Building work near the tram
Staying safe around our tram lines
It’s inevitable that from time to time, work will have to be carried out in close proximity to our network. Below is some useful information to ensure the safety of all involved.
Working near the tram
Trams cannot steer around a work site and are powered by live wires so safety must be the number one priority.
You must agree a safe method with us and receive authorisation before any work can commence. Undertaking unauthorised work can be dangerous and is an offence.
When do I need authorisation?
Authorisation is needed for any of the following activity:
- Any work where part of the site, tools or material, any machine or suspended load, or any person could come within the NET Hazard Zone
- Any work which will force pedestrians to be diverted into the NET Hazard Zone.
- Piling, using a crane, excavation over 2m deep, or erecting and dismantling scaffolding, within 6m of the edge of the NET Hazard Zone.
- Any excavation within 3m of any pole supporting overhead wires
- Any work of any kind within 3m of a pole supporting overhead wires, in areas where the tram rails are not embedded in the ground
Even if the site itself is outside the NET Hazard Zone, you need authorisation if vehicles fitted with cranes, tipping bodies or skip loaders will come within the NET Hazard Zone when this equipment is in use.
Over 3m above the rails, the Hazard Zone ends 3m out from the nearest rail.
Up to 3m above the rails, the Hazard Zone ends 1.5m out from the nearest rail.
Below ground the Hazard Zone ends 1.5m out from the nearest rail.
Where there is more than one track, the whole area between the tracks is the Hazard Zone.
How do I get authorisation?
You must submit a NET Work Request Form, saying where and when you want to work, and describing the work to be done.
NET Work Request Forms can also be obtained from NET by telephoning 0115 824 6060, or by writing to:
Infrastructure Manager
NET Depot Wilkinson Street
Nottingham NG7 7NW
Completed Work Request Forms must be returned by post to the above address at least three weeks before you intend to start work. If you have prepared a Method Statement, you should send it with your Work Request Form. If the work needs to be submitted to the Highway Authority under the New Roads and Street Works Act, the same information will usually be suitable for NET – send it with your Work Request Form.
What happens next?
We may need to contact you for additional information about the works. You will not be charged for this. We will confirm in writing is any extra precautions will need to be taken.
We will try to find ways in which your work can be done safely during normal hours. However, for some jobs you may have to work at night when no trams are running and when power to the overhead wires can be switched off. There is a fee for switching the power off, which must be paid in advance.
Authority for the work will only be given when the safe working arrangements are agreed. Do not start work without it.
What happens if the work is urgent?
If work must be done urgently to protect people or property, for your own safety you must still contact us and obtain agreement to carry out the work, before you start. We will come to the site if necessary, but may charge to cover our costs.
What happens if there is an emergency when working near the tram?
If work obstructs the track unexpectedly, or if anyone or anything comes into contact with the overhead wires, or if tramway equipment is damaged, the NET Control Room must be told immediately.
The Control Room can be contacted at any time, by any of these means:
- Using the Emergency Help Point at any tramstop
- By asking a member of NET staff
- By asking emergency services personnel
The person contacting the Control Room must say that there is an emergency.
The Controller will ask:
- Who is speaking and where from?
- What has happened?
- Whether anyone or anything is touching the overhead wires?
- Whether the track is obstructed?
- Which emergency services are needed (if any)?
Answer the questions as quickly and clearly as possible. The Controller will repeat the information back to confirm it. If the Controller gives any instructions, obey them.
If an approaching tram must be stopped, signal to the driver by holding both arms above your head. Stand where the driver can see you, but not in the path of the tram.