Rail-Adjacent Works RAMS Guide for UK Contractors

Key Topics in a Rail-Adjacent Works RAMS

Exclusion zones and railway boundary

Works adjacent to the operational railway are governed by a strict exclusion zone measured from the nearest rail. Network Rail's standard for construction near the railway defines minimum working clearances that must not be infringed without a formal Safe System of Work (SSoW) agreed with Network Rail. The RAMS must identify the exact distance from the working area to the nearest rail, confirm that all plant and personnel will remain outside the exclusion zone at all times during normal working, and describe the procedure for obtaining a formal safe system of work (including Possession or Lookout) if the exclusion zone cannot be maintained. Proximity to the railway is typically classed as within 3 metres of the nearest rail or within the boundary of Network Rail's land.

Overhead line equipment (OLE) and plant height restrictions

Where the railway is electrified (25 kV AC on main lines, 750 V DC third rail on Southern and London Overground routes), overhead line equipment or third rail presents a lethal electrical hazard. The RAMS must confirm the electrification type adjacent to the works, specify the maximum plant height permitted to operate near OLE without electrical isolation (typically 3 m clearance from 25 kV OLE for non-insulated plant), and confirm that plant operators have been briefed on the OLE hazard and the no-entry zone for booms and attachments. Third-rail lines require specific controls to prevent operatives or materials inadvertently contacting the live rail from the boundary.

Debris and material management

Any material or debris that falls or is thrown onto the railway track can cause derailment or strike a moving train at speed, with potentially fatal consequences. The RAMS must describe the measures to prevent debris incursion: netting or debris-containment screens rated for the materials being used, no materials stored within the exclusion zone, the procedure for recovering dropped tools or materials (which requires a formal Safe System of Work, not ad hoc retrieval), and confirmation that all plant operating near the boundary has a physical or procedural hard stop to prevent the boom or attachment reaching the exclusion zone.

Network Rail or TfL consents and emergency contacts

Any works within the adjacent land or boundary of Network Rail or TfL require formal consent — a Licence to Occupy, Works Possession, or third-party agreement — before works commence. These consents impose conditions on working hours, plant types, and notification requirements. The RAMS must reference the specific consent number and its conditions, name the Network Rail or TfL project manager responsible for the works, and include the Network Rail National Helpdesk (0800 058 9450) and relevant Traction Power Control centre number as emergency contacts. In an emergency on or near the railway, the immediate action is to call 999 and then the Network Rail emergency line.