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Published by , 2018-05-09 10:22:03

Vital HSE Newsletter 65 010518

Vital HSE Newsletter 65 010518

HSE Newsletter
Issue 65

01 May 2018

Follow us

IN THIS ISSUE

• Safety Matters – Close Call App
• Vital Safety Award – April 2018
• Feedback from Network Rail, Programme Director
• Osborne STOP Think! Cascade - April 2018
• Dean Laycock – Safety Award Volker
• Hot Weather Warning
• PPE – Mozzie Nets and Insect Repellent
• Medication and Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Silica Dust – Cut the risk
• South Alliance 2018 Conference – Exhibitor
• Vehicles and Life Saving Rules
• Know your Health and Safety Team
• Safety Notices

www.morson.com/vital

UPDATES

SAFETY MATTERS – MORSON VITAL CLOSE CALL APP

Morson and Vital have
developed a safety app,
specifically designed for
employees and contractors to
quickly and easily report close
calls. Submitting your name and
contact details are optional,
however your identity will
remain confidential and only be
revealed to the HSQE Close Call
team.

The app is free and is enabled
for both Android and Apple
devices.

We hope this app will become a It is better to have a Close Call than a lesson learnt
key differentiator in the market
place and will enhance our
ability to keep our workforce
safe.

DOWNLOAD HERE – SCAN HERE
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/safety-reporting/id1347096579?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.morson.safetyreporting

www.morson.com/vital

UPDATES

VITAL SAFETY AWARDS – APRIL 2018

Daniel Chatham Welwyn Garden City Station – Helped a family locate their lost son 26th March
Daniel noticed three members of public on platform 2. They all appeared to be stressed and worried
as they were talking to station staff member Vicky. Daniel asked if there was anything he could help
them with and they informed him they had lost their son who was 13 years old. The young child did
not carry a mobile phone. The family told Daniel that they thought he might be at Knebworth Station.
Staff member, Vicky, attempted to contact Knebworth Station but soon realised that there were no
members of staff at that station until later on that day. Daniel contacted his colleague Martin Belfit to
ask if he was close by to this location. Martin informed Daniel that he was and he would make his
way there to Knebworth Station. A short while later, Daniel received information from Martin that the
young child was at the station. Martin waited with the child to make sure that he boarded the correct
train for Welwyn Garden City. Daniel asked Martin to inform the son that his family would be waiting
on platform 2 for him. Not long after the 15:40 London Kings Cross service arrived and the family
were reunited. The boy’s mum and dad expressed how grateful they were for Daniel and Martin’s
work and how impressed they were with how quickly they resolved the situation.

Welwyn North Station – Members of the public made aware to stand behind the yellow safety line
During patrol on platform 1, Daniel noticed three members of public who were train spotting
together. Two of them were continuously moving towards the platform edge or standing on the edge
whilst trains were passing them. Daniel approached them on two occasions to ask if they would
remain behind the yellow safety line. They apologised and moved back behind the yellow line.
However, they did move towards the platform edge again shortly after Daniel had asked the first
time. Daniel asked them a second time and explained how unnerving it is for train drivers to see
members of the public so close to the edge of the platform, it was not just about the safety risks.
They took notice of this comment and remained to stay behind the yellow line.

John McVicar – HSE Advisor Hatfield Station 23rd April
John was outside Hatfield Train station with the Safety Unit at 11.20am when he was approached by
station staff for assistance - a member of the public was reporting a suspicious package. After
speaking to the individual concerned it became apparent that the reported package was in fact his
own holdall and that the individual was showing signs in conversation of possible mental illness
issues. The individual stated there was a bomb in the holdall and he needed to defuse it. John
managed to calm the individual down and keep him separated from the holdall. John dialled 999 at
11.31am for immediate police assistance as the holdall had two paddocks on the top of it and it did
look suspicious. Whilst waiting for the police to attend, the station staff cleared and cordoned off the
area whilst John continued talking to the individual, keeping him calm whilst at the same time
convincing him not to touch any mobile phones or any other items until the police arrived.
On arrival the police took over the situation which was then handed over to the British Transport
Police on their arrival. Thankfully it turned out to be a hoax and the individual was found to have a
history of mental issues.

Prompt, thought through and safe decision making by Daniel and John. They will both receive this
month’s Safety Award – a certificate and vouchers for both are on their way.

www.morson.com/vital

UPDATES

FEEDBACK FROM NETWORK RAIL

Aaron Hope, who works for our Kent branch, received exceptional feedback from Steve Featherstone,
Programme Director at Network Rail, after meeting each other on the site that Aaron was working on.
It is always great to hear from others how appreciated your hard work and dedication to your job is
and we recognised this with a £100 voucher for Aaron. Keep up the good work Aaron!

Aaron Hope receiving voucher from Dean Holden, Operations Osborne STOP Think!
Manager, Kent Branch
Cascade

Please find your link to the April 2018
STOP Think! From Osborne
Osborne STOP Think! Cascade
April 2018 Edition

www.morson.com/vital

UPDATES

DEAN LAYCOCK – SAFETY AWARD VOLKER

Volker Rail run a scheme to recognise and reward individuals or teams that make the most significant
contribution to safety of the workforce on a monthly basis. Anyone can be nominated including
suppliers. Nominations can be made by any Volker Rail member of staff. If you are a supplier please
suggest your nomination via a VR member of staff.
Nominations can be for one of the following categories:
a) Engagement with the workforce – best or most safety tours, KSB conversations, tool box talks etc.
b) Hazard reporting – most reported
c) Innovation – new process, technique, equipment, etc.
d) Positive interventions – best or most reported close calls
e) Road Safety – using the telematics data
f) Safety by Design – can be anything related to the design or planning of work
g) Shared Learning – adoption of best practice or sharing of best practice
Volker would like to thank Dean Laycock for taking the initiative and promoting the use of Duplex
Comms at our Blackpool Depot site for the civils plant that he and others were in charge of.

Dean Laycock, from our Manchester Branch, receiving his award from Alan
Fallows, H&S Manager, Volker Rail
www.morson.com/vital

UPDATES

HOT WEATHER WARNING

It was a nice change to receive some warmer weather in the UK last week but it is important to
follow the below advice when working outside:

PPE – MOZZIE NETS MEDICATION AND DRUG AND
AND INSECT
REPELLENT ALCOHOL TESTING

As we are now approaching some If you are taking medication either prescribed by a doctor
warmer weather, it will not be long or self-medicating then you must get in touch with your
before you will need mozzie nets and HSE Advisor as soon as possible.
insect repellent. If you are working This also applies to any medical conditions that you have
on sites where you need this PPE, that have not been previously reported.
then please contact your Ops Everybody is subject to drug and alcohol testing, whether
Manager as soon as possible so it can this be a random test or a site induction test. If subject to
be ordered in advance. any testing, you should immediately declare any
medication you are or have been taking to the provider
carrying out the test. If you choose not to complete the
test this will result in an investigation and a possible
Sentinel Scheme outcome which could result in a 5 year
ban from working on the Network Rail Infrastructure (NRI)

If in doubt, please contact your HSE Advisor!

www.morson.com/vital

UPDATES

SILICA DUST – CUT THE RISK

What is silica dust?
Silica is all around us – it’s in stone, bricks, concrete, ballast and many other common materials – even
some plastic composites. Undisturbed silica is safe, but if you work on materials that contain silica,
you’ll be making dangerous silica dust.
Silica dust is created when the ‘crystalline silica’ in materials like ballast, stone, mortar or tiles is broken
down and released. It happens when you drill, saw, cut, grind or sand the products– or work on them in
any way that disturbs the natural silica content. Dealing with ballast on a rail track or sweeping up after
a task has been finished can leave unhealthy dust in the air.
How is silica dust dangerous?
Silica dust can be harmful if you breathe it in. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘dust’. Silica dust won’t just
make you sneeze and cough like a bit of normal dust in your house. It can be deadly. Silica dust particles
are very small and can get deep into your lungs and stay there, inflaming them and causing serious
health problems in some people, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, silicosis and cancer.
Reduce the Risk
Ensure you receive a full briefing detailing the hazards and risks.
Do not put yourself in the danger zone – if you do not need to be there, do not enter the work area.
Always wear the correct face/dust mask and ensure you have been face fit tested.
Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and drinking. Your food could become contaminated.
Report any issues you have on site to the Supervisor. If you think it is unsafe – raise a Close Call!

www.morson.com/vital

UPDATES

SOUTH ALLIANCE CONFERENCE, WATFORD 16th & 17th APRIL
2018

Executive Director, Gary Hardaker was invited on behalf of Vital to support the Colas South Alliance
Conference along with our Safety Unit and HSE Advisor, Brian Healey in Watford.
Vital were exhibiting one of our three Safety Conversation Vehicles. Gary and Brian were on hand to
show guests around the vehicles and discuss current safety initiatives. There were 240 guests who
attended the conference and they were all invited to go inside the vehicle for an interactive
presentation. Gary and Brian were on hand to also deliver and discuss Vital’s most recent safety briefings
and alerts. There was a chance to enter a competition to win an Amazon Fire Tablet by answering the
question “How many close calls were raised on CARL in 2017?”
The winner, who guessed the closest number to 9546, has kindly donated the tablet to be put into a
raffle for a Colas Charity Golf Day which is being organised to raise money for Cancer Research.
Vital were delighted to be invited to exhibit at the conference and hope to be back next year.

VEHICLES AND LIFE SAVING RULES

All personnel are reminded that the Life Savings Rules must be adhered to at all times.
When driving vehicles, drivers must remember to take the following actions:

• Vehicles are not to be left running. Keys should be taken out of the ignition and handed to the next
designated driver where applicable.
• You must ensure that you are authorised to drive the vehicle. If in doubt, check with the Site
Supervisor or your local Vital office.
•If the vehicle is issued to you personally, make sure that you carry out your daily and weekly checks as
per your Vital Drivers Log. If taking a vehicle over from another authorised driver, you are to carry out a
handover check to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and that there is no visual damage.
•Ensure that you are aware of the Vital Vehicle Policy and the Network Rail Vehicle Policy. Again, if in
doubt check with the Site Supervisor or your local Vital office.

www.morson.com/vital

KNOW YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY TEAM

Safety Manager & Close Call Champion
Mark Barrett – The Mill
[email protected]
0161 836 7053 / 07717 306 817

HSE Advisor & Close Call Champion
Steve McKay - Scotland and Newcastle
[email protected]
07717 306 733

HSE Advisor/Safety Unit South Advisor
John McVicar - Cardiff, Farnham, Milton Keynes (South), Aylesford & Canning
Town
[email protected]
07717 306 811

HSE Advisor/Safety Unit North Advisor & Close Call Champion
Brian Healey – Scotland, Manchester, Solutions, Milton Keynes (North)
Doncaster & Market Rasen
[email protected]
07973 907031

Report a Close Call 0161 836 7200
www.closecallnow.com

SAFETY NOTICES

Exclusion Zone when carrying out
felling duties whilst operating
chainsaw

Vital Safety Alert – Asbestos

S&C South Alliance Track
Renewals Safety

Western Route Safety Hour - Plastic
Pollution

Dialling emergency and
nonemergency numbers at work

Collision with a car at Routs level
crossing

Serious injury following contact with
moving machinery

Incorrectly parked marker boards

Plant exclusion and Close Call
Appzones

Manual handling injury leads to ORR
improvement notice

Felling Activities Edinburgh MDU

Controlling the Risks Exclusion Zone when carrying out felling
duties whilst operating chainsaw

After a recent accident within the Edinburgh MDU area, where a contractor
working for off-track entered the chainsaw exclusion zone whilst felling work was
still taking place to assist with the removal of a tree. Due to circumstances still
under investigation the contractor ended up with a serious chainsaw cut to his
leg. This reminder has been produced in the interim and MUST be briefed to all
staff before carrying out any work with a chainsaw.

When carrying out felling duties whilst operating chainsaw

Learning Points

• NEVER enter exclusion zones, especially in the immediate vicinity of chainsaw,
chipper or plant activities. Keep well clear at all times and maintain safe distances.

• The COSS should brief staff on agreed exclusion zones, and monitor and control
these.

• Personnel controlling exclusion zones should remain vigilant during works and
intervene where necessary, and always challenge anyone attempting to enter these
zones.

• Effective communication should be maintained by all – ensure you are aware where
colleagues are and who is around you, especially when operating tools, plant and
machinery.

• Always be mindful of changing site conditions, and be aware of the need to
continually assess and review additional risks that may emerge during work tasks.

There will be further communications once the investigation has been concluded.

Edinburgh MDU Page 1 of 1 12/04/2018

Vital Safety Alert 008 Date: 08 February 2018

Internal Safety Alert – Asbestos Awareness

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Three most common found forms are:

• Crocidolite (blue asbestos).
• Amosite (brown asbestos).
• Chrysotile (white asbestos).

Where can Asbestos be found?

Asbestos can be found in a number of materials (see below). They are known as Asbestos
Containing Materials (ACM). Asbestos contained in items such as ceiling tiles & door panels is
known as Asbestos Insulating Boards (AIB):

The problem with Asbestos is breathing it in. The effects of the Asbestos will depend on 3 things:

• The type of ACM.
• The type of Asbestos.
• The extent of Controls and Safe System of Work.

You will not be affected unless:

• The material is disturbed.
• Quantities of fibres are made airborne
• The fibres are inhaled.

Common hiding places for Asbestos:

What to do if you think you may have come into contact with Asbestos.
If you suspect Asbestos to be present, the following are steps which should be taken by you:

• Stop work immediately.
• Inform those around you.
• Contact your line manager and await their further instructions.
The person in charge should:
• Arrange for a sample of the material to be taken and if it contains Asbestos, arrange for the

area to be cleaned by a specialist contractor.

Health Effects:
There are various health effects as a result of breathing in Asbestos which are:

• Mesothelioma.
• Lung cancer.
• Cancer of the larynx.
• Asbestosis.
• Asbestos warts.
• Benign pleural effusions.
• Pleural thickening.
• Pleural plaques.

Remember that appropriate PPE including dust masks, although a last resort in the hierarchy of
control measures, should be worn at all times when working with Asbestos.
For simple guides on how to work with materials that contain Asbestos, have a look at the free
Beware Asbestos Web App at www.beware-asbestos.info/02

For further details contact: Mark Barrett Safety Manager on 07717 306817 or at [email protected]

S&C South Alliance Track Renewals Safety Alert 40

Axle Counter Damage at Abergele

This bulletin is for the attention of:
All staff and sub-contractors

The site was follow up works at Abergele following the completion of the core
works at the weekend. The Down Main was being ballast brushed by RRV in
readiness for planned tamping works later in the week.

The RRV was brushing LME to HME through the site and when it approached
an axle counter head (in advance of signal FH6109) it lifted the brush to avoid
hitting it.

The brush dropped ballast around and onto the head of the axle counter, and
as the RRV then proceeded over the top of it the RRV crushed the ballast
down into the axle counter head. This can be seen from the damage caused.

Actions Required

 RRV is to stop short of axle counter by minimum of 1m.

 RRV operator must raise the ballast brush enough so that the crane controller
and operator can watch RRV wheels as they ride over the axle counter head.

 Crane controller to do a visual inspection before the wheels of the RRV come
into contact with the axle counter head that no ballast has been dropped.

Brief to: 

No brief required 
Next Team Brief 
Immediate Brief 
All Colas Rail employees 
All PTS Holders 
Managers Only 
Disciplines Affected
Sub –Contractors

Western Route Safety Hour
Plastic Pollution

In support of Earth Day,
22nd April 2018

Chris Gaylard

Western Route Environment Specialist

/

What are plastics?

Since 1907 plastics have revolutionised the way we live.
Made from synthetic or semi-synthetic organic
polymers, often made out of petrochemicals (oils & gas)
they are famous for being easily moulded and durable.

We are currently witnessing a revolution against
plastics due to their huge global environmental, social
and health implications.

Photo credit: Stephan Glinka | Bund

/

Plastic facts Equivalent to a billion elephants

Annual global consumption of
plastics equate to

Did you know that over
1,000,000 plastic bottles

are bought every
minute? That’s 20,000
every second, of which
only 7% are turned back

into bottles!

Earth Day Network – plastic pollution primer and action toolkit, 2018

/

Plastic waste

Due to their chemical composition it is very
carbon intensive to produce, recycle or
reuse plastics. This chart shows the typical
lifecycle of different plastics.

With 79% of plastics still going to landfill it
will be a long time before they breakdown.
Even worse, when they do breakdown, new
evidence suggests they can contaminate
ground, water and our food chain.

/

Plastic Pollution and your health

Plastics contain a number of chemicals that can be harmful to your health, including bisphenol
A (BPA) and phthalates (DEHP). They are commonly found in food packaging and toys and
ingestion (directly or through our food chain) can impact your reproductive systems and
hormones. There is an increasing number of scientific papers linking plastics to:

How to reduce your odds:
 Buy BPA free containers and plastic bottles
 Don’t heat microwave meals in their plastic packaging
 Use natural wax cloth instead of cling film

/

Plastics in our Oceans

More than 8 million tonnes of plastics are dumped in our
oceans every day!

Copy and paste the video link below into internet explorer to
view a video on the scale of plastic waste in our oceans

https://www.theoceancleanup.com/fileadmin/media-archive/img/media-
gallery/Video_Footage/Gpgp_Results/TOC_GPGP_Explainer_1080_web_preview.
mp4

Picture & video courtesy of The Ocean Cl/eanup

Plastics and animals

Plastics are having a disastrous impact on our planet and
the wildlife it supports. Animals can’t distinguish between
food and plastics so they get tangled or ingest it when they
try to feed. Micro plastics are the worst offender. As a
result plastic toxins are now in our food chain.

Claire Fackler, Charts courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup
NOAA
/

What is Network Rail doing?

We are scoping out the possibility of offering
coffee cup recycling at our managed stations
to combat another contentious waste issue

Along with plastic waste we have recycling
facilities available for most offices and

operational waste. Make sure you put your
waste packaging in the correct receptacle

Trials are underway at Charing Cross
Railway Station to introduce water
fountains, reducing the need for
passengers to purchase single use
bottles

Teams across the country use their volunteering days to carry out litter
picks at their local beaches and rivers. Find your nearest event or to
organise an event visit Surfer Against Sewage.org

/

Discussion topics Image by Jorge Gamboa

Let’s discuss what you have just been informed about… /

 Does this information worry you? What’s the most worrying
element?

 How can you reduce your impact? Do you have some good
examples of how you have reduced your impact?

 How can Network Rail reduce its impact? Think about your
team and what materials & equipment we use, our facilities,
fly-tipping, packaging, recycling etc.

Perhaps you would like to feedback some of your thoughts
about how we can improve our footprint. If you do, please
contact the Western Route Environment Specialist –
[email protected]

Further information

Want to know more about how you can help?

 City to Sea – Find info on impacts our cities have on the
ocean, https://www.citytosea.org.uk/

 A Plastic Ocean – Watch their film, it is inspiring,
https://plasticoceans.org/ Now available on Netflix.

 Earth Day Network -
https://www.earthday.org/campaigns/plastics-campaign/

 Surfers Against Sewage - Volunteer for Beach Cleans
and Litter Picks, https://www.sas.org.uk/

 The Ocean Cleanup,
https://www.theoceancleanup.com/

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

Christopher Gaylard, PIEMA
Environment Specialist | Western Route Businesses |Mobile: 07730 354492 |
Email: [email protected]

For internal environmental advice and guidance visit the Western Environment
SharePoint

/

Dialling emergency and non-
emergency numbers at work

Issued to: All Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals and RISQS
registered contractors

Ref: NRA 18/04

Date of issue: 09/04/2018

Location: LNE/EM

Contact: Steve Rist, Product Manager

Overview

On 26 March a LNE/EM colleague had a medical In light of this, we want to make sure everyone
incident and a colleague tried to dial a non- knows which emergency and non-emergency
emergency short dial telephone number from their short dial numbers can be dialled from company
company mobile phone without being able to. mobile phones and desk phones.

Both 111 (NHS) and 101 (non-emergency police Continue to follow the process set out by the Rule
number) require a 9 to be dialled in front of the Book when making railway related emergency
number due to the way our mobile telephone calls.
service is set up but this is not widely known.
The 'Where Am I" app provides accurate location
information and is available to download from the
Network Rail App Catalog.

Immediate action required

From a company mobile telephone From desk phones

 To make an emergency call from a  To make an emergency call from a
company mobile phone, dial 112 or desk telephone, either dial 112 or 999
999 directly. directly or add the prefix 91 and then
dial 112 or 999.
 Short dial non-emergency numbers like
101 and 111 can be dialled from  It is best not to use non-emergency
company mobile phones by using the short dial services (such as, 101 and
prefix 9. 111) from a desk phone as they aren't
always supported at all locations.
 Please note: Not all non-emergency Instead, you should use the
short dial services numbers are appropriate full length dial number to
available at all locations across the UK. make non-emergency calls from a
desk phone.
 Add the relevant numbers to your
mobile phone contacts.  There are local procedures in place at
some sites around dialling the
emergency services and so colleagues
are encouraged to familiarise
themselves with these.

Copies of Safety Advice are available on Safety Central.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Collision with a car at Routs level
crossing

Issued to: All Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals and RISQS
registered contractors

Ref: NRB 18/06

Date of issue: 06/04/2018

Location: Routs Level Crossing, Nacton
(near Ipswich, Suffolk)

Contact: Richard Tew, Head of Route
Safety Health & Environment

Overview It is believed that it was the injured person's
second time using the crossing with a vehicle,
On 14 March 2018 at approximately 20:20, a their first having been earlier that evening when
freight train travelling at approximately 50 mph entering the farm. They were visiting a sub-tenant
struck a car at Routs user worked crossing, of the authorised user.
injuring the car driver.
There was a near miss involving a car at the
The crossing is fitted with Miniature Stop Lights crossing on 2 February 2018. The driver of the
and POGO (Power operated gate opening vehicle was subsequently arrested and remains in
system). It is on a single track section of the custody awaiting sentencing for endangering
Felixstowe branch line (FEL). safety of the railway and driving while disqualified.

Routs user worked crossing is an occupation Following the incident on 2 February the Route
crossing serving 75 acres of farm land and farm had made the decision to remove the POGO from
buildings, which were believed to be let to a Routs crossing. The work had not been
variety of people for storage purposes. completed at the time of the incident.

Discussion Points

While we are investigating the incident please
discuss the following with your team:

 How do we make sure that authorised  What, either individually or in your
users understand their responsibilities teams, do you do that affects level
to ensure all their tenants, sub-tenants, crossings? What could you do to
invitees and contractors know how to improve safety at level crossings?
use the crossing safely and
responsibly?  How can you help improve the time it
takes to develop, procure and install
 What should you do if you identify a level crossing safety improvement
change in land use near a level solutions?
crossing that may affect the crossing's
use? Copies of Safety Bulletins are available on Safety Central

 Where can you find out more about
level crossing safety?

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Serious injury following contact
with moving machinery

Issued to: All Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals and
Principal Contractors

Ref: NRL 18/01

Date of issue: 17/04/2018

Location: High Wycombe Station

Contact: Chris Carey, Head of S&SD IP
Central

Overview Whilst positioning a section of "bog-mat", the
machine tipped forward, trapping the supervisor
On 30 August 2017 at High Wycombe Station, a and causing serious injuries to their right leg, ribs
sub-contractor supervisor was seriously injured and back that required several operations.
when they became trapped under the front fork
assembly of a hired-in JCB tele-handler. The supervisor has still not returned to work.

Underlying causes x The slope of the compound area was not
recognised by the machine operator nor
During investigations, several issues were the slinger signaller.
discovered highlighting that several factors led to
the serious accident. x Communications between the machine
operator and others including
x Machinery was not used in accordance slinger/banksman or Machine Controller
with the operating procedures. were not effective.

x The operators did not have the correct x The task was not controlled by a suitable
competency for the planned operation in briefing nor briefed to all persons involved
compliance with requirements of LOLER in the activity.
and BS7121.

x "Pre-use" checks were not carried out
before the machinery was operated.

Key message

x Check lift plans for all activities x Review similar activities either current
involving lifting of plant or equipment. or planned to ensure all are properly
planned and briefed.
x Ensure that operator has the correct
competency for the planned operation x Communicate the plan of work to
in compliance with requirements of ensure that all persons involved are
LOLER and BS7121. aware of the controls required to carry
out the task in a safe and competent
manner.

Copies of Shared Learning documents are available on Safety Central

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Vital Safety Alert No. 017 Date: 16 Apr 2018

Incorrectly Placed Marker Boards

There has been a recent case where a Vital COSS placed their marker boards in the wrong location. This
was due to the COSS having no local knowledge of the area and poor communication.

With immediate effect:

• Vital Resource staff should use personnel who have local knowledge of the area where the shift
is due to take place.

• Vital workers should make the Resource staff aware if they do not have knowledge of a particular
location on receipt of their shift details.

• The SWP should be clearly understood and questions raised if there are any doubts regarding the
positioning and placement of the boards.

• When giving and/or receiving safety critical instructions, always confirm that you are speaking to
the correct person.

• Always check the documents and information you have is relevant to the task being performed.

• Safety critical messages MUST ALWAYS be repeated back.

• Engineering Supervisors to instruct staff to place marker boards, as per the GE/RT/8000 Rulebook
requirements.

For further details contact: Mark Barrett Safety Manager on 07717 306817 or at
[email protected]

Lifesaving Rule:
Plant Exclusion Zones

(RRV Operations)

Key Principles
Mandatory Briefing for ALL PTS holders.

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Our Lifesaving Rules

Over the past six months we have consulted with over
1,300 staff members, union colleagues, suppliers and
other organisations to develop our Lifesaving Rules.

We have agreed 11 Lifesaving Rules. They’re here to
protect all of us. If you’re ever asked to break or ignore
any of these Rules, you have the right to say no.

For more information please speak to your line manager.

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Lifesaving Rule: Plant Exclusion Zones

RRV’s are dangerous and unpredictable. That’s why our new Lifesaving Rule
requires us to keep a clear exclusion zone around all moving machinery.
Before you pass or work near an RRV always make sure you have
permission from the Machine Controller or Crane Controller.
When in doubt ASK B4U PASS

Never enter the agreed exclusion zone,
unless directed to by the person in charge.

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Walking past - Risk

Applicable to ALL

• When you need to move past a machine stop at a safe distance
• Make contact with the MC/CC
• Only proceed when authorised by the MC/CC

MC/CC

Waiting for Machine
authority to pass operating area

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Working in the vicinity of a machine - Risk

Applicable to ALL

• Before you work in the vicinity of a machine you must first make contact
with the MC/CC

• The MC/CC will inform you if you can work in that particular area
• Only when you receive this authority from the MC/CC can work commence

MC/CC

Waiting for Machine
authority to start work operating area

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Working with a machine - Risk

Applicable to ALL

• You must discuss with MC/CC what type of work is required to be carried out
• The MC/CC will inform you when this work can commence
• Only when you receive this authority from the MC/CC can you undertake

this work

MC/CC

Waiting for authority Machine
to work with machine operating area

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

MC/CC - Important Reminder

• Always be aware of the area around your machine
• Do not let anyone enter the area where the machine is operating

without your permission
• Only allow site personnel to pass your machine when it is safe to do so
• Anyone entering your area without your permission ‘stand down’ the

machine and report it to the Site Supervisor/Team Leader

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Machine Operator – Important Reminder

• The MC/CC will inform you of the work location, work activity, site
risks and personnel authorised to work in/near the operating area
of the machine

• Always be aware of personnel working with or near your machine
• Any unauthorised personnel entering your operating area

‘stand down’ your machine and inform the MC/CC

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Our Lifesaving Rules

For more information on the Lifesaving Rules please visit:
www.safety.networkrail.co.uk/LSR

Person Plant Interface (RRV Operations) Key Principles

Lifesaving Rule: Plant Exclusion Zones

Manual handling injury leads to
ORR improvement notice

Issued to: All Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals and RISQS
registered contractors

Ref: NRB 18/07

Date of issue: 20/04/2018

Location: Western Ave near Cardiff

Contact: Matthew Lane, head of route
safety health and environment

Overview

On 21 January 2018 an accident occurred whilst To undertake the task two colleagues were
Works Delivery were undertaking a steel sleeper positioned one at each end of the sleeper; the
track renewal. While manually handling a steel sleepers were being lifted and thrown into
sleeper a contractor colleague trapped a finger on position on the ballast. When carrying out the
his right hand which resulted in an open fracture particular lift the activity was not done in tandem
and damage to the nail bed. and resulted in one end of the sleeper being
lowered before the other, this caused the injured
The colleague was part of a two person operation person's finger to be trapped between the sleeper
to lift steel sleepers from stock piles and place being moved and the remainder of the pack. No
them onto the ballast. sleeper nips were available to be used.

The primary method for placing out sleepers was As a result of an ORR investigation an
using a tracked machine with a sleeper lifting Improvement Notice has been issued to Works
attachment. As works had fallen behind schedule Delivery Wales Route, due to the lack of a
colleagues from another worksite were asked to suitable and sufficient manual handling risk
support. In an attempt to recover lost time the assessment for the newly employed task. It is
additional staff were tasked with manually placing noted in the ORR report that it is the inspector's
out sleepers; this method of work was not part of opinion that other functions may be in the same
the original risk assessment. The sleepers or similar positions across Network Rail when
weighed in excess of 80kg each. carrying out this type of works.

Discussion Points  How can you maintain supervision and
control of colleagues during tasks,
Whilst further investigation and compliance especially when they start at differing
actions are being completed for the ORR times during the work, including being
improvement notice, please discuss the briefed correctly?
following with your team:
 How do you check that labour only
 When site work falls behind or is not sub-contractor staff have the
going to plan, how can the local risks appropriate basic training and are
be assessed to prevent injuries briefed correctly before starting work?
occurring?
 How do you make sure that you have
 How are the task risks briefed to you, the correct assessments in place for
before and during the works? your work and being complied with?

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