CHIEF ENGINEERS DIRECTIVE

54 HOUR SERVICE SUSPENSION - CONTAMINATED

RAIL CLEANING
L1-CHE-GDL-004 Version: 3 Effective from: 6th July 2018

1 Purpose
To give direction in order to reduce the probability that contamination or oxidation of the rail
head due to the suspension of rail services or the installation of new rail does not
compromise the operation of track circuits.

2 Background
The requirements detailed in Chief Engineer's Direction L1-CHE-GDL-004 Version 1 have
proven in some cases to be difficult to apply for projects covering very long extents.
Additionally some parties have misinterpreted the background detail provided in that
direction to imply that only the approaches to 50Hz AC track circuits on lines that carry
DMUs require scrubbing.

3 Direction
Following the suspension of traffic anywhere on the Metropolitan Train network exceeding
54 hours, the head of the rail shall be cleaned according to the following minimum
requirements;
- where the section of track carries DMU traffic a plant train consisting of a rake of at
least 15 empty ballast wagons will make at least one pass of the entire track section for
which traffic has been suspended (i.e. irrespective of the project occupation limits),
- where the section of track carries DMU traffic and is fitted with AC track circuits (not just
on approaches to Level crossings), those tracks fitted with AC track circuit shall will be
scrubbed with an approved rail scrubber, grinder or milling machine).
- All other track on the network shall be inspected to ensure that it is clear of other rail
construction type contaminants i.e. mud, grease, paint etc. If these contaminants are
present they shall be removed by a suitable process nominated by Metro's
Infrastructure representative.
- the steps described above shall be repeated until it is evident from visible inspection
that the rail head is clear of any contamination.
For the avoidance of doubt track sections that serve only EMU and loco traffic do not
require any form of treatment other than visual inspection prior to hand back.
Validation trains may also be required by Operations and / or in conjunction with the
signalling testing and commissioning works. The Chief Engineer requires that validation
trains be provided where requested.
The Project Manager or person in charge of the works shall be required to ensure that the
track circuits of the track affected by the works are operating correctly.
As a precaution on the resumption of services, Train Crew on the first service shall be
required to approach all level crossings with caution.

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 06/07/2018 Next Review Date: 06/07/2020
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