Hierarchy of Controls

The T Minus process remains unchanged. However, when Green Zone isn't feasible, a detailed risk assessment must be created alongside the CM team. This assessment will ensure all Green Zone options have been considered and that the work can only proceed under a Red Zone. Approval from your Business Unit Deputy Chief Capital Officer (DCCO) and the Executive Vice President (EVP) Service and Access Planning is required before submitting access requests aligned with the T Minus process.

If the machinery has the ability to breach the CWZ barrier with or without MLD's, a foreman is required in case they need to broadcast and communicate an emergency, as per CROR Rules. If the barrier is breached for any reason, all work must be stopped, the incident reported to the NOC, and immediate action up to and including an Emergency broadcast, if required, or obtaining positive protection must be taken.  

A CROR Rules qualified Track Protecting Foreman is still required to oversee all works. If the Barrier is breached for any reason, all work must be stopped, the incident reported, and immediate action up to and including an Emergency broadcast, if required, or obtaining positive protection must be taken. 

Green Zone approvals remain unchanged. However, Red Zone exemption approvals now require a formal risk assessment and explicit sign-off from your Business Unit Deputy Chief Capital Officer (DCCO) and Service and Access Planning Executive Vice President (EVP).

The green zone hierarchy of control will be incorporated and referenced into the work planning standard. The method of protection will be identified during the development of the work package plan. 

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 on the Weston Subdivision of the Kitchener Line, Metrolinx territory. The requirement to work under Green Zone conditions will be expanded to all remaining rail corridors on September 2, 2025.

Metrolinx is committed to keeping stakeholders informed and engaged throughout this transition. We will continue hosting information sessions and forums to provide regular updates and address concerns. A dedicated RZGZ Mobile Campaign Office is being established to support the rollout and implementation of the green zone working initiative. Additionally, stakeholders will have access to a suite of resources, including training videos, e-learning modules, and a dedicated webpage, ensuring an effective and well-supported transition 

We cannot force CP, CN, or other foreign railways to adopt Green Zone working. However, we do have the ability to plan our work based on the same guiding principles, enabling us to operate outside of Metrolinx-owned territory under the safest possible conditions. Where possible, we should use a method of control that does not rely on administrative controls to protect workers, as this aligns with the intent of the Green Zone working initiative. 

Under-utilized work blocks and inefficient radio communications have led to delays and wasted resources. Green Zone methods, like Continuous Work Zones or Major Track Closures, allow for uninterrupted work, reducing ghost communication events and improving schedule adherence.

Safety Watch is considered Red Zone and therefore requires a Red Zone exemption. While Safety Watch remains an option for employees qualified under CROR Rules and for non-intrusive activities, Green Zone access must always be the first choice for all planned work.

Yes! The RZGZ Campaign Office will share case studies highlighting best practices to guide contractors through the process. Additionally, a "What Good Looks Like" resource will soon be available on our website, providing clear examples of successful access requests, risk assessments, and approvals to help streamline compliance and ensure safety. Stay tuned! 

The 2-mile distance requirement is set by Transport Canada and isn’t within the scope of the RZGZ project. Major track closures may still see rail traffic so the distance requirements will still be required. Other options of protecting work under a MTC include a TOP, which removes the flagging requirement. 

There are 4 other options that can be considered in single track territories, Option 1 – Major Track Closure, Option 2 – Continuous Work Zone, Option 2 – Track Occupancy Permit & Option 5 – Separated with Delineation Barrier. All of these options would be considered during the planning stage and creation of the task specific risk assessment.