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This document contains one or more pages which contain colour.

Published by: RSSB © Copyright 2015 Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited

Uncontrolled When Printed Document comes into force 05/09/2015

Amendments to this document are published on RSSB Standards Catalogue http://www.rssb.co.uk/railway-group-standards

Guidance on Lineside Signs

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GI/GN7633 Issue One: June 2015

Issue record

Issue Date Comments

One September 2015 Original document.

Provides guidance against the requirements in GI/RT7033, and additional guidance for lineside operational and lineside safety signs in the appendices.

Superseded documents

This Rail Industry Guidance Note does not supersede any other Railway Group documents.

Supply

The authoritative version of this document is available at www.rgsonline.co.uk. Enquiries on this document can be forwarded to [email protected].



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mailto:[email protected]


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Contents

Section Description Page

Part 1 Introduction 4 G 1.1 Purpose of this document 4 G 1.2 The structure of this document 4 G 1.3 Copyright 4 G 1.4 Approval and authorisation of this document 5

Part 2 Guidance on Requirements for Lineside Operational Signs 6 G 2.1 Approved lineside operational signs 6 G 2.2 Physical requirements 6 G 2.3 Optical requirements 7 G 2.4 Introducing new designs of lineside operational signs 8

Part 3 Application of this Document 14 3.1 Application - infrastructure managers 14 3.2 Application - railway undertakings 14 3.3 Health and Safety Responsibilities 14

Appendices Appendix A Document Template for Lineside Operational Signs 15 Appendix B Readability and Interpretability of Lineside Operational Signs 17 Appendix C Lineside Safety Signs 18 Appendix D Installation and Maintenance of Signs 20 Appendix E Trials for New Designs of Signs 21

Definitions 22

References 24

Figures

Figure 1 Generic format of text using the Rail Alphabet typeface 6 Process for introducing new designs of signs 13

Figure A.1 Template for lineside operational signs 15 Figure B.1 Template for lineside safety signs 19




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Part 1 Introduction

G 1.1 Purpose of this document

G 1.1.1 This document gives guidance on interpreting the requirements of Railway Group Standard GI/RT7033 issue three Lineside Signs. This document also gives additional guidance for both lineside operational and lineside safety signs in the appendices. It does not constitute a recommended method of meeting any set of mandatory requirements.

G 1.1.2 GI/RT7033 is also supported by another Rail Industry Guidance Note GI/GN7634 Index for Lineside Signs, and an online catalogue of lineside signs. The catalogue of lineside signs includes two groups of signs, namely mandatory lineside operational signs and non-mandatory lineside safety signs. GI/GN7634 sets out an index for all the signs in the catalogue of lineside signs.

G 1.1.3 Requirements for the visibility of trackside control-command and signalling objects are set out in section 4.2.15 of the CCS TSI. Requirements for the provision, visibility, readability, maintenance and testing of a specific set of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) trackside boards are set out in BS EN 16494:2015. The requirements in GI/RT7033 are national technical rules (NTRs) which are provided for the design of lineside operational signs for the Great Britain (GB) main line railway. It also contains a non-mandatory appendix relating to the design of lineside safety signs.

G 1.2 The structure of this document

G 1.2.1 All requirements from Railway Group Standard GI/RT7033 are reproduced with a grey background in this document.

G 1.2.2 Guidance is provided as a series of sequentially numbered clauses prefixed ‘G’ immediately below the greyed text to which it relates.

G 1.2.3 Specific responsibilities and compliance requirements are laid down in the Railway Group Standard itself.

G 1.2.4 The guidance given in Appendices A and B is applicable to lineside operational signs only.

G 1.2.5 The guidance given in Appendix C is applicable to lineside safety signs only.

G 1.2.6 The guidance given in Appendices D and E is applicable to both lineside operational and lineside safety signs.

G 1.3 Copyright

G 1.3.1 Copyright in the Railway Group documents is owned by Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited. All rights are hereby reserved. No Railway Group document (in whole or in part) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or means, without the prior written permission of Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited, or as expressly permitted by law.

G 1.3.2 RSSB members are granted copyright licence in accordance with the Constitution Agreement relating to Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited.

G 1.3.3 In circumstances where Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited has granted a particular person or organisation permission to copy extracts from Railway Group documents, Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited accepts no responsibility for, nor any liability in connection with, the use of such extracts, or any claims arising therefrom. This disclaimer applies to all forms of media in which extracts from Railway Group Standards may be reproduced.




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G 1.4 Approval and authorisation of this document

G 1.4.1 The content of this document was approved by Control Command and Signalling (CCS) Standards Committee on 22 January 2015.

This document was authorised by RSSB on 21 April 2015.




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Part 2 Guidance on Requirements for Lineside Operational Signs

G 2.1 Approved lineside operational signs

2.1.1 Only lineside operational signs referenced in GI/GN7634 shall be installed, and only for those applications mandated in Railway Group Standards.

G 2.1.1 Rationale: Restriction to only the approved signs prevents the proliferation of different designs of signs conveying similar information, which could cause confusion and misinterpretation.

G 2.1.2 The lineside operational signs that have been approved are shown in the catalogue of lineside signs. The applications of lineside operational signs are specified in the relevant Railway Group Standards that set out the need for the signs.

G 2.1.3 The catalogue of lineside signs includes both lineside operational and lineside safety signs. An index for all signs in the catalogue is set out in GI/GN7634.

G 2.1.4 The process for introducing new or modified designs of lineside operational signs into the catalogue is set out in GI/RT7033.

G 2.2 Physical requirements

G 2.2.1 Dimension tolerance

2.2.1.1 Unless otherwise stated, the maximum tolerance of 1% to the dimension specified in the catalogue of lineside signs shall be applied, but subject to a maximum of ±10 mm.

G 2.2.1.1 Rationale: Tolerance on the dimension allows minor deviation from the specified value at the manufacturing stage.

G 2.2.1.2 The dimensions of signs are specified in the catalogue, to achieve consistency in the size and shape of signs.

G 2.2.1.3 Smaller sizes of some signs are used in special circumstances, for example limited clearance in tunnels.

G 2.2.2 Lettering and symbols

2.2.2.1 Unless otherwise stated for individual lineside operational signs, the following typefaces shall be used:

a) For those signs incorporating only digits or digits and capital letters as abbreviations, the digit typeface shall be BS 3693B:1964.

b) The Rail Alphabet typeface shall be used, except where BS 3693B:1964 applies.

G 2.2.2.1 Rationale: These typefaces are specified for their readability, and to achieve consistency across the railway network.




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G 2.2.2.2 BS 3693B:1964 only contains definitions for digits. Although BS 3693B:1964 was withdrawn in 1992, the typeface specified is still being used for digits that are incorporated in those lineside signs that either:

a) Contain only digits.

Or

b) Contain digits and capital letters as abbreviations.

G 2.2.2.3 The Rail Alphabet typeface designed by Kinnear & Calvert for the British Railways Board in the 1960s is similar to a bold weight of Helvetica®. The Helvetica® Neue Bold typeface is to be used by lineside signs on ERTMS lines for degraded mode operation, as set out in BS EN 16494:2015.

G 2.2.3 Layout of text

2.2.3.1 The layout of text within a lineside operational sign shall be based on a grid system, as shown in Figure 1.

a) The size of the grid is defined by the “x”-height of the main heading, denoted as “a” in Figure 1. The “x”-height being the height of a lower-case “x”.

b) If hierarchical information is required, the “x”-height of the main heading shall be three units, and the qualifying text two units. Text of one unit in height shall be reserved for any limitations which need to be applied.

c) The interlinear separation, denoted as “b” in Figure 1, shall be double the “x”-height of the text.

d) Borders shall be the same thickness as the “x”-height of the main heading.

Figure 1 Generic format of text using the Rail Alphabet typeface

G 2.2.3.1 Rationale: The grid system allows for consistency of proportionality between the levels of hierarchical text. This emphasises the hierarchical level of text importance.

G 2.3 Optical requirements

G 2.3.1 Reflectivity

2.3.1.1 The retroreflective material used for lineside operational signs shall have a coefficient of retroreflection equal to or greater than Class RA2, as set out in BS EN 12899-1:2007 Table 4.

G 2.3.1.1 Rationale: Retroreflective signs are used to help drivers read them in low light levels.

G 2.3.1.2 BS EN 12899-1:2007 Table 4 sets out performance requirements for Class RA2 retroreflective material, which is equivalent to the Class 1 material previously specified in the superseded standard BS EN 873-6:1983.

a = “x-height” of the main heading

b“x-height” of the qualifying text

“x-height” of the limitation text




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G 2.3.2 Colour

2.3.2.1 The optical properties for non-retroreflective white, red, yellow, blue, green, grey and black colour shall be as set out in BS EN 12899-1:2007 Table 16.

2.3.2.2 The non-retroreflective purple shall be Pantone 260C®.

2.3.2.3 The optical properties for retroreflective white, red, yellow, blue, green and grey colours shall be as set out in BS EN 12899-1:2007 Table 2.

2.3.2.4 Retroreflective purple shall be achieved by overlaying a transparent Pantone 260C® product on a white retroreflective product.

2.3.2.5 The optical properties for retroreflective yellow-green shall be as set out in BS 8408:2005 Tables 4 and 5.

G 2.3.2.1 Rationale: The optical properties and colours are specified to prevent proliferation of different shades of colours being used.

G 2.3.3 Colour for the rear of signs

2.3.3.1 The rear of lineside operational signs shall be uniform, non-retroreflective grey.

G 2.3.3.1 Rationale: The non-retroreflective grey colour is used for the rear of signs, as it is a neutral colour which reduces distraction.

G 2.3.3.2 The rear surfaces of lineside operational signs should not cause confusion to drivers.

G 2.3.3.3 There is no colour specification for rear surfaces of ERTMS trackside board in BS EN 16494:2015, although it recommends the use of uniform, non-reflective grey in accordance with the chromaticity requirements of BS EN 12899-1:2007 Table 16 and luminance factor β ≤ 0.4.

G 2.4 Introducing new designs of lineside operational signs

G 2.4.1 Presentation and shape for new designs of lineside operational signs

2.4.1.1 For new designs of lineside operational signs, one of the following shapes shall be used, either for the sign itself or as a symbol contained within a rectangular or circular shape:

a) A circular sign or symbol to denote an instruction.

Or

b) A triangular sign or symbol, apex pointing upwards, to denote a warning. It is permissible to use a pentagon shape where multiple lines of lettering and / or digits are required.

Or

c) A rectangular sign or symbol for the display of information.

G 2.4.1.1 Rationale: The purpose of a sign is reinforced through its shape, thereby enabling users to more readily interpret the information presented.

G 2.4.1.2 Some existing warning signs, for example, Sign AD03m (permissible speed warning indicators) use an irregular pentagon shape. The irregular pentagon shape is in the form of a rectangle above a triangle with its vertex pointing downwards. The height of the rectangular section can vary to accommodate the texts.




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G 2.4.2 Use of colour for new designs of lineside operational signs

2.4.2.1 For new designs of lineside operational signs:

a) A red border shall be used to denote an instruction; the instruction shall appear as black pictogram / text on a white background.

b) A yellow border shall be used to denote a warning; the instruction shall appear as black pictogram / text on a white background.

c) A black border shall be used for the display of information; the instruction shall appear as black pictogram / text on a white background.

G 2.4.2.1 Rationale: The colour used for the borders, pictogram / text and background of a sign reinforces its purpose.

G 2.4.2.2 Good contrast between the colour of the background, border, pictogram and text of a sign, facilitates its readability. Guidance on the combinations of contrast colours for safety signs is given in BS ISO 3864-1:2011 section 5.

G 2.4.3 Language

2.4.3.1 Lineside operational signs shall be in the English language where text is used.

G 2.4.3.1 No guidance is associated with the above text.

G 2.4.4 Process for introducing new designs of lineside operational signs

G 2.4.4.1 The process for introducing a new design of lineside operational sign intended for national application is shown in Figure G 1. The shapes with a grey background are relevant to the steps set out in 2.4.4 of GI/RT7033.

GI/RT7033 issue three

2.4.4 Process for introducing new designs of lineside operational signs

2.4.4.1 The following process shall be followed to introduce new designs of lineside operational signs:

a) A deviation application against this document, for a trial of the new design of sign and, if the application of the sign is within the scope of an existing standard, a separate deviation against the relevant standard, shall be submitted in accordance with the Railway Group Standards Code.

b) The deviation application shall include artwork clearly denoting the dimension, shape, colour and layout, as set out in Appendix A.

G 2.4.4.2 Rationale: Management of the introduction of new lineside operational signs is necessary to maintain the consistency of form and presentation of signs on the network.

G 2.4.4.3 Rationale: A trial of new designs of a lineside operational sign is used to establish the effectiveness of the sign. The result from a trial provides supporting evidence for the proposal for standard change.

G 2.4.4.4 Rationale: The separate deviation application against a relevant standard for the operational needs of a sign is required to confirm the purpose and use of the sign in the contexts of the relevant standard. The deviations applications should cross-reference each other, and the same reference number with sub numbers / letters could be considered for the two applications to indicate their association.




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G 2.4.4.5 The process for a deviation application is set out in the Railway Group Standards Code section 7. Further guidance is provided on the RSSB website www.rssb.co.uk. It is assumed that a variety of designs of the sign have been evaluated, and limited variations are shortlisted before the deviation application.

G 2.4.4.6 The deviation application for a trial of a new design of sign should include:

a) Details of the proposed sign, including artwork(s) for the design(s) of the sign, and the proposed requirements on readability and positioning of the sign.

b) The reason why the new sign is required.

c) The duration of the deviation, which should accommodate the duration of the trial and the duration for a potential proposal for change period, so that the sign does not have to be covered up or removed immediately after the trial.

d) An outline plan of how the proposed trial is to be conducted, including locations.

e) Predictions of any safety and performance impact.

f) The success criteria for the trial.

g) A list of the affected parties consulted and any documented feedback.

G 2.4.4.7 Further guidance on undertaking trials is given in Appendix E of this document.

c) On completion of the trial, if it is decided to proceed with the introduction of the new design nationally, a proposal for the use and design of the sign shall be submitted in accordance with the Railway Group Standards Code.

G 2.4.4.8 Rationale: A change to a Railway Group Standard can only be progressed after approval from the relevant standards committee has been obtained.

G 2.4.4.9 On completion of the trial, if it is decided to proceed with the introduction of the new design for either national or geographically limited applications, evidence that supports the introduction of the new design of the sign should be submitted to the relevant standards committee(s).

G 2.4.4.10 For a new design of sign intended for national application, the supporting evidence should be submitted, together with the proposal for change application. If the proposal for change is approved, a new deviation certificate would be issued, with limitation on the duration extended to, until the requirement mandating the use of the sign is updated in the relevant standard.

G 2.4.4.11 For a new design of sign not intended to be applied nationally, the supporting evidence should be submitted to the relevant standards committee(s) for its decision on a new deviation certificate being issued with the limitation on the duration removed.

G 2.4.4.12 The process for a proposal for change to a Railway Group Standard is set out in the Railway Group Standards Code section 6. Further guidance can be found on the RSSB website www.rssb.co.uk.

G 2.4.4.13 The proposal for change should include:

a) Details of the proposed changes, including proposed requirements on minimum reading time or distance and positioning of the sign.

b) The reason why the new sign is required.

c) Evidence that the design of the sign complies with the requirements set out in GI/RT7033 sections 2.2 to 2.4. If it does not comply with the requirements, the reason why should be included in the proposal.

d) Evidence that a trial has been completed successfully.

e) A list of the affected parties consulted and any documented feedback.



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d) The proposal for change shall include artwork clearly denoting the dimension, shape and layout, as set out in Appendix A.

G 2.4.4.14 Rationale: The artwork and parameters specified in Appendix A show consistency in the design of the sign.

G 2.4.4.15 The artwork submitted with the proposal for change is the design of the sign which is proved to be adequate for its intended purpose. It could be the same as the design submitted for the deviations application.

G 2.4.4.16 Further guidance is given in Appendix A.

G 2.4.5 Process for introducing a new use of an existing lineside operational sign

GI/RT7033 issue three

2.4.5 Process for introducing a new use of an existing lineside operational sign

2.4.5.1 When a lineside operational sign defined in GI/GN7634 is used for a new application, the following process shall be followed:

a) A deviation application against this document, for a trial of the new application of the sign and, if the application of the sign is within the scope of an existing standard, a separate deviation against the relevant standard, shall be submitted in accordance with the Railway Group Standards Code.

b) On completion of the trial, if it is decided to proceed with the new application of the sign nationally, a proposal for the use of the sign shall be submitted in accordance with the Railway Group Standards Code.

G 2.4.5.1 Rationale: It is necessary to provide management with a process of introducing a new application of an existing lineside operational sign.

G 2.4.5.2 Rationale: A trial of a new application of a lineside operational sign is to establish the adequacy of the new application of the sign. The result from a trial provides supporting evidence for the proposal for the new use of the sign.

G 2.4.5.3 Rationale: The separate deviation application against a relevant standard for the operational needs of a sign is needed to confirm the purpose and use of the sign in the contexts of the relevant standard. The deviations applications should cross-reference each other, and the same reference number with sub numbers / letters could be considered for the two applications to indicate their association.

G 2.4.5.4 The introduction of new use of an existing lineside operational sign should be limited to specific situations where a new use of an existing sign is effective and does not cause confusion to drivers and other users.

G 2.4.5.5 The process for a deviation application is set out in the Railway Group Standards Code section 7. Further guidance is provided on the RSSB website www.rssb.co.uk.

G 2.4.5.6 The process of introducing a new use to an existing sign is indicated in Figure G 1 using dashed lines and shapes.

G 2.4.5.7 The deviation application for a trial of a new application of an existing lineside operational sign should include:

a) Details of the proposed requirements on readability and positioning of the sign.

b) The reason why the new application of the existing sign is considered.

c) The duration of the deviation, which should accommodate the duration of the trial and the duration of a potential proposal for change period, so that the sign does not have to be covered up or removed immediately after the trial.

d) An outline plan of how the proposed trial is to be conducted, including locations.



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e) Predictions of any safety and performance impact.

f) The success criteria for the trial.

g) A list of the affected parties consulted and any documented feedback.

G 2.4.5.8 On completion of the trial, if it is decided to proceed with the introduction of the new use of the sign for either national or geographically limited applications, evidence that supports the introduction of the new use of the sign should be submitted to the relevant standards committee(s).

G 2.4.5.9 For a new use of a sign intended for national application, the supporting evidence should be submitted together with the proposal for change application. If the proposal for change is approved, a new deviation certificate would be issued, with limitation on the duration extended to, until the requirement mandating the use of the sign is updated in a relevant standard.

G 2.4.5.10 For a new use of a sign not intended to be applied nationally, the supporting evidence should be submitted to the relevant standards committee(s) for its decision on a new deviation certificate being issued with the limitation on the duration removed.

G 2.4.5.11 The process for a proposal for change to a Railway Group Standard is set out in the Railway Group Standards Code section 6. Further guidance can be found on the RSSB website www.rssb.co.uk.

G 2.4.5.12 The proposal for change should include:

a) Details of the proposed changes, including proposed requirements on minimum reading time or distance and positioning of the sign.

b) The reason why the new application of the sign is required.

c) Evidence that a trial has been completed successfully.

d) A list of the affected parties consulted and any documented feedback.

e) Demonstration of why the proposed changes are reasonable, in particular those that impact on safety and performance.



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.

* The process for introducing a new use of an existing operational sign is indicated by the flowchart using dashed

lines and shapes

Process for introducing new designs of signs




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Part 3 Application of this Document

3.1.1.1 The requirements of this document apply to all new installation of lineside operational signs, whether new or altered in design, provided by an infrastructure manager (network) or an infrastructure manager (stations) to convey information, instructions and warnings for the management of the operation of trains.

3.1.2.1 This document does not address the requirements for signs on trains or other signs that provide information to personnel authorised to access the track and to members of the public.

3.1.3.1 This Railway Group Standard comes into force and is to be complied with from 05 March 2016.

3.1.3.2 After the compliance date or the date by which compliance is achieved, if earlier, infrastructure managers are to maintain compliance with the requirements set out in this Railway Group Standard. Where it is considered not reasonably practicable to comply with the requirements, permission to comply with a specified alternative should be sought in accordance with the Railway Group Standards Code.

3.2.1 There are no requirements applicable to railway undertakings.

3.3.1 Users of documents published by RSSB are reminded of the need to consider their own responsibilities to ensure health and safety at work and their own duties under health and safety legislation. RSSB does not warrant that compliance with all or any documents published by RSSB is sufficient in itself to ensure safe systems of work or operation or to satisfy such responsibilities or duties.

G 3.1.1.1 No guidance is associated with Part 3 of GI/RT7033.




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Appendix A Document Template for Lineside Operational Signs

The content of this appendix is mandatory.

G A.1 Template for lineside operational signs

[Artwork for design of the sign. An example is shown above]

Typeface [Typeface for text and digits]

Colour [Colour for text, symbol, background and border, as set out in 2.3.2]

Luminance [Retroreflectivity and / or illumination. If illumination is required, a separate table of specification is also required, as set out below]

Readability performance

Readable distance

[The distance at which the sign is readable]

Visible distance

[The distance at which the sign is visible]

Associated sign(s) [Lists the identification of associated signs, for example, signs AF03, AF04m, AF05, AF06, AF07 and AF08 are referenced for sign AF02m]

Supplementary information

[Supplementary information, if required, for appearance, size, shape and text layout]

Illumination (where required)

Colour [Colour used]

Flashing

Flashing rate [Value in Hz]

Flashing pattern

[Mark-space ratio: value and tolerance range]

[Whether two or more lights flash synchronously]

Performance [Readable horizontal and vertical angle range relative to the centre axis of the emitted light, for example Sign AF01 needs to be visible at an observation angle of no greater than 15o and 10o relative to the centre horizontal and vertical axis of the emitted light]


[Supplementary information, if required, for size and shape]

Figure A.1 Template for lineside operational signs




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G A.1.1 Both the physical parameters (size, shape, typeface and layout of text) and optical characteristics (colour and luminance) set out in the template are determined by the readability performance required for the application of a sign.

G A.1.2 For existing lineside operational signs, the readability performance required for a specific application is determined through a Signal Sighting Committee (SSC), as set out in GE/RT8101. Guidance on how to decide when it is feasible to use visible distance as a means of achieving interpretability is given in GE/GN8601.

G A.1.3 For new designs of lineside operational signs, guidance on readability performance is set out in Appendix E of GK/GN0657. Further guidance about reading times and readable distances is given in GE/GN8601.

G A.1.4 The readability performance should form part of the success criteria for a trial. Further guidance on undertaking trials is given in Appendix E of this document.




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Appendix B Readability and Interpretability of Lineside Operational Signs

The content of this appendix is not mandatory and is provided for guidance only.

G B.1 Technical compatibility: readability and interpretability

G B.1.1 Technical compatibility of lineside operational signs is only achieved when lineside signs are readable and interpretable in the operational context.

G B.1.2 Compatibility between 'be readable' (a control, command and signalling (CCS) system capability) and 'read the display of the sign’ (a human capability) is described using the term 'readability'.

G B.1.3 Similarly, compatibility between ‘be interpretable’ (a CCS system capability) and ‘interpret’ (a human capability) is described using the term ‘interpretability’.

G B.2 Factors that influence readability and interpretability

G B.2.1 Consistency

G B.2.1.1 Conveying information in a consistent manner supports both the readability and the interpretability of signs. The design of lineside signs should provide a one-to-one relationship between the display appearance and the information being conveyed.

G B.2.2 Environmental conditions

G B.2.2.1 Signs should be readable under the following environmental conditions:

a) Temperature range T1 (external ambient only) as defined in BS EN 50125-3:2003.

b) Humidity range T1 (external ambient only) as defined in BS EN 50125-3:2003.

c) Atmospheric pollutants adversely affecting the readability of signs, including sand and salt, as defined in BS EN 50125-3:2003.

d) High wind loading value, as defined in BS EN 12899-1:2007.

G B.2.2.2 The environmental conditions encountered within Europe are set out in BS EN 50125-3:2003. It covers the design, as well as the use of equipment and any portable equipment used for railway signalling and telecommunications systems.

G B.2.2.3 Recommended wind load values suitable for UK practice are set out in BS EN 12899-1:2007 Table NA.2. The wind load values set out in the table are conservative. Designers can derive a wind load value for a specific location or defined area, by referring to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010.

G B.2.3 Human factors

G B.2.3.1 The minimum eyesight performance requirements for train drivers are set out in GO/RT3451.

G B.2.3.2 Drivers’ workload should be considered when designing and positioning signs, so that drivers are not overloaded with information that could result in misinterpretation or undue distraction from other activities.

G B.2.4 Operational contexts

G B.2.4.1 The factors in the operational contexts that could affect the readability of signs include, but are not limited to, the position, contrast to the background, ambient light, external light sources and rolling stock cab design.




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Appendix C Lineside Safety Signs


G C.1 Introduction

B.1.1 The RSSB online catalogue of lineside signs includes mandatory lineside operational signs and non-mandatory lineside safety signs. The non-mandatory lineside safety signs have been included so that the application and presentation of these signs are consistent throughout the network. This appendix sets out preferred design principles and a process for the introduction of new designs of non-mandatory lineside safety signs.

G C.1.1 Guidance for non-mandatory lineside safety signs is given in this appendix.

G C.2 Existing lineside safety signs

B.2.1 Only approved lineside safety signs in the catalogue are to be used.

G C.2.1 The use of approved signs prevents a proliferation of different designs of signs that convey the same information.

G C.3 Introducing new designs of lineside safety signs

G C.3.1 Design principles

B.3.1.1 The following documents describe signs that have relevance to the railway:

a) Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.

b) The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

c) Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations 1996.

d) BS ISO 3864-1:2011 Graphical symbols. Safety colours and safety signs. Design principles for safety signs and safety markings.

B.3.1.2 Sections 2.2 and 2.3 of this document should be applied for lineside safety signs used for the display of information.

G C.3.1.1 The general high-level design principles for lineside safety signs are set by regulations and standards.

G C.3.2 Process for introducing new designs of signs

B.3.2.1 When a new design of a lineside safety sign is required, the following process is to be followed:

a) A trial is to be carried out where there is a need to provide supporting evidence that the sign meets the operational need and is fit for purpose.

And

b) A proposal for change is to be submitted, to consider inclusion of the sign into the online catalogue. The template shown in Figure B.1 is to be used to support the proposal.




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G C.3.2.1 A trial of the new design of a sign should be conducted to demonstrate that the design of the sign supports its intended purpose and does not introduce any risk to the operation of the railway.

G C.3.2.2 A proposal for change should be submitted for the new design of the sign to be included in the catalogue. The relevant standards committee(s) should make a decision on whether to include the sign in the catalogue, but not on the actual context of its use.

G C.4 Template for lineside safety signs

[Artwork for design of the sign. An example is shown above]

Application [Contexts of the use and position of this sign]

Typeface [Typeface for text and digits]

Colour [Colour for text, symbol, background and border, as set out in 2.3.2 ]

Luminance [Retroreflectivity and / or illumination. If illumination is required, a separate table of specification is required, as set out below]

Associated sign(s) [Lists the identification of associated signs]


[Supplementary information, if required, for appearance, size, shape and text layout]

Illumination (where required)

Colour [Colour used]

Flashing

Flashing rate [Value in Hz]

Flashing pattern

[Mark-space ratio: value and tolerance range]

[Whether two or more lights flash synchronously]

Performance [Readable horizontal and vertical angle range relative to the centre axis of the emitted light]


[Supplementary information, if required, for size and shape]

Template for lineside safety signs

G C.4.1 This template for lineside safety signs includes an additional parameter ‘application’, which provides the contexts of the use and position of a sign.

G C.4.2 As the use of safety signs would not be specified elsewhere in a Railway Group Standard, the inclusion of this parameter is useful in achieving consistency in the use and position of signs. It is also helpful for potential users of a safety sign, to judge if the sign is suitable for its intended application.




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Appendix D Installation and Maintenance of Signs


G D.1 Installation

G D.1.1 When planning the installation of signs, the following should be considered:

a) Positioning for application.

b) Resistance to vandalism.

c) Method of fixing and removal.

d) Resistance to rotation.

e) Control of vegetation to prevent signs from becoming obscured.

f) Access for maintenance.

G D.2 Maintenance

G D.2.1 Signs should be:

a) Maintained to be fit for their intended purpose.

b) Subject to a planned inspection and condition-monitoring regime.

c) The subject of a maintenance programme that includes cleaning, graffiti removal and replacement, as soon as these become necessary.

G D.3 Clearance

G D.3.1 Requirements for normal clearances for new, altered and temporary infrastructure are set out in GC/RT5212.

G D.3.2 Requirements for electrical clearances to the live parts of overhead line equipment and pantographs, and to the live parts of third rail electrification systems, are set out in GE/RT8025.

G D.4 Temporary signs

G D.4.1 Temporary signs should be designed for:

a) Portability, ease of use and resistance to unauthorised removal.

b) Stability, when subjected to the effects of high winds and passing trains; ground conditions, including ballast and other uneven surfaces.

c) Installation on AC and DC electrified lines.

G D.4.2 Where temporary signs are illuminated, the power supply should:

a) Not allow unauthorised operation.

b) Have a means of checking the condition of the power supply for the illumination.

c) Not emit a light from any indications in a direction which allows observation by a driver of a train.




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Appendix E Trials for New Designs of Signs


G E.1 General considerations

G E.1.1 The main purpose of the trial is to obtain driver feedback with respect to the adequacy of a sign.

G E.1.2 A risk assessment should be carried out to identify any risk control measures to be applied during the trial.

G E.1.3 A human factors assessment should consider the impact of the trial on drivers’ workload.

G E.2 Preparation for the trial

G E.2.1 The affected stakeholders should be consulted prior to the trial, in order to identify any controls that might be necessary to manage any risks associated with the trial.

G E.2.2 The details of the trial should be briefed to the drivers, signallers and maintainers on the route of the trial, in order to minimise any confusion or distraction being caused by the trial.

G E.2.3 A plan for the trial should be prepared and include the following:

a) Objectives of the trial.

b) Descriptions of the need and purpose of the sign.

c) Details of how the trial is to be conducted, including the duration, location and number of installations.

d) Details of how the feedback and other observations are to be collected.

e) Details of how the results are to be analysed, including any evaluation criteria used to assess whether the sign is fit for purpose.

f) Risk assessment.

g) Human factors assessment.

h) Success criteria for the trial.

G E.2.4 Feedback on the effectiveness of the sign could be sought from the affected parties by the use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire should address the design range of environmental and operational conditions, and provide for general comments to be recorded.

G E.2.5 A point of contact should be published in the Weekly Operating Notice (WON) and Periodical Operating Notice (PON), so that the potential users can provide feedback directly or ask for assistance on any questions they may have about the trial.

G E.3 Results

G E.3.1 The feedback should be reviewed to identify any operational or technical issues that are associated with the sign.

G E.3.2 The results of the trial should confirm that:

a) The sign is fit for purpose.

Or

b) The sign can be used after any issues identified during the trial have been resolved.

Or

c) The design of the sign is not satisfactory for its intended application.




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Definitions

Authorised user

A competent person, meeting the minimum eyesight standard, who is responsible for an operational role that includes reading and interpreting the information displayed by the lineside signalling system.

Catalogue of lineside signs

A collection of design specifications for lineside signs. Each individual specification within the catalogue of lineside signs is assigned a unique identifier, and records issue number and date separately.

Detect (see also ‘visible’ and ‘visibility’)

The initial part of the reading process when an authorised user observes a visible signalling system feature without necessarily being able to identify that it is applicable or distinguish what is being displayed.

Distinguish

The final stage of the reading process when an authorised user recognises what is being displayed on the basis of its appearance.

Distinguishable (sign)

The extent to which a sign is capable of being distinguished, ranging from not distinguishable to easily distinguishable.

Identifiable (sign)

The extent to which a sign is capable of being identified, ranging from not identifiable to easily identifiable.

Identify / identifying (lineside signs)

The stage of the reading process when an authorised user is able to confirm that a lineside sign is relevant to the task being performed.

Interpret / interpreting (lineside signs)

The action of understanding the meaning of the lineside sign after it has been read.

Interpretable

The extent to which the meaning of a lineside sign can be reliably interpreted, ranging from not interpretable to easily interpretable.

Interpretability

The ease and reliability with which signs can be interpreted by an authorised user throughout the range of operational and ambient conditions applicable to that feature, within the operational context and while performing typical required duties. This ranges from never interpretable to always interpretable.

Infrastructure manager (network)

The infrastructure manager (network) is the person who:

a) In relation to infrastructure, other than a station, is responsible for developing and maintaining that infrastructure.

And

b) Manages and uses that infrastructure, or permits it to be used, for the operation of a vehicle.




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Infrastructure manager (stations)

The infrastructure manager (stations) is the person who:

a) In relation to a station is responsible for managing and operating that station.

And

b) Manages and uses that station, or permits it to be used, for the operation of a vehicle.

Lineside operational sign

A sign, positioned at the lineside, which conveys information needed to support the management of the operation of trains.

Lineside safety sign

A sign that conveys information about health and safety to railway personnel or the public, and is located on, or in close proximity to, the railway.

New design of lineside operational sign

A sign required for a purpose within the scope of this document, but which is not currently included within the catalogue of lineside signs.

Read / reading (signs)

The process of detecting, identifying and distinguishing the relevant signs. Reading is a precondition to an authorised user interpreting the information conveyed by the lineside signs.

Readability (signs)

The ease and reliability with which signs can be read by an authorised user throughout the range of operational and ambient conditions applicable to that hardware, within the operational context and while performing typical required duties. This ranges from never readable to always readable.

Readable (signs)

Lineside operational signs are readable when an authorised user who meets the minimum eyesight and competence requirement for their role is able to reliably read the information displayed by the signs throughout the range of operational and ambient conditions applicable to that sign, within the operational context and while performing their required duties.

Sign

A device that displays a fixed image and/or text in order to convey specific information to the reader.

Typeface - BS 3693B:1964

A typeface approved for use, as specified in this document. BS 3693B:1964 has been withdrawn. The current version BS 3693:1992 does not contain the required information.

Typeface - Rail Alphabet

A typeface approved for use, as specified in this document, designed by Kinnear & Calvert for the British Railways Board in the 1960s.

Visibility (signs)

The ease with which a lineside sign can be detected. Visibility is a precursor to readability.

Visible (signs)

The ease and reliability with which signs can be detected by an authorised user throughout the range of operational and ambient conditions applicable to that hardware, within the operational context and while performing typical required duties. This ranges from never visible to always visible.




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References

The Catalogue of Railway Group Standards gives the current issue number and status of documents published by RSSB. This information is also available from www.rgsonline.co.uk.

RGSC 01 Railway Group Standards Code

RGSC 02 Standards Manual

Documents referenced in the text

Railway Group Standards

GC/RT5212 Requirements for Defining and Maintaining Clearances

GE/RT8025 Electrical Protective Provisions for Electrified Lines

GE/RT8101 Lineside Signalling Asset Compatibility Assessment Requirements [in preparation, will replace GE/RT8037]

GI/RT7033 Lineside Signs

GO/RT3451 Train Drivers – Suitability and Medical Fitness Requirements

RSSB documents

GE/GN8601 Guidance on Lineside Signalling Asset Compatibility Assessment Requirements [in preparation, will replace GE/GN8537]

GI/GN7634 Index for Lineside Signs

GK/GN0657 Guidance on Lineside Signal and Indicator Product Design and Assessment Requirements

Other references

BS 3693B:1964 (withdrawn) Recommendations for the design of scales, indexes and geometric construction of the recommended form of digits for use on dials and scales

BS 3693:1993 Recommendations for design of scales and indexes on analogue indicating instruments

BS 8408:2005 Road traffic signs. Testing and performance of microprismatic retroreflective sheeting materials. Specifications

BS EN 873-6:1983 Road traffic signs and internally illuminated bollards. Specification for retroreflective and non-retroreflective signs

BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 Eurocode 1: Actions on structures. Parts 1-4: General actions - Wind actions

BS EN 12899-1:2007 Fixed, vertical road traffic signs. Part 1: Fixed signs

BS EN 16494:2015 Railway applications − Requirements for ERTMS Trackside Boards

BS EN 50125-3:2003 Railway applications. Environmental conditions for equipment. Part 3: Equipment for signalling and telecommunications

BS ISO 3864-1:2011 Graphical symbols. Safety colours and safety signs. Design principles for safety signs and safety markings

HSE 1996 No. 341 The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

PCR 1996 Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations 1996

TSRG 2002 Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

2012/88/EU The technical specification for interoperability relating to the control-command and signalling subsystems of the trans-European rail system (CCS TSI)



http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/


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Other relevant documents

Railway Group Standards

GE/RT8037 Signal Positioning and Visibility

RS521 Signals, hand signals, indicators and signs handbook

Other references

2011/291/EU Locomotives and passenger rolling stock TSI (OJ L 139, 26.05.2011, p.65)

