Network Rail – Vegetation Management

Network Rail – Vegetation Management

A new standard NR/L2/OTK/5201

 

Lineside vegetation management is a process that uses risk assessment to contribute to the safe running the railway infrastructure. Risk from lineside vegetation is controlled by inspection, management and maintenance. These activities protect the Network Rail workforce and third parties against harm

Lineside vegetation includes areas on the operational railway, closed lines, non-operational or third-party land. Management of lineside vegetation is a control from the threats identified on bow tie ‘railway or third-party vegetation affecting safety’ and controls or mitigates the following risks:

1. a) trees within falling distance of the track or third-party land;
2. b) vegetation affecting:
3. overhead line equipment;
4. signal sighting;
5. level crossing sighting;
6. position of safety/refuge;
7. railway vehicles by damage to rolling stock;
8. railway access;
9. inspection of assets;
10. renewal of other assets; and
11. enhancement projects;
12. c) leaf fall affecting the railway;
13. d) injurious and invasive weeds; and
14. e) damage to railway infrastructure or third parties.

 

Cyclical maintenance helps to deliver the most effective management regime once a compliant profile has been achieved. Responsible management of vegetation and respecting our neighbours improves the lineside, environment and stakeholder relations.

 

The new manual contains:

 

1. a) key principles for the management of risk;
2. b) asset knowledge; and
3. c) the impact of vegetation on other assets.

 

The document applies to inspecting, managing and maintaining lineside vegetation and all who are involved in those activities.

 

Out of scope for this process are:

1. d) management of vegetation necessary only for the stability and security of earthworks and structures
2. e) management and inspection of vegetation in advance or in response to adverse/severe weather events which is included within NR/L2/OPS/021 ‘Weather – managing the operational risks’; and
3. f) environmental and community requirements for vegetation management.