There are a number of important changes taking place across rail plant competence and ALO requirements. We’ve pulled together the key updates you need to be aware of, along with what they mean for your workforce and how DOTTS can help you stay ahead of them.
Network Rail is moving towards removing the 4-day OTP competence route for Self-Propelled MEWPs. This route currently allows learners to undertake OTP competence without holding an IPAF or NPORS MEWP competence.
The removal of this course will mean only 2-day OTP conversions will be available for learners who hold a relevant base card competence.
This requirement is already in place for other OTP machines, including Excavators, Dumpers and Dozers, and will also apply to recertification. If a learner attends for OTP recertification without an in-date base card competence, they will not be able to complete their recertification.
We recommend that all new learners complete their base card competence first, before progressing onto their OTP training.
For OTP MEWP, this means completing an appropriate IPAF course or NPORS MEWP Boom qualification before undertaking the 2-day OTP course. DOTTS can deliver the NPORS MEWP Boom route as part of this progression.
*KEY TIP* It’s also worth reviewing your existing OTP workforce now. Check that everyone has an in-date base card competence and, where they don’t, arrange the appropriate training before their next OTP recertification.
There are several routes available, including refresher and test-only options, which can help bring existing competencies up to date without unnecessarily repeating training.
If you are unsure on your workforce requirements, please reach out to the DOTTS team who will be on hand to review and advise accordingly.
Network Rail has aligned its requirements for base card and PTMP 18 off-track plant competence with the NPORS framework.
This applies to plant competence intended for off-track activities, such as civils works, and provides a clearer route for those working with plant away from the running line.
DOTTS can deliver a range of NPORS plant competencies aligned with these requirements, giving contractors a practical route to getting their workforce appropriately trained and competent.
Missed our previous brochure? We’ve included it again below, so you can see the full range of plant categories and competencies we can deliver.
Download our 2026 Rail Brochure
COP0032 has been updated from Issue 5 to Issue 6, bringing some important changes to the way plant activities and ALO competence are defined.
The latest issue provides greater clarity around activities taking place alongside an open line.
Every plant activity next to an open line now sits within the ALO framework, with only foreseeable fouling being classed specifically as ALO Working.
Importantly, ALO competence is now explicit within Issue 6, with technical skills, functional skills and role-specific attributes all forming part of the competency requirements.
If you’re undertaking rail-related ALO projects and need Sentinel or non-Sentinel training, DOTTS can support your workforce with the relevant training and competence requirements.
We’ve already built significant experience in delivering ALO training across rail and civils projects, with more than 600 completing ALO training with us over the past three years.
Since August 2023:
🟠 600+ Candidates
🔵 98% Pass Rate
Our focus is on more than simply getting a candidate through a course. We aim to provide practical, engaging training that gives learners the understanding and confidence they need to apply their competence on site.
"Excellent course, trainer very informative and helpful."
"Fantastic course, very well delivered."
"Excellent trainer, outstanding training."
We've also supported major projects with ALO delivery, giving us hands-on experience of the requirements and challenges faced by contractors working around the railway.
If you have a requirement for OTP04 ALO sentinel competence for your workforce, or you are working to COP0032 for ALO but in a non-sentinel environment, please reach out to DOTTS to see how they can support your project and workforce.
If you’re reviewing your training requirements, planning upcoming projects or simply want to check that your workforce is ready for the latest changes, speak to the DOTTS team.
