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Staying Safe Working Next to the Trams

It’s simple to stay safe when working around tramways as long as sensible precautions are taken.

If you are going to be working on or around our system please carefully read the information below prior to starting any work.

We want you to stay safe near our tram lines. Work near tram lines means you need to avoid these hazards:

  • Trams cannot steer around a work site
  • They are powered by wires above the track which are live all the time

You must agree on a safe method of working with us and receive our authorization before any work starts. You must do the work in the agreed way. Unauthorised work can be dangerous, and is an offence. If you own or occupy a building near the tramway, please give this information to anyone carrying out work on the building for you.

Authorisation is needed for any of these activities:

  • Any work where any part of the site, any tools or materials, any machine or suspended load, or any person, could come within the Hazard Zone
  • Any work which will force pedestrians to be diverted into the Hazard Zone
  • Piling, using a crane, excavation over 2m deep, or erecting and dismantling scaffolding, within 6m of the edge of the 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 Hazard Zone, you need authorisation if vehicles fitted with cranes, tipping bodies or skip loaders will come within the Hazard Zone when this equipment is in use.

Applying for a Permit

Permits for possession without disruption require a 4 weeks notice. If the request for possession will disrupt tram operations then a minimum of 12 weeks notice is required.

How to apply for a permit:

  • Please read and understand the Working Safely Next to the Metro. If your application for a permit is approved, you will be required to follow these instructions when carrying out work.
  • Complete and submit the Permit to Work Form to permits@westmidlandsmetro.com
  • You can download the Permit to Work Form and Working Safely Next to the Metro document from the download section of this page.

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