.
The information provided herein is to be used in conjunction with
the example forms provided.
There are two distinct parts of the form:
• Rail Safety Worksite Hazard Assessment
• Rail Safety Pre-Work Briefing & Implementation
Both the Rail Safety Hazard Assessment & Pre-Work Briefing may
be furnished by the same T.F.P.C., or alternatively, by independent
T.F.P.C.’s.
Explanation of Terms
Scope: A brief summary of the high level activities that are planned
to be undertaken within the Rail Corridor.
Limits of Work Site: The total area of the work site relative to
the portion of rail it is adjacent to or on, between Kilometre Posts,
Signal Posts, Points, Structure Numbers or Landmarks.
For Absolute Occupation, list the outer limits of ALL Work Groups &
Obstructions (including machinery access points & safety overlaps)
that must be protected.
Track Machines & Vehicles: A summary of the types of Track
Machines & Vehicles that are fitted with rail guidance wheels
working within the Limits of the Work Site.
Plant/equipment: A summary of the plant (without rail guidance
wheels) and or equipment that will be utilised on site, e.g. Hand
tools, Elevated Work Platform.
Approving Manager: Head of Network Safety Approval Date: 01/11/2017 Next Review Date: 01/02/2018
Work Site Rail Traffic: A brief outline of the tracks Road Rail
Vehicles will be working on and intended movements.
For Absolute Occupation, refer to the detailed rail traffic
movements contained in the Works Guide.
Obstruct Track: To make the line unsafe for the passage of rail
traffic.
Rail Safety Assessment.
The information hereunder, provides context to the questions
in the R.S.W.H.A and identifies some hazards that MUST be
considered. This list is NOT exhaustive, additional hazards and
corresponding controls must be listed on the Rail Safety Log.
Tick “Yes” or “No” as applicable for the questions in the Rail Safety
Assessment and explain how you will control the hazards identified.
Question 1.
Yes: Consider which method of work site protection is appropriate
to control approaching rail traffic. Any method of work site
protection that cannot control approaching rail traffic, as per
relevant rules & procedures, is not permitted in this instance.
No: Which tools and equipment will be used? Explain how the
nature of the work site will not Obstruct, Alter or Break track.
Question 2
Yes: Consider the Method of Protection in relation to the work in
conjunction with relevant rules & procedures and any potential to
enter the danger zone?
No: Explain work location in relation to Danger Zone,
Question 3
Yes: Consider the method of protection /other requirements for any
adjacent line that may be running next to the work site. Consider
what the driver of approaching traffic will observe on approach to
the work site e.g. switch off high beam lights that may restrict the
drivers view or how to safely acknowledge oncoming Rail Traffic.
No: Adjacent protection may not be required.
Question 4
Yes: Explain the proximity in relation to the asset. Consider how to
prevent staff/plant from approaching electrical asset envelope(s).
e.g. 1500V Overhead Traction.
No: Example “Works will not approach any electrical assets”.
(PRINTOUT MAY NOT BE UP-TO-DATE; REFER TO METRO INTRANET FOR THE LATEST VERSION) Page 1 of 3
Question 5
Yes: Consider how the work will impact the signalling or crossing
asset and how this will be managed.
No: Example “No affect on Signalling System”.
Question 6
Yes: Consider if a single T.F.P.C. will be able to maintain adequate
surveillance. For Absolute Occupation, consider if additional T.F.P.C.’s
are required to manage multiple work groups or zones.
No: Work cannot commence until adequate surveillance can be
maintained.
Question 7
Yes: Explain how you confirmed that the intended method of
communication could be effectively achieved. For Absolute
Occupation, consider if additional T.F.P.C.’s are required to manage
multiple work groups or zones.
No: Work cannot commence until an acceptable method of
communication has been confirmed as effective.
Question 8
A written response is not required on Page 1, the identification of
Position of Safety must be incorporated in the Track Protection
Illustration on Page 2.
Question 9
Yes: Lookout CANNOT be utilised as a means of protection.
Consider other methods of track protection to protect the work
site. For Absolute Occupation simply list “Absolute Occupation” as
the control.
No: Consider if Lookout can be used for your requirements and
meets all of the prerequisite requirements
Question 10
Circle the relevant line speed(s) as prescribed in the Network
Configuration Manual (previously known as the W.T.T. Addenda).
Question 11
Yes: A written response is not required on Page 1, the sighting
distance and line speed must be incorporated in the Track
Protection Illustration on Page 2. For Absolute Occupation this will
assist in determining the Safety Overlap at the entrance point(s).
 L4-OPS-GDL-002 Version: 2 Effective From: 22/01/2018
No: Consider if an additional lookout could be employed to achieve Completion of Rail Safety Assessment Protection Arrangements: Particulars of Work Site Protection
the required line of sight requirements. If not, work cannot proceed Arrangements including: limits of protection, positions of safety,
The Work Site Protection methods listed in L1-SQE-PRO-054 form
until a valid alternative is determined. direction(s) of approaching rail traffic & electrical isolations.
the ‘Hierarchy of Worksite Protection Methods’. The highest level
of Track Protection must always be employed, where possible. Experience: Direct supervision may need to be offered to any Work
Track Protection Illustration
The R.S.W.H.A. must be updated as required, in response to changed Site Protection staff as locally required (e.g. recently gained their
The following key must be applied when preparing the Track conditions throughout the duration of the works. competency or may not be familiar with the area).
Protection Illustration. A key must be shown on the R.S.W.H.A. for
any additional symbols/indicators not listed hereunder. Use of a Upon completion of the assessment, tick either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to
Communication: All communication must use the Safety Critical
highlighter (as indicated below) is to be used in preference to the confirm if Worksite Protection is required.
Communications Protocol. Explain the method(s) of communication
symbol where possible. • IF YES, tick the method(s) of Track Protection to be applied, that will be employed during the work and explain how
then furnish the Work Site Protection Illustration. communication will be confirmed e.g. radio test.
WORK SITE PROTECTION ILLUSTRATION KEY
• IF NO, furnish the Pre-Work Briefing/Implementation section
T.F.P.C., Hand Track Circuit Signatories: Work Site Protection Staff and Workgroup Supervisors
(it is not mandatory to complete the Work Site Protection
signaller, Shunting MUST sign the Rail Safety Pre-Work Briefing.
Illustration). Furnish the spaces provided for ‘Controlling
Lookout Device
Signaller, Metrol Controller, Track Warrant, Circular Nos. & P.T.W. Rail Safety Workers NOT engaged in the Work Site Protection
Yellow Highlight Stop Limit arrangements DO NOT sign the R.S.W.H.A., instead, they must sign
Worksite
or Board
S M Particulars’ with ‘N/A’.
on to the Work Group Supervisor Pre-Work Briefing form.
Pink Highlight
Position of Green Highlight Safety Access Numbers Additional sign on forms are to be utilised when the number
Safety or ‘ +‘ Overlap or 50m
Prior to working in the Rail Corridor, a Rail Corridor Number
of staff required to sign on, exceeds the space available on the
Pre-Work Briefing and must be attached to the corresponding
Directional Point Clip (RCN) or Track Access Number (TAN), must be obtained prior to R.S.W.H.A.
Arrows, Access/ & Position commencing work. Refer L1-SQE-PRO-054 Clause 11 for more
Egress Points of Points ‘N‘ or ‘R‘ information.
Rail Safety Log
Evacuation Orange Highlight
Pre-Work Briefing
*
The Rail Safety Log must be endorsed by the T.F.P.C. with key
Point or ‘ ’ Home
Signal The rail safety briefing must effectively communicate how the information regarding the implementation & management of the
Line of Sight 25 kph/180m work site protection arrangements.
hazards identified will be managed on site. Every check box must
be ticked after briefing each topic and must include (but is not Where appropriate, circle the relevant option, either PC (Point Clip),
A.T.W.’s xxx limited to) the points hereunder: SB (Stop Limit Board/Limit Board) or TC (Track Circuit Alteration e.g.
Automatic
Signal Signal Inhibit) and note the time applied or removed.
Dwarf Signal Work Site Rail Traffic: Particulars of planned rail traffic movements
within the limits of protection, whether it is a live line or within The log must be supplied to the relieving T.F.P.C. prior to departing
site as part of the hand over and attached to the relevant
Combining the Roles of T.F.P.C. & W.G.S. Absolute Occupation and the method in which rail traffic
R.S.W.H.A. upon closure of the work site.
movements will be managed to, from & within work site and any
NOTE: This may ONLY be considered for low risk scenarios.
other relevant information e.g. altered public holiday running.
L1-SQE-PRO-054, Clause 8.3, requires the T.F.P.C. to consider a Rail Safety Inspections
range of worksite factors, prior to endorsing the R.S.W.H.A., with a Authority from the signaller must be provided prior to passing any Metro undertakes daily Rail Safety Inspections on the metropolitan
valid justification for combining the roles of T.F.P.C. & W.G.S. If the controlled signal or when passing over any facing or trailing points. rail network. Authorised inspectors may arrive at work sites with
assessment determines ‘Yes’, the justification must be endorsed on out notice, to audit rail safety work site protection arrangements
Rail Safety Worker Certification: The T.F.P.C. must check, prior to
the Rail Safety Log under “Additional Hazards & Controls”. and provide in-field mentoring as required.
any work commencing, that all Work Site Protection staff have valid
M.T.M. or R.I.W. competency cards on their person, and that the role
in which they are to undertake, is current.

Approving Manager: Head of Network Safety Approval Date: 01/11/2017 Next Review Date: 01/11/2018 (PRINTOUT MAY NOT BE UP-TO-DATE; REFER TO METRO INTRANET FOR THE LATEST VERSION) Page 2 of 3
 L4-OPS-GDL-002 Version: 2 Effective From: 22/01/2018

Contacts Hospitals
GENERAL PHONE Glenhuntly 9610 5397 NAME LOCATION MELWAY PHONE
Emergency Services 000 Glen Waverley 9610 6712 REF
Rail Switch Board 9619 1111 Heidelberg 9610 3961 INNER AREA
Kensington 9610 3425 Alfred Commercial Road Prahran 2L/C9 9276 2000
Signal Fault Centre 9619 2999
Kooyong 9610 5105 Royal Melbourne Grattan Street Parkville 2B/A7 9342 7000
Rail Power “Electrol” 9610 5222
Lilydale 9610 8893 Dental Health Services Cnr Elizabeth Street & Fleming Rd 2B/B8 9341 0222
Rail Phone Faults 9619 1100
Melbourne
Rail Security 9619 1109 Mordialloc 9610 6157
Epworth 89 Bridge Rd, Richmond 44/D9 9426 6666
Near Miss Hotline 9619 5647 Macleod 9610 8651
Eye and Ear 126 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne 2G/A1 9929 8666
Electrol 9610 5222 Newport 9610 3184
St Vincents Cnr Victoria Pde Fitzroy St 2B/K12 9288 2211
Metrol Senior T.C. 9610 7204/05 Oakleigh 9610 5372
Pakenham 9610 6055
NORTHERN GROUP
Centrol Senior T.C. 9619 1077
Sunshine 176 Furlong Rd, Sunshine 26/D5 9365 1333
METROL PHONE Ringwood 9610 8865
Western 160 Gordon Street Footscray 42/A2 8345 6666
Burnley Panel 9610 7267 Riversdale 9610 6335
Williamstown* (NOT 24 HOUR) Railway Cresent, Williamstown 76/K12 9393 0100
Caulfield Panel 9610 7273 Sandringham 9610 6267
Werribee Mercy Cnr Princess Highway & Hoppers Lane 206/H4 8754 3000
Clifton Hill Panel 9610 7266 Spencer St No 1 Box 9619 2150
U.F.T. Gully 9610 8780 CLIFTON HILL GROUP
Northern Panel 9610 7268
Austin Hospital 145 Studley Rd Heidelberg 31/K4 9496 5000
Western Panel 9610 7272 Upfield 9610 3073
Northern Hospital 185 Cooper St Epping 181/J12 9219 8000
METROPOLITAN PHONE Werribee 9610 8065
SIGNAL BOXES West Tower 9619 6417 BURNLEY GROUP
Angliss 6 Edward St, Upper Ferntree Gully 74/G7 9764 6111
Ashburton 9610 6342 COUNTRY SIGNAL PHONE
BOXES Box Hill Nelson Rd Box Hill 47/C8 9895 3333
Bell 9610 8169
Bendigo Panel 5440 2727 Lilydale Community (Private) Anderson St 38/F6 9735 0933
Box Hill 9610 8956
Broadford 5784 1773 Maroondah Davey Dr, Ringwood East 50/D6 1300 342 255
Brighton Beach 9610 6261
Burnley 9610 6442 Geelong Panel 5226 6451 CAULFIELD GROUP
Camberwell 9610 6333 Kilmore East 5782 1015 Cabrini Malvern 193 Wattlletree Rd Malvern 59/C9 9508 1222
Caulfield 9610 5359 Maryborough 5461 2626 Casey 522 Kangan Drive Berwick 111/D11 8768 1200
Carrum 9610 6657 North Geelong ‘C’ 5226 6970 Caulfield General Medical Centre 260 Kooyong Rd Kooyong South 67/K3 9276 6000
Cheltenham 9610 6166 Sale 5143 2743 Dandenong & District David Street Dandenong 90/E4 9554 1000
Craigieburn 9610 2168 Seymour Panel 5793 6251 Frankston Hasting Rd , Frankston 102/E4 & 9784 7777
South Geelong 5226 6487 100A/G11
Dandenong 9619 8950
Monash Medical Centre Clayton Rd Clayton 79/D1 9594 6666
Elsternwick 9610 6290 Traralgon Panel 5171 1964
Monash Medical Centre Clayton Rd Bentleigh East 77/K1 9928 8111
Epping 9610 5650 Wallan 5783 1331
Sandringham & District 193 Bluff Rd, Sandringham 76/K12 9921 1000
Frankston 9610 6648 Warrnambool 5561 4277
* Williamstown Hospital Opening Hours 08:00 - 23:00 Daily

Approving Manager: Head of Network Safety Approval Date: 01/11/2017 Next Review Date: 01/11/2018 (PRINTOUT MAY NOT BE UP-TO-DATE; REFER TO METRO INTRANET FOR THE LATEST VERSION) Page 3 of 3