Possession management is the process of coordinating and managing the use of rail infrastructure for maintenance, construction, or other activities that require temporary control of the track. This is an important aspect of rail operations, as it ensures the safe and efficient use of the rail network and minimises disruptions to passenger and freight services.
The key elements to possession management on the rail infrastructure:
Planning and scheduling: This involves identifying when and where possession is required and coordinating with relevant stakeholders, such as train operators and maintenance teams, to ensure that the work can be carried out safely and efficiently.
Safety: Safety is a top priority in possession management, and measures such as trackside warning signs and barriers, as well as the deployment of track workers and other personnel, are used to ensure that the rail network remains safe for all users.
Communication: Effective communication is essential to ensure that all stakeholders know the possession arrangements and can plan accordingly. This may involve the use of electronic messaging systems, as well as traditional methods such as telephone and radio communication.
Project Coordination: Possession management involves coordinating the work of various teams, including maintenance crews, train operators, and other stakeholders. This requires effective leadership and management skills to ensure the work is carried out smoothly and efficiently.
Execution Phase: The work can begin once the possession has been planned and coordinated. This may involve maintenance or construction activities or other activities such as testing or commissioning.
Project Completion: The possession must be properly closed out once the work is complete. This may involve removing safety barriers and warning signs and returning the track to normal operation.
Experienced Possession Management Team
RSS Infrastructure’s Possession Management team helps clients improve safety, increase productivity, and meet agreed objectives and timelines. We offer a comprehensive package for possession management and can provide ad-hoc support for safe work packs, isolations, line blockages, and individual worksite planning.
Our team is experienced and meets industry safety standards. We can assist with planning and managing possessions and offer various support services across divisions.
Submitting Documentation
Services available include arranging Temporary Visitor Permits, planning tenders from an access perspective, attending Pre-Possession Planning Meetings, completing possession documentation, creating and managing an SWP paperwork system, planning isolations and line blockages, providing site visits, and submitting line blockage applications.
Experienced and trained staff
Our package for clients includes supplying Safe Work Managers, Engineering Supervisors, Protection Controllers, Possession Planners, and other possession support staff, as well as Isolation Planners and Appointed Persons. Our Resource & Recruitment team can provide additional support, including COSS, Lookout/Site Warden, Hot Weather Track Patroller, and other competencies.
Summary
Possession management is an important aspect of rail operations, as it ensures that the rail infrastructure is used safely and efficiently and minimises disruptions to passenger and freight services. By effectively managing possession, rail companies can ensure that the rail network remains a vital and reliable transportation option for passengers and freight.
