DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE

FLANK PROTECTION
L1-NAM-INS-029 Version: 1 Effective from: 21st May 2014

Approval

Amendment Record

Approval Date Version Description

21/05/2014 1 Initial Issue under MTM

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 21/05/2014 Next Review Date: 21/05/2016
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
FLANK PROTECTION
L1-NAM-INS-029 Version: 1 Effective from: 21st May 2014

Table of Contents

1. Purpose .............................................................................................................. 3

2. Scope.................................................................................................................. 3

3. Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................... 3

4. Definitions .......................................................................................................... 3

5. Background ....................................................................................................... 3

6. The Issue ............................................................................................................ 4

7. The Requirement ............................................................................................... 4

8. Responsibilities ................................................................................................. 4

9. References and Legislation .............................................................................. 4

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 21/05/2014 Next Review Date: 21/05/2016
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
FLANK PROTECTION
L1-NAM-INS-029 Version: 1 Effective from: 21st May 2014

1. Purpose
To describe flank protection principles to be considered during development of signalling
control tables.

2. Scope
This Design Practice Note applies to all projects modifying existing and providing new
signalling interlockings.

3. Abbreviations and Acronyms

ARO Accredited Rail Operator
DPN Design Practice Note
MTM Metro Trains Melbourne
RRL Regional Rail Link
VRIOGS Victorian Rail Industry Operators Group Standards

4. Definitions
For the purpose of this DPN the following terms are defined as follows;

Flank Protection

The setting of points, catch points, crossovers, derail and/or derail & crowders to a
position that will divert an unauthorised vehicle away from a route and/or overlap
that has been set for an authorised movement.
Authorised Train Movement

A movement made with the authority of the signaller via the signalling system giving
the driver the authority to proceed by means of a lineside signal displaying a
proceed aspect.
Unauthorised Train Movement

A movement made without the authority of a signal displaying a proceed aspect.

5. Background
Traditionally, the Victorian Railways methods of providing for flank protection were known
by the small number of signalling designers operating in the industry. Since privatisation,
and particularly with the commencement of large projects such as RRL, signalling design is
now carried out by many designers from diverse principle and operational backgrounds.

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 21/05/2014 Next Review Date: 21/05/2016
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 DESIGN PRACTICE NOTE
FLANK PROTECTION
L1-NAM-INS-029 Version: 1 Effective from: 21st May 2014

6. The Issue
A practice of providing and applying inconsistent and inappropriate flank protection has
arisen in design and in many cases is not applicable, nor necessary, on the Victorian
railway network. These requirements can be restrictive operationally, offer further
operational restrictions under fault scenarios and increased maintenance regimes.
In addition, the current VRIOGS suite of documents does not provide a clear and adequate
direction as to the requirements for providing flank protection.
The requirement below offers guidance in respect to the provision of flank protection.

7. The Requirement
Flank protection is only provided by exception within the Metropolitan network due to:
a) The signalling system is designed to ensure no conflicts exist between two or more
authorised movements
b) The provision of fully braked overlaps
c) Signal enforcement is employed to prevent unauthorised movements
The exception to this is ‘to protect main line moves from unauthorised movement of vehicles
from sidings, yards or maintenance facilities as stipulated in VRIOGS 012.0 section 4.2.2’.
Where unauthorised movements are being made in accordance with the rule book,
protection shall be provided through the requirements of the rule book and safeworking
procedures.
Should a design authority consider that an authorised movement is compromised by an
unauthorised movement (eg; start from stop and vehicles/signals not equipped with signal
enforcement) then this matter should be brought to the attention of the ARO(s) concerned
in order for a risk assessment to be conducted in conjunction with all affected stakeholders
in order to gain ARO approval.

8. Responsibilities
All planned works to cater for this design requirement.

9. References and Legislation

This document is to supplement and clearly define MTM’s requirements in relation to
VRIOGS 12.0

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 21/05/2014 Next Review Date: 21/05/2016
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