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Form Procedures

NPR 005 Using a Special Proceed Authority (SPA) Form

This document describes how a Special Proceed Authority must be compiled, issued, cancelled, fulfilled and managed.

Version 6.1, 4 May 2025

Description

This document describes how a Special Proceed Authority must be compiled, issued, cancelled, fulfilled and managed.

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Introduction

NRF 005 Special Proceed Authority (SPA) is used to authorise rail traffic movements when the Proceed Authority normally provided by the system of Safeworking in operation is not available.

Numbering forms

Network Controllers authorising the SPA must:

  • number the form consecutively on a pad-by-pad basis, or
  • use the auto-generated number of the digital form.

Mandatory items

The following items must be completed:

1 SPA Number

2 Authority

3 As a result of

4 Assurances

10 Issued to

11 Authorised by

Item 2 – Authority

Give clear details of the SPA limits as locations and/or other specified limit.

Item 3 – As a result of

Give brief and clear details about why a SPA is needed.

Item 4 – Assurances

Review each assurance and:

  • if the assurance has been considered but is not applicable:
    • on paper forms, write NA (Not Applicable) in the assurance box check box with NA , or
    • on digital forms, select the radio button next to NA.
  • when the assurance is given:
    • on paper forms, write Y (Yes) in the assurances box  check box with Y and complete the details, or
    • on digital forms, select the radio button next to YES and complete the details.

Optional items

The following items are optional:

5 Worksites

6 Railway track signal protection

7 Facing points

8 Travelling in the wrong running-direction

9 Special instructions

Review each item, and:

  • put a cross in the numbered box check box with cross if the item does not apply in this instance, or
  • tick the numbered box check box with tick if the item applies in this instance and complete the details.

Item 5 – Worksites

If the item applies, tick the numbered box numbered box 5 with tick and complete the details.

Record details of railway track signal protection in Item 6.

Item 6 – Railway track signal protection

If the item applies, tick the numbered box numbered box 6 with tick and complete the details.

Item 7 – Facing points

If there are points that need to be set and secured, tick the numbered box numbered box 7 with tick and complete the details.

Item 8 – Travelling in the wrong running-direction

Tick the numbered box numbered box 8 with tick if the movement is in the wrong running-direction (on a unidirectional line).

Item 9 – Special instructions

Tick the numbered box numbered box 9 with tick if there are further instructions and complete the details, including details of speed restrictions.