Rangierordnung

Rangierordnung is a set of rules governing shunting operations in railway yards and during shunting moves. It defines responsibilities, procedures and safety measures for the movement, coupling and uncoupling of railway vehicles and for securing them during handling. The purpose is to ensure safe, efficient and standardized yard work, prevent accidents and coordinate with other traffic.

The regulation is typically issued by the railway undertaking or by national railway safety authorities, and it is applied to all personnel involved in Rangierdienst, including shunters, locomotive crews and yard supervisors. It complements general operating rules and national safety standards. Core provisions usually cover definitions and scope, authority and communication, work orders, signaling and track protection, procedures for breaking up and forming trains, and braking procedures including brake tests and air-brake continuity. It also governs coupling and uncoupling, slack action management, use of hand signals and radio communication, and the handling of equipment, vehicles and loads. Protection of personnel, proper personal protective equipment and safe working positions, and the procedures for temporary track occupancy and release are included.

Variants exist between countries and operators; in practice Rangierordnung is adapted to national legislation and company policy. Together with broader railway regulations it forms part of the operational rules that govern day-to-day shunting work and is periodically reviewed and trained.