If you work on or near the railway, you’ll most likely have heard someone mention the four foot, six foot and cess.
But, what do these terms actually mean? And, how are they relevant to the safety barriers that you select for your site?
If you’re not familiar with these terms, keep reading. Below, Triptex’s team of rail safety experts have provided a practical guide for anyone who plans or works on the track, including site managers, COSSs, contractors and procurement teams, and anyone who’s new to the rail industry.
What are the four foot, six foot and cess?
Firstly, it’s key to note that these are names for spaces, not measurements.
This is a common point of confusion. So, let’s go through which space each term denotes:
The four foot
The four foot is the space between the two rails of a single track.
Critically, this name doesn’t refer to an exact four foot measurement. Instead, it describes the area within the rails, regardless of their spacing distance. (This is key to know when planning work, as the available clearance will likely vary from site-to-site).
The six foot
The six foot is the space between two adjacent tracks. It is measured as the distance between the nearest rails of each line.
As with the four foot, it’s a traditional name, not a specific measurement.
The cess
The cess is the area located alongside the railway line (typically beyond the outermost rail).
While in many cases it provides a space for staff to stand or walk, it shouldn’t automatically be treated as a safe place to stand. This is because its width and suitability varies based on the site. So, before work starts, you should check that it aligns with the requirements of the applicable safe system of work.
What about the ten foot?
You may also hear the ‘ten foot’ referred to (also known as the wideway).
This denotes the space between two tracks, where there is a wider separation than the six foot.
But again, as with the others, the actual measurement isn’t always ten feet.
How do these zones affect your choice of barrier?
If work is taking place next to a line that is remaining open, temporary rigid barriers can be used to mark the safe limit of the worksite.
Any barrier needs to be suitable for the site, installed correctly and positioned in alignment with the approved safe system of work requirements. Where that barrier sits – and what it has to clear – depends on which zone the team is working in.
So, the right system for your site will depend on the clearance available, the layout of the track, and where the work is happening.
- For work in tighter spaces – If the available clearance is limited, the 3ft-4ft Vortok system may be a good match, as it’s designed for use in sites where a compact barrier system is needed.
- For six foot and wider clearance requirements – The 4ft-6ft Vortok system and 4ft-6ft magnetic barriers can accommodate these dimensions.
- For locations where the ballast shoulder limits space – The Ballast Shoulder Clearance Vortok system is designed to support work in these scenarios.
What makes a barrier fit for purpose will vary from site to site, but generally, a barrier should:
- Be Network Rail approved
- Form a continuous, clearly defined boundary along the site
- Be correctly installed, in alignment with the manufacturer’s instructions
- Be suitable for the site’s conditions (including type of work, time of work, location and weather).
Barrier gates and other accessories can also be used, to further enhance the system you select (e.g. providing controlled access throughout the barrier line).
The exact requirements will depend on the exact type of work and location of your project. So, be sure to refer to the current Rule Book and the COSS briefing to find exact requirements.
At Triptex, we supply state of the art rail safety barrier systems, to suit any and all trackside applications. We have options available to buy or hire, and offer UK delivery within 48 hours. So, you can quickly and conveniently arrange barriers to suit your specific project requirements and timeline.
Need help choosing the right barrier? Explore the Triptex safety barrier range, and use our Quick Quote tool to get a quote in minutes. Or, to speak to a member of our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.