Network Rail

Signal Sighting - Compliance Date: 26 August 2008
 N NR/L2/SIG/10157 ISSUE 2

Annotation

This specification is to be applied to all Network Rail controlled infrastructure. All train movements on Network Rail controlled infrastructure are subject to Railway Safety and Network Rail Company Standards. All signals reading onto Network Rail infrastructure shall comply with this standard, unless other Operators' own standards contradict this standard, in which case formal non compliance to either the other operators' standards or this standard is to be sought.

To be applied to all new and altered signals and other infrastructure items that can be considered as signals (such as Stop and Await Instructions boards) and equipment associated with signals (such as AWS, countdown markers, signal post telephones, etc.) Signal sighting following Category ‘A' Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) is also included.

The check of signal alignment and visibility by Signal Maintenance Technicians and Technical Support staff is detailed in Signal Maintenance Specifications (NR/L3/SIG/10663).

This specification does not mandate the retrospective requirement to formally resight signals but does so for those signals that require a signal sighting either by mutual consent of the Train Operators/Network Rail, or in compliance with the signal sighting requirements of NR/CS/OPS/010 Signals Passed at Danger and Signal Reversions. (Note that Network Rail aspires to create a sighting form for every signal on its infrastructure.)

Purpose

Signal Sighting is a key process in the provision and maintenance of the Railway Signalling system. Signals act as interface between the fixed infrastructure and the train driver. It is imperative that signals convey the messages intended in a conspicuous, unambiguous and standard manner. This specification details how signal sighting shall be undertaken, so that signals are placed in the best position possible, subject to the constraints of legal requirements, Railway Group and Network Rail Company standards.