Michael the only way you will get a definitive answer is from Network Rail. The crane should be fitted with slew restrictors. The crane should be derated by at least 25%. Network rail will tell you how close as they may want to put in a rail possession. Regards Alex

I have had limited experience with lifting ops near overground sections of various london tube lines. They required a copy of the lifting plan for review. This can take any number of weeks for them to go through. This should contain all relevant information pertaining to the lift along with crane collapse radius. They then usually want a site meeting to run through the lift and your document and will sometimes send one of their own supervisors to monitor the lift. I am afraid these things are usually anything but quick.

Michael you are very clear. There is no rule Network Rail are the only people who can give you the distance. Any 3 meter rule is only what it may be in some cases but not a standard used anywhere in my knowledge. In 15 years on Mobiles and Tower Cranes Network rail must approve MS and give you the info you need. Regards Alex

Michael If in doubt, ask. The consequences of getting things wrong when working alongside the railway can be catastrophic. The link to the asset protection team that achrn provided should get you the advice you need. If you happen to get stuck for some reason then please pm me.

1. paul.skyme writes;- "So it seems that anywhere in the country that you are going to undertake a lift with a crane, from the answers posted here, you MUST contact Network Rail, to see if it is OK?" This is a popular misconception - there is no legal requirement to consult with Network Rail, unless you are working on/over their propert. However it is good practice to discuss matters with them 2. paul.skyme also writes;- "I take it from the responses given that all of you who are in control of lifts where ever they are in the country get permission from Network Rail in writing to undertake them ..........." This is another popular misconception. Again, there is no legal requirement for Network Rail to 'approve' your proposed method of working, if your work does not breach the railway boundary. BUT - it makes sense to talk with them if you are working in an area where a 'sensible' failure of man or machine could cause the boundary of the railway to be breached, and heed their advice The correct answer to the original question is, there are no hard and fast rules or special legal requirements, BUT it is sensible to talk to NR about what you propose. However, if your works are clear of the boundary, don't let them delay your works by saying it will take them 4 weeks to review and comment on your proposals. They cannot stop you working without resorting to the Law, when they would need to show your method of working is dangerous. Simplistic checklist for most works 1. Keep away from the boundary, so nothing can fall onto the railway land 2. Proper Lifting Plan 3. Good, properly designed and constructed, working platform for crane 4. Keep any 'carries' away from the railway, to achieve item 1 5. Do not swing jib over the boundary under any conditions - crane positioning and slew limiters will cover this 6. Be on site to check what is actually being done In essence - it really does depend on what works you intend to carry out, and it is sensible to talk to NR

It is very sad that the OP asked a simple question which showed he was going to use a crane in close proximity to a railway line. There are no hard and fast distances but there are many ideas that some posters have mentioned. Slew restrictors collapse radi. It does not get away from the fact that if working in close proximity you must contact Network Rail. BS7121 Part 1 & 3 & LOLER. We are not talking long distances here we are talking close proximity as originally asked by Michael. Ta Alex

I've worked right beside an active NR line (right behind the new Arsenal grounds) previously. You will have to wait for their response, as in our instance, we had to provide a RAM and Lift Plan, and whilst we were carrying out lifting operations near the line they sent 2 reps out to sit and watch to ensure lifts werent going near their lines and were within their guidance. Our guys working near the fence also had to wear orange PPE. But this was approx 6 years ago,so things may have changed. But in answer to your question I cannot remember the exact exclusion zone distance.

Murphy you are never to late that is a very good document on download from the CPA. It covers everything the OP needed and is free . Go to the CPA site and download it. The 4 Meter distance looks good but you still have to notify them as other posters have said so in some cases they can change the parameters. Good Document

OK so I'll just throw this one into the ring - what if the railway has overhead power lines or even the third rail system? would they make any difference?

So no chance of a "shocking experience" then?