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Your Partner for Integrated Rail Operations Solutions
Rail Operations provides consulting services to diverse clients in the rail industry. Our team scopes, coordinates, supports and manages projects to guarantee success every time. We collaborate with existing teams to boost productivity and safety. Proactive and agile, we use proven methods combined with planning and review, verifying every aspect of a project.
Our expertise in Possession Management, Isolation Management and Safety-Critical services is extensive. Access planning is also part of our skillset and enables efficient completion of work. Regardless of the size or scale of your project, our Rail Operations team ensures everyone returns home safely each day.
Rail Operations Specialists
Our team of specialists, acting as your trusted partner, provides tailored infrastructure solutions to support your delivery needs. With Rail Operations’ project management experience spanning many areas such as rail engineering services, health and safety compliance, and safety-critical working, you can rely on us to help and support your business in completing projects. Our key skill is to collaborate with you to define the project scope and identify gaps in knowledge, expertise, or capability to ensure successful delivery. We can provide safety-critical advice, recommend ancillary services to supplement your offering, and provide critical insights into your bids or tendering process.
Specialist Supporting Services
Civils & Construction, Possession Planning, Safety-Critical Resource & Recruitment, Signalling, Track Warning Services, Vegetation Management, and Welding Services are just a few of the integrated infrastructure solutions we can provide to support your existing services. We have assembled a team of dedicated professionals with extensive industry experience and outstanding technical expertise. We are committed to communication and engagement with clients throughout the process.Contact Rail Operations
For reliable project delivery, contact us today at 0330 113 0004. Led by John Byrne, our experienced team of Rail Operations experts are ready to assist.
Speak to our experts about your next project
Rail Operations Services
Planning a safe system of works is critical to ensure that your workers have the correct documentation to identify hazards, key personnel, and access and egress arrangements.
Safe System of Works Planning (SSOWP) is a vital framework in UK rail operations, ensuring the safety of workers, passengers, and the public during maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. It involves structured procedures to identify and manage hazards, assess risks, and implement controls, ensuring compliance with legal standards like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations.
Key elements of SSOWP include risk assessments, control measures, and the creation of a Safe Work Pack (SWP) detailing site-specific safety protocols. Collaboration between stakeholders—rail operators, track workers, engineers, and planners—is crucial. Essential roles include the Responsible Manager for work prioritisation, the Planner for designing Safe Systems of Work, and the Controller of Site Safety (COSS) or Individual Working Alone (IWA) for on-site safety enforcement.
SSOWP is a dynamic process, continuously revised to address evolving safety challenges, preventing accidents, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Lift Planning in the railway sector is essential for the safe and efficient handling of heavy materials around railway infrastructure. It involves meticulous planning and specialised expertise to mitigate risks associated with people, equipment, and railway interfaces.
Key elements include risk assessment, identifying hazards in lifting operations near tracks, and equipment selection, ensuring machinery is suitable for the railway environment. Accurate load calculations are crucial to match lifting equipment to the weight and size of materials. Clearance analysis evaluates available space and potential obstructions, such as overhead lines or platforms, while coordination with railway operations minimises service disruptions and ensures staff and passenger safety. All activities must comply with railway safety standards and regulations.
Successful lift planning demands collaboration between lifting specialists, railway engineers, and safety professionals. This tailored approach reduces accident risks, protects infrastructure, and maintains operational integrity during material handling in railway environments.
It takes a lot of expertise and experience to ensure your work can happen – our team can help you select the most suitable method to cooperate with other contractors on the railway.
Planning for Possession/NROL3 in the rail sector involves the meticulous organisation and coordination of work activities during periods when a section of the railway is temporarily closed for maintenance or upgrades. This process ensures that work is conducted efficiently while maintaining safety and minimising disruption.
Key elements include coordination, facilitating collaboration among multiple contractors to prevent conflicts, and scheduling, determining optimal methods and timelines for tasks within the possession period. Safety is paramount, with robust measures in place to protect workers and equipment during closures. Efficiency is also a priority, maximising productivity during the limited possession window.
This specialised planning approach is critical for delivering maintenance and improvement projects safely, effectively, and on schedule, ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of the railway infrastructure while minimising disruptions to train services. Expertise and experience are vital to successfully navigating the challenges of possession planning.
P6 Primavera Planning is a specialised project management tool widely used in the rail sector to efficiently coordinate and deliver complex projects. It streamlines key aspects of project planning and execution, ensuring effective resource management and enhanced safety.
The software facilitates project organisation, enabling consultants and planners to structure rail projects systematically. It improves time management, allowing clients to focus on delivery by simplifying scheduling processes. Resource allocation is optimised through effective management of personnel and equipment across various project phases.
With expertise assurance, clients benefit from the competence and experience of qualified professionals using P6 Primavera. The tool also supports safety measures, ensuring workers have safe access during rail projects. Additionally, it aids in project coordination, handling multiple operational aspects simultaneously.
By leveraging P6 Primavera, rail organisations can improve planning precision, ensure safer work environments, and enhance overall project delivery efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
RSS Infrastructure provides a comprehensive range of rail services, specialising in:
- Permanent Way (P-Way): Track renewals and maintenance, including track beds, rails, sleepers, drainage, fencing, and other railway assets.
- Project Works & IBJ Recoveries: Handling complex rail projects, including IBJ recoveries, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
- Design Consultancy: Tailored design solutions to meet unique project requirements.
- Possession/Isolation Management: Safe and efficient management of rail works, minimising disruption.
- Verse Testing: Ensuring the integrity and safety of railway systems.
- Access Planning: Optimising project timelines and access arrangements.
- S&T Works: Specialised services in signalling and telecommunications for safe and effective rail network operation.
- Welding: High-standard welding services ensure durability and safety.
- De-vegetation/IRATA/Ecology: Maintaining clear and safe rail corridors.
- Civils/Construction: Supporting various infrastructure projects from groundwork to execution.
RSSI is committed to the highest safety, quality, and efficiency standards. They achieve this through:
- Employing dedicated professionals with outstanding technical expertise and industry experience.
- Proactive communication and client engagement.
- Delivering projects on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards.
RSSI has a proven track record with successful delivery on high-profile projects, including HS2, Crossrail, Brent Cross Upgrades, and the Birmingham Proof House Re-modelling. Notable examples include:
- West Midlands and Chilterns TSR Programme: Managed works across multiple stations for Network Rail.
- IBJ Recovery Programme: Delivered comprehensive recovery and reconnection services between Rugby and Birmingham New Street.
- Bridge Examinations: Conducted detailed bridge examinations for Asset Protection.
RSSI provided a range of services for this project, including Possession Planning and Management, Isolations, Worksite Management, De-vegetation, Fence Installation, and Civils work. Key aspects included:
- Early engagement and collaboration with Skanska and Network Rail.
- Effective On Track Plant (OTP) Planning and Management.
- Provision of package works and safety-critical staff, resulting in cost savings and increased productivity.
RSSI worked closely with Amey to deliver skilled personnel for isolations, including:
- Supplying isolation staff, planners, nominated persons, authorised persons, and earthing assistants.
- Meeting budgetary and time constraints.
- Maintaining a strong safety record, with zero accidents or incidents.
- Utilising isolation demarcation (RoLE) devices for enhanced safety.
In addition to its core rail operations, RSS Infrastructure (RSSI) offers a wide range of infrastructure solutions designed to meet various project needs, including:
- Technical Services: Civils & Construction, Geofencing Services, Magnetic Track Safety Solutions, Signalling (S&T) and Track Warning Services
- Managed Environments: Arboriculture & Vegetation Management, Ecology Services and Industrial Rope Access (IRATA)
- Welding Services: Light Rail and Rail Welding
You can contact the RSS Infrastructure team via the following channels: Phone: 0330 113 0004. Email: info@rssinfrastructure.com. By Post: RSS Infrastructure Ltd, Tech Block, Gee Business Centre, Holborn Hill, Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands B7 5JR
RSS Infrastructure sets itself apart through its commitment to:
- Partnership approach: We collaborate closely with clients, understand their challenges, and deliver solutions that meet their specific needs.
- Consistency: Assigning the same dedicated team throughout the project lifecycle to ensure continuity and reliability.
- Outstanding service: Striving to exceed client expectations by prioritising satisfaction and delivering high-quality results.
- Safety and productivity: Maintaining rigorous safety standards while driving efficient and productive project execution.
To reach the Rail Operations team at RSS Infrastructure, you can directly contact John Byrne, the Head of Rail Operations. With extensive experience in the rail sector, particularly in possession planning and management, John is well-equipped to assist with any rail operations inquiries. His contact details are: Phone 07801 722 928 or Email john.byrne@rssinfrastructure.com
John Byrne has played a key role in complex projects such as the SAS Bridge Skanska HS2 Project, where his team handled possession planning, isolations, worksite management, de-vegetation, fence installation, and civils work. His expertise and his team’s collaboration with Skanska and Network Rail during pre-planning meetings make him an ideal point of contact for rail operations and possession management.
Projects
Re-Padding Track
Network Rail required the re-padding of 250 yards of track on both legs for their PAD Lichfield project but had delays due to other work commitments.
Oxley Sleeper Change Project
The Oxley Sleeper Change project was carried out by RSSI Rail Projects for our client Network Rail, which involved replacing the damaged and rotten sleepers in the ground to avoid any potential speed restriction on the line.
Warrington Power Station Project
This Rail Projects project involved examining a private third-party owned structure for the client. The inspection report aimed to determine whether heavier vehicles could be used across the structure,
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