Hierarchy of Controls
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- Hierarchy of Controls
Overview
Open Line or Red Zone working is when rail maintenance and construction personnel work on or close to the operational railway without engineering controls to protect workers from train movements. The line is open for the passage of trains while work is being performed. This includes the use of machinery, tools, and equipment. Open Line or Red Zone working is the most common method used today to perform work on the GO and UP network. The method of protection used is known under Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) as Rule 842 or, more commonly, R42. This administrative control primarily relies on a series of radio communications and visual observations between track protection personnel, train crew and work groups to clear the tracks of workers when a train is approaching the work zone or limits. This protection method is more suitable for low frequency, low speed, single track territory and evolved in the freight operating environment in Canada.
As part of Metrolinx’s commitment to improve the safe planning and delivery of work in the rail corridor, we are implementing the Red Zone / Green Zone (RZGZ) Program in the summer of 2025. The RZGZ Program will lead Canadian work practices within the railway and establish a best-in-class mechanism to improve safety and productivity. The program will better control safety and enhance the efficiency of construction and maintenance work in the rail corridor by reducing or eliminating the major safety risk factors in the train-to-worker and train-to-equipment interface. A new Hierarchy of Controls standard will be released with requirements for access requests to the corridor and guidance on applying controls within the rail corridor.
Effective June 1, 2025, Open Line or Red Zone working under R42 protection will be prohibited on the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East corridors and the Weston Subdivision of the Kitchener Line, Metrolinx territory. An exemption process will exist where Green Zone working is impossible or for legacy projects that cannot transition before completion. The transition to Green Zone working does not mean less work or lower productivity. It is designed to improve productivity by enabling continuous work to be performed safely day and night.
The RZGZ Committee has hosted multiple sessions introducing concepts of RZGZ, and over 1000 people have attended. If you would like more information, please reach out to GreenZoneWorking@Metrolinx.com.
