Buyer's Guide
Rail-Approved Arborist Gear Guide
Vegetation management contractors working on the operational railway require equipment that meets Network Rail's RIS-3279-TOM standard alongside standard arborist PPE requirements. This guide covers what makes arborist gear rail-approved, hi-vis and tool control requirements, and the PPE standards that apply to chainsaw and climbing operations in rail environments.
What Makes Arborist Gear Rail-Approved?
Rail-approved arborist gear must meet the requirements of RIS-3279-TOM - the Network Rail standard for personal track safety and equipment used during lineside vegetation management. Key requirements include: high-visibility clothing to GO/RT 3279 specification (orange with reflective banding); tool tethering and dropped-object control for all items used near the operational railway; and climbing and PPE equipment that meets relevant EN standards while remaining compatible with rail site working rules. Gustharts supplies arborist gear that meets these requirements for trackside and lineside vegetation clearance contractors.
Hi-Vis, Tool Control and Dropped Object Prevention
Working on the operational railway requires orange high-visibility clothing to GO/RT 3279 with Class 2 or Class 3 retroreflective banding. All tools used near the line must be tethered or secured to prevent dropped objects reaching the track or OHE (overhead electrified equipment). This collection includes certified tool tethers, chainsaw lanyards, throw bag tethers and friction savers approved for controlled deployment in rail environments. Equipment must be checked, logged and accounted for before and after each rail possession period.
Chainsaw PPE and Climbing Gear on the Railway
Chainsaw PPE standards on the railway are the same as on any other site - EN ISO 11393 Type C trousers, EN ISO 17249 boots, EN 397 helmet with visor and ear defenders, and EN 381-7 gloves. However, railway-specific rules may require orange hi-vis over or integrated into chainsaw PPE, and additional dropped-object controls for handsaws, pruners and other cutting tools. Climbing gear used in rail environments must meet all relevant EN standards (EN 813 saddles, EN 362 connectors, EN 1891 ropes) with no rail-specific substitution of certified equipment.
Working Near the Railway - PTS and Competency Requirements
All arborists working on or adjacent to the operational railway must hold a valid PTS (Personal Track Safety) card as a minimum. Specific vegetation management roles may additionally require DCCR (Driving Cab Certificate of Route Knowledge), Lookout, COSS or Sentinel competencies depending on work location and method. Gustharts can supply the correct equipment for rail vegetation teams - for competency requirements, contact your contractor's Sentinel-registered Responsible Manager or Network Rail's vegetation management team directly.