Network Rail

Non-Conceptual Design and Test (Functionally Equivalent Design)
 N NB 145 ISSUE 1

Annotation

This Notice Board applies to all signalling design and testing activities being undertaken on Network Rail Infrastructure.

Purpose

There have been a number of recent inappropriate applications of ‘G110 Type’ testing which have been raised to the Head of Signalling; when making alterations to existing infrastructure it can be easy to inadvertently introduce unsafe conditions.

The purpose of this Notice Board is;

1. A reminder to all staff involved in planning, design and testing of Network Rail Signalling infrastructure that they have a personal duty of care to minimise risk of any situations arising that could compromise safety to discharge NR’s corporate responsibility under the CSM Regulations [Common Safety Methods];

2. To draw attention to the definition of typical works that constitute ‘Conceptual’ and ‘Nonconceptual’ design, and the requirement for consultation with the relevant design and testing specialists to confirm that robust and appropriate methodologies are being applied;

Note: NR/L2/SIG/30014/A100, section 4.2 states: Signalling Works Testing standards other than NR/L2/SIG/30014/A110 shall only be applied based on good practice methods of risk assessment, planning, review, briefing, and consensus between all involved disciplines NR and external contractors, project management and engineering, design, construction, test and maintenance.

3. To inform of future changes to the content and structure of the Signalling Design Handbook NR/L2/SIG/11201 that will introduce a new module on ‘Functionally Equivalent Design’. This new module will replace the current Network Rail company standard NR/L3/SIG/30075 – Production of Non-Conceptual Signalling Design.