June Safety Newsletter

Safety
Newsletter

Jun 2021

vital.uk.com

Contents

Jun 2021

Section Page 3
Introduction Page 4
Welcome Page 5
Your HSQE Team
Page 6-7
Close Call App Page 8-9

Hot Topic Page 10
Reporting Close Calls Page 11
Planning for Possession Safety
Page 12-13
Health and Wellbeing Page 14-15
Stay hydrated
Safety in the sun Page 16
Page 17
Compliance Page 18
Network Rail’s Worksafe Procedure Page 19
Your right to work in the UK - final
reminder

Driving
Accidents involving deer

CIRAS reporting

Offices
Alerts & Notices

Welcome

Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality Overall, the emergence from restrictions is
and Environmental Compliance, Gareth very welcome and will help add a sparkle
Morris to this summer. Promoting positive
behaviour is an extremely effective and
Welcome to our June Safety Newsletter. potent force to help those regain their trust
in mingling and reconnecting. One simple
As a rather damp May departs, thankfully, and effective thought we can share is:
so too do many lockdown restrictions. This tolerance and a kind word can go a very
welcome development is a strong sign that long way to help re-build the contacts with
all the sacrifices we have endured are ready those we have been apart from.
to pay a dividend. Stay Safe,
Gareth Morris
If you are able to enjoy a holiday or more
quality time with family and friends, it is likely 3
that you may encounter mixed reactions
from amongst those you meet.

It would not be surprising if some people
experience a level of anxiety over socialising
in close proximity to others, given that for
such a long period that this was not viable.
Others may go the other way and throw
themselves into full on party mode, which
would be understandable.

Many of us may fall between the two
positions, and choose to manage contacts
carefully, allowing confidence to build and
re-establish patterns of activity at a pace
with which we feel comfortable.

None of these approaches are “wrong”.
Everyone must feel free to choose what is
right for their circumstances, given the
official guidance for their location.

At Vital, we recommend a steady approach,
as this has been seen to offer the best
outcomes. Please be aware that the
Government guidelines currently in place at
work still require social distancing and
enhanced work and personal hygiene
measures.

HSQE My Idea
Team
How would you improve safety?
HSQE Director What are your ideas for
Gareth Morris, Morson innovation?
International - Manchester What would you change?
[email protected] To be in with the chance to with
07736 657 039 £100 worth of gift vouchers,
email us your ideas at:
HSE Adviser (Scotland) and
Close Call Champion [email protected]
Stephen McKay - Scotland and
Newcastle 4
[email protected]
07717 306 733

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit
(North)
Jane Hepburn – Manchester,
Solutions, Milton Keynes
(North) Doncaster, Market
Rasen and Birmingham
[email protected]
07717 306 797

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit
(South)
Alex Wilson - Cardiff, Farnham,
Milton Keynes (South) and
Canning Town.
[email protected]
07717 306 811

Close Call App

Safety Matters

Created specifically for our workforce; a
multi platform mobile app that has
been designed for users to ensure they
can report a close call at any time and
any place. 

Features Include:

Simple - Add the information to the
form provided and submit

Direct - All close calls reported through
the app are sent instantly to our Health
and Safety mailbox 

Photograph - Upload supporting
images

Offline - No network connection
required - use the app anywhere

Safety Matters
The Close Call Reporting App
Available to download NOW!

5

Reporting Close Calls

Would you recognise a Close Call if it stared you in the face? A Close Call can be made for
an unsafe condition that, if ignored, may cause an accident or harm.
Why should I make a Close Call?

You could prevent yourself or a colleague being injured
You are demonstrating positive behaviours of leadership, responsibility and care for others
(traits much needed in any walk of life)
Your intervention can help make the safety culture much stronger and worksites safer.
What happens when I submit a Close Call?
All of the Close Call apps work in much the same way. They are available to download for free
from the app stores and offer a simple template allowing you to input relevant detail. Once the
issue has been input, it sends detail to the Health and Safety department to record and action.
Detail of the Close Call is sent to a central point at Network Rail to action the Close Call.
What information should I include in a Close Call and why?
There is key data needed to be able to resolve a Close Call. This is best explained by referring to
the two examples below. The first Close Call can’t be progressed because crucial information is
missing. The second could, as the detail was there.
Please remember, taking the time to submit a Close Call is very much appreciated, if we have the
correct detail, action can be taken to resolve the concern.

6

7

Planning for
Possession Safety

Safety and accuracy should be an integral component and paramount concern of the possession
planning process. Recently, there has been a concerning trend of instances of worksites being
planned outside possessions. Additionally, a lack of understanding on both the roles and the
responsibilities of some planning and delivery staff has been identified.

Some incidents have caused such concern that this briefing is necessary to advise all operatives to
feel confident to question the arrangements that should keep you safe.

To illustrate the problem let us examine one high profile case.

Slochd Possession Incident Background
The Slochd possession irregularity, on 22nd April 2020, contained the following issues:

The planned possession didn’t cover the planned worksite mileages
A worksite was taken over two miles outside the possession limits
3 members of staff were working with an RRV on an open and unprotected line
The error went through the whole planning process unnoticed until the signaller received a
SPAD alarm
Planning issue not identified at T-5w / T-10 planning meetings
The initial planning error was made at T-7 weeks
Not identified / questioned during ‘019 lifecycle (planners, PICs, RM’s)
No pre-possession (PICOP) meeting.
Not identified on the night during pre-possession checks/conversations with delivery staff

This incident raises key questions

How serious was it? As serious as it gets

Could this happen in your area? Yes

What can I do to keep myself safe? Always check the detail on your SWP if you

have any questions on worksite limits raise

them immediately.

Do not assume that detail must be OK because you are issued with a Safe Work Pack (SWP).

Check, question and test the detail.

8

How does a possession issue occur?
The Swiss cheese model (below) shows slices representing barriers (or processes and systems). The
holes in the cheese represent any weaknesses within those processes or systems. When all the holes
line up that’s when an error can slip through every stage in the process.

In relation to the Slochd incident, the
initial error was when the worksite
was linked to a possession that didn’t
cover the worksite mileages. This
happened during the validation
process at the top, it slipped through
the holes (weaknesses) at every
stage, resulting in a possession
safety incident!

Learning from events
Key Messages;

1.Never assume safety is someone
else's responsibility

2.Always do the necessary checks
to ensure the plan is safe and the
paperwork is correct

3.If you think something is unsafe,
then stop immediately and report
it. Do not do something you are
unsure of.

You are encouraged to speak up, ask
questions or raise concerns.

REMEMBER – Take 5 for Safety to get
Everyone Home Safe Every Day

9

Stay hydrated

Under heat stress conditions, dehydration can seriously affect
your ability to function safely.

Our brains are about 70% water (while our bodies are generally
about 50–75%) so It’s not actually that surprising that our water
intake has such a big effect on our performance. In fact, according
to research, 2% dehydration can influence one’s mood, lead to
fatigue and considerably reduce alertness.

Dehydration effects can be minimised by frequently drinking cool
water (rather than tea, coffee or carbonated drinks) in small
volumes to compensate for water and metabolite losses due to
sweating. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration – rather it
should be considered an early indicator that you are starting to
suffer from the effects of dehydration.

When working hard or at a high rate in heat stress conditions
employees should consume around 250ml (half a pint) every 15
minutes. This approach may not be practical due to the nature of
the task, eg wearing PPE that restricts the ability to drink or working
in industries where hygiene requirements prevent the consumption
of food or drink. In these circumstances an alternative approach is
drinking 500ml of water per hour before work commences and
encouraging the drinking of 500ml of water during their rest periods.

This may meet your water demands during the work period but if
water loss is significantly greater, then water intake should increase
proportionately. Also even if you replenish the lost sweat with equal
amounts of water, you may still be susceptible to dehydration due
to salt losses caused by excessive sweating. If you are exposed to
heat stress conditions, you should make sure you are adequately
hydrated before you come to work.

What should I do if I become dehydrated?
If you think you may be dehydrated, start by drinking more fluid. For
mild dehydration, drinking water or other drinks may be all that you
need to do.
If you have more severe dehydration because of diarrhoea or
vomiting, you’ll lose important salts and sugars from your body as
well as water. If you’re older or have other health conditions, your
doctor or nurse may suggest you use oral rehydration therapy. This
is usually a powder containing sugar and salts that you mix with
water. If you think you may have severe dehydration, speak to your
pharmacist straightaway.

10

Safety in the sun

What is the problem?
Too much sunlight is harmful to your skin. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged. The
damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.
Who is at risk?
When work keeps you outdoors for a long time your skin could be exposed to more sun than is
healthy for you. If you have naturally brown or black skin, you are less at risk of skin cancer,
although cases do occur. Therefore, when the sunlight is intense, it would be sensible if you also
followed the guidance below to protect yourself. You should take particular care if you have:

fair or freckled skin that doesn’t tan, or goes red or burns before it tans
red or fair hair and light coloured eyes
a large number of moles.
What are the harmful effects?
In the short term, even mild reddening of the skin from sun exposure is a sign of damage.
Sunburn can blister the skin and make it peel.
Longer term problems can arise. Too much sun speeds up ageing of the skin, making it leathery,
mottled and wrinkled. The most serious effect is an increased chance of developing skin cancer.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Keep your top on
Wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck
Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunch time
Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF30 on any exposed skin
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if you find
anything that is changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding

11

YOUR RIGHT TO
WORK IN THE UK -
DEADLINE 30th June

YOUR RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK – The deadline for applying to the EU Settlement
Scheme is 30th June 2021

What is changing?
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and plan to continue to live and work in the UK after 30 June
2021 you and your family will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. If your application is
successful, you’ll get either settled or pre-settled status. The following article gives a brief
overview of the scheme including gov.uk website details and phone number where you can get
further information and help if required.

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)
The rights and status of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK by 31 December 2020 will remain
the same until 30 June 2021. The EEA includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and
Norway. If you apply to the EU Settlement Scheme successfully, you’ll be able to continue living
and working in the UK after 30 June 2021. You’ll be given either:

settled status: or
pre-settled status
You will not be asked to choose what status you are applying for. The status you get depends on
how long you’ve been living in the UK when you apply. Your rights will be different depending on
which status you get and when you started living in the UK..

Settled status
You’ll usually get settled status if you’ve lived in the UK for a continuous 5-year period (known as
‘continuous residence’). Five years’ continuous residence means that for 5 years in a row you’ve
been in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for at least 6 months in any 12-month
period. There are exceptions to this so if you need further information please use the contact
details in this article. You can stay in the UK as long as you like if you get settled status. You’ll also
be able to apply for British citizenship if you’re eligible.

Pre-settled status
If you do not have 5 years’ continuous residence when you apply, you’ll usually get pre-settled
status. You must have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 unless you are applying as
the existing close family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who started living here by then. You
can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date you get pre-settled status.
You can then apply to change this to settled status once you’ve got 5 years’ continuous
residence. You must do this before your pre-settled status expires.
If you’ll reach 5 years’ continuous residence at some point by 30 June 2021, you can choose to
wait to apply until you reach 5 years’ continuous residence. This means that if your application is
successful, you’ll get settled status without having to apply for pre-settled status first.

For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-
families/whatsettled-and-presettled-status-means

12

The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021

When do I apply?
The EU Settlement Scheme is open. You can apply now.
Fees
It’s free to apply to the scheme.
Get help
Ask a question on-line: https://eu-settled-status-enquiries.service.gov.uk/start
You can also get help over the phone: Telephone: 0300 123 7379
Checklist

1.Check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
2.Find out what status you will get under the scheme
3.Check what you will need to apply
4. Apply
What are we doing as a business?
Vital Human Resources Ltd (VHRL) part of Morson Group is bringing awareness of the EU
Settlement Scheme to our workers. We are not asking EU nationals to apply for the scheme as
there is no legal requirement at present.
To get a full understanding of the EU Settlement Scheme please refer to the gov.uk
website: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

13

Network Rail’s
Worksafe Procedure

Vital fully supports and endorses Network Rail’s Worksafe Procedure that gives any worker the absolute
right to raise a concern and refuse to carry out work if they feel there is risk of an incident or accident
occurring and not be put under pressure to return to work until the matter has been addressed.

IS IT SAFE?

SPEAKING OUT WHEN SOMETHING IS UNSAFE

If you do not feel something is safe, or the risks are not appropriately mitigated for the task, remember
to evoke the Worksafe Procedure. This could be for anything you feel is unsafe, for instance a few
which have been invoked recently are due to unsafe underfoot conditions, incorrect plans being
issued, or working too close to the live conductor rail.

1. Stop work, move to a position of safety, and immediately contact the PIC (Person in Charge).
2. The PIC shall, in discussion with the person raising the concern, assess the situation and
determine the course of action required.
3. If agreement is reached the work shall restart subject to a suitable risk assessment.
4. Work shall not restart until all parties agree that the concern has been addressed and it is safe
to do so.
5. If agreement cannot be reached the Worksafe procedure should be applied and logged with
Network Rail Route Control by the responsible manager on site.

14

Some recent examples where Network Rail’s
Worksafe Procedure has been used

15

Accidents involving
deer

Deer, on the roads, present a greater risk than other roadkill incidents because of their large size. This
year, across the Morson Group, we have had a number of incidents involving deer and other large
animals hitting our vehicles. These incidents have caused serious amounts of damage to vehicles
including having one van written off. Thankfully, none of our colleagues were seriously injured. Sadly,
most of the animals were not so lucky.
Deer collisions tend to peak at this time of year as the animals search for new territories. Highest risk
times are around dusk when they feed and then at dawn. We urge drivers to check their speed and
stay alert especially when they see deer warning signs or are travelling through a heavily wooded or
forested stretch of road. The picture (below) shows what happens when a small deer hits a vehicle,
Imagine what would it might look like if it was a full-size stag. Take care!

Advice for drivers
Stay alert to deer in areas with signs and on roads
through woods and forests
If you know of areas where accidents with deer have
occurred, please be more aware whilst on these road
Dip headlights when seeing a deer as the animal may
freeze on the spot instead of leaving the road
Look for other deer, as they often gather and travel in
herds
Only brake sharply and stop if there is no danger of
being hit by following traffic
Try not to suddenly swerve to avoid hitting a deer
without checking that your intended direction is clear.

16

CIRAS reporting

CIRAS - a confidential reporting service

CIRAS is an organisation offering a confidential reporting service where safety
concerns can be raised. Our Group support this important service through
membership and active participation.

CIRAS partners with the GB mainline railway industry and has seen significant
improvement in safety performance over the past two decades. Their confidential
reporting service cuts across organisational boundaries and continues to be an
integral part of Rail’s safety management system.

CIRAS will take calls on a wide range of concerns affecting the health, wellbeing and
safety of staff, passengers or the public. From rules non-compliance and
equipment issues through to fatigue, security and working conditions – these are all
early indicators of potential harm. The concerns raised through the hotline often
have common themes, allowing the industry to benefit from shared learning and
good practice.

If you have a rail safety concern that
you feel unable to raise with your own
employer, call CIRAS now on:
Report hotline: 0800 4 101 101
Report textline: 07507 285 887
CIRAS’s quarterly magazine, Frontline
Matters, is available to download for
free below:

frontline-matters-issue-10.pdf (windows.net)

17

Office Locations

Manchester (Head Office) Abercynon Bellshill
T: 0161 836 7000 T: 01443 809 950 T: 01698 840 950
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

The Mill, G16/17 Ty Cynon, Dalziel House, Ground Floor,
South Hall Street, Navigation Park, Strathclyde Business Park,
off Ordsall Lane, Abercynon, Lark Way, Bellshill,
Salford, Manchester, CF45 4SN Lanarkshire,
M5 4TP ML4 3RB

Cardiff Birmingham  Crewe
T: 029 2083 9955 T: 0121 809 3010 T: 01270 906 130
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

The Laurels, F03 First Floor, Office 2 The Dairy,
Heol Y Rhosog, Fairgate House, Crewe Hall Farm, Old Park
Springmeadows Business Park, 205 Kings Road, Road,
Rumney, Tyseley, Crewe,
Cardiff, Birmingham, Cheshire,
CF3 2EW B11 2AA CW1 5UE

Doncaster Farnham Market Rasen
T: 01302 244450 T: 01252 964 020 T: 01302 308 080
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

First Floor Offices, Unit 10, Unit 2,
Carr House, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Gallamore Lane Ind. Estate,
Heavens Walk, Farnham, Market Rasen,
Doncaster, Surrey, LN8 3HZ
DN4 5HZ GU9 9PZ

Milton Keynes Newcastle London
T: 01908 015020 T: 0191 300 0433 T: 0203 963 5080
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Suite 532, Spaceworks, Unit 10,
Elder House, Benton Park Road, Canning Town Business Park,
Elder Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stephenson Street,
Milton Keynes, Tyne & Wear, London,
MK9 1LR NE7 7LX E16 4SA

18

Alerts & Notices

External Alerts & Notices
Network Rail - Lessons Learnt - Severe Finger injury during
re-sleepering activities
Network Rail - Interrupter Cable Bulletin
Network Rail - Life Saving Rules poster
Network Rail - Safety Alert - Contact with Overhead Line
Equipment (OLE) – serious injury
Network Rail - Safety Advice - Lifesaving rules – Test before
touch on 25kV OLE
Network Rail - Safety Advice - Safe isolations
Network Rail - Safety Advice - On Track Plant machine /
crane controllers
Network Rail - Shared Learning - Slochd possession
irregularity
Southern Capital Delivery Home Safe
Southern Shield - Personal Protective Equipment Guide
25 kV ac overhead line equipment

19

Eastern Region
LESSONS LEARNT

Severe Finger injury during re

Description of Event

On Wednesday 12th May 2021 at 02:100, a Track Operative sustained a seve
Tunnels. The old sleepers had been dug out & pushed together in order to swi

Cause of the event

The Task Briefing for the works stated Timber Nips would be used for moving w
The Task Brief also failed to consider the risk from trapping, pinching, nipping.
moving of the sleeper which had become snagged, & the worker didn't have ch

Actions Taken/ Actions to be taken

IP was taken to hospital for treatment.
P.P.E review to be undertaken to ensure the right gloves are being used for the
undertake.

Discussion Points

Are we undertaking Take-5 discussions?
Are effective communications in place prior to undertaking manual handling ac-
tivities?
Do we consider how we risk assess any changes to planned work?
Are we always using the correct tools for the tasks we undertake?

e-sleepering activities

ere finger injury whilst undertaking re-sleepering activities in Moorgate
ing them round to remove prior to replacing.
wooden sleepers, however, on this occasion Timber Nips were not used.
The communication is thought to have been substandard prior to the
hance to move their finger out of the way.

e tasks we

-

OFFICIAL

Edinburgh DU 25/05/2021

WARNING

In-service interrupter
cable for signalling

power supplies

650 VOLTS A.C.

AND MUST BE
CONSIDERED LIVE AND

DANGEROUS WHEN
PLANNING WORK NEAR

THESE CABLES

Listed below is the ‘known’ interrupter cable currently in-service on the ground
within Scotland route.

Above are illustrations of interrupter cables for awareness.

These sites will change as interrupter cables are removed and others added. We will
keep you updated on a regular basis.

Our Lifesaving Rules

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail.
These Rules are in place to keep us safe and must never be broken.
We will all personally intervene if we feel a situation or behaviour might be unsafe.

Working responsibly Driving

Always be sure the required plans Never use a hand-held or hands-free phone, or
and permits are in place, before you programme any other mobile device, while driving.
start a job or go on or near the line.
Always obey the speed limit and wear
Always use equipment that is fit for its a seat belt.
intended purpose.
Working at height
Never undertake any job unless you have
been trained and assessed as competent. Always use a safety harness when working at
height, unless other protection is in place.
Never work or drive while under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. Working with moving equipment

Working with electricity Never enter the agreed exclusion zone,
unless directed to by the person in charge.
Always test before applying earths
or straps.

Never assume equipment is isolated –
always test before touch.

We will always comply with our Lifesaving Rules

For more information about our
Lifesaving Rules go to safety.networkrail.co.uk/LSR

July 2014

Contact with Overhead Line
Equipment (OLE) – serious injury

Scope: All Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals and
Ref: accredited contractors
Date:
Location: NRX21-09
Contact:
18/05/2021

Wolverton, West Coast South
NW&C Region

Jimmy Pettit, Accident
Investigation Manager NW&C
Region

Overview

On the 14 May 2021 at 00:38, a technician Discussion Points
working in a mobile elevating work platform
(MEWP) basket came into contact with live OLE. • How do you clearly identify / mark the
He suffered serious injuries and is now in safe working limits of isolations?
hospital.
• How do you reach a clear and common
The MEWP operator also sustained a minor injury understanding with others regarding the
requiring hospital treatment and has now been safe working limits of the isolation?
discharged.
• Is the right equipment available with each
The team were undertaking routine planned OLE group to 'test before touch'?
overhead line adjustments for the Central Rail
Systems Alliance. • How and where do you test before you
touch electrification assets?
BTP, ORR and formal industry investigations
have started. We are co-operating with them. • What do you do if something is different
to your understanding?

The investigations are on-going to establish the
key facts but in the meantime all staff are
reminded to:

• Know and understand what your task is
and how to keep yourself safe.

• Have a clear understanding of the
isolation safe working limits identified on
the OLE permit/Form C for the work
being undertaken.

• The Test before Touch lifesaving rule
requires that a test be witnessed or
performed every time before touching
OLE.

• Retest if you move beyond any inline
OLE feature, move to different track or
work on a different conductor.

• Use the guide to electrical lifesaving rules

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Lifesaving rules – Test before
touch on 25kV OLE

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

Ref: NRA 18/12

Date of issue: 19/07/2018

Location: National

Contact: Phil Doughty, Head of Contact
Systems AC/DC

Overview

Feedback from front line staff has indicated that It should be noted that all approved live line
the lifesaving rule for test before touch on 25kV is indicators only indicate live or de-energised. They
not being applied in a consistent manner. do not indicate that the equipment is safe to
touch.
The lifesaving rule: test before touch, for 25kV is
a key control for managing the risk of working on When any approved live line indicator confirms
or near electrified lines. de-energised there could still be dangerous
voltages in the equipment.

Following the five-step process below ensures the
safety of the staff working on or near 25kV
equipment using a live line indicator.

Immediate action required

All staff should be applying test before touch 3. Always be sure the required plans and
in accordance with the guide to the permits are in place, before you start a job or
application of the electrical lifesaving rules. go on or near the line – For 25kV equipment
this means ensure that you have a Form C in
When test before touch is applied as detailed accordance with NR/L3/ELP/29987 which
in the application guide and referenced details the limits of the isolation.
standards then the rule is a robust process to
confirm the equipment is safe to touch. 4. Test before approach – a check that you are
in the right location as per your Form C
The lifesaving rule for test before touch on isolation limits.
25kV is a five-step process:
5. Retest if you move beyond any inline OLE
1. Test before earth – to ensure the equipment feature, move to different track or work on a
is de-energised before applying an earth. different conductor.

2. Apply earths – eliminate the risk of residual Copies of Safety Advice are available on Safety Central.
voltage.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Safe isolations

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

Ref: NRA20-02

Date of issue: 20/03/2020

Location: National

Contact: Sultan Parkar, Principal Engineer
Contact Systems AC/DC

Overview The formal industry investigation has revealed a
number of factors which require immediate action
On 25th December 2019 an overhead to reinforce compliance with isolation planning
linesman was seriously injured when he came and testing requirements.
into contact with the live overhead line
equipment (OLE) at Kensal Green. Safety
Bulletin NRB19-22 refers.

It is clear that changes are required to the
'Test before Touch' industry practice.

Immediate action required • Every Nominated Person issuing an
OLE Permit/Form C must confirm that
• The Test before Touch lifesaving rule the permit holder demonstrates a full
requires that a test be witnessed or understanding of the safe work limits,
performed every time before touching work to be undertaken, route of travel
OLE beyond an inline feature. and the electrical residual hazards
stated on the OLE Permit/Form C.
• You should not plan staggered
isolations unless this is absolutely • Where there is a change of person
unavoidable. Where staggered limits holding the OLE Permit, the permit
are essential, enhanced control holder must inform their relief of the
measures must be used. Live working limits, any electrical residual
sections must be clearly identifiable on hazards and the control measures
site. detailed in the OLE Permit/Form C.

• Nominated persons must undertake a • Any alternative arrangements for
site or virtual walkout before the issuing an OLE Permit/Form C must be
isolation to confirm working limits, and planned and approved by the relevant
to identify electrical residual hazards Delivery Unit or designated project
and control measures, such as engineer.
flashing blue lights.

• Nominated persons must be
competent to carry out this task, and
this will need to be checked on their
Sentinel cards.

• All residual hazards must be identified
on the OLE Permit/Form C including
live equipment adjacent, abutting or
crossing over earthed equipment.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

On Track Plant machine / crane
controllers

Issued to: All Network Rail line managers,

safety professionals and
accredited contractors

Ref : NRA21-08

Date of issue: 11/05/2021

Location: National

Contact: Malcolm Miles, Network Technical
Head of Plant, Technical Authority

Overview

Machine (and crane) controllers are required by For Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs),
the Rule Book to play an important part in the machine controller must never ride in an
supervising the use of on track plant. They are elevated basket. This is because their role
responsible for authorising movements, and includes emergency rescue using the ground
checking that permitted speeds are not exceeded level controls should that be required.
and that clearances between machines are
maintained. They are also an important check on In certain circumstances (e.g. when movements
movements over level crossings, across points are required over long distances), movements
etc. using 'send and receive' controls may be
implemented where it has been shown to be safe
Machine controllers should normally discharge by a risk assessment. Any 'send and receive'
their role on f oot, accompanying the item of plant, movements shall be controlled strictly in
and must use duplex communications equipment accordance with the Rule Book and Infrastructure
f or open-channel communication with the Plant Manual.
operator.
Only in these circumstances, where a machine
Some on track plant is equipped with a second controller is not required to control the movement,
seat. That seat may only be used by the machine can supplementary seats without full visibility of
controller while they are supervising movements if the line ahead be used to convey the machine
the seat is designed and installed to provide the controller as a passenger.
machine controller with a clear view in the
direction of travel. If the second seat does not During the COVID pandemic, second seats in
enable the machine controller to have a view that constrained, enclosed cabs must not be used as
is at least as clear as the operator, then the doing so compromises the social distancing
machine controller must discharge their role on requirements.
f oot and not ride on or in the machine.

Immediate action required • Site managers should use site safety
checks to test that these instructions
• All those with machine controller or are f ollowed.
crane controller competence must be
brief ed by their Sentinel Sponsor on • Those planning worksites should
the limitations of not using second consider traverse distances to and
seats or riding in MEWP baskets f rom access points for on track plant to
detailed in this Safety Advice. make sure saf e use does not require
excessive walking distances for
• Plant Operations Scheme machine/crane controllers.
Representatives must check that on
track plant operators and
machine/crane controllers understand
and are f ollowing the instructions in
this Saf ety Advice and the Rule Book.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Slochd possession irregularity

Issued to: Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals and
accredited contractors

Ref: NRL20-07

Date of issue: 03/07/2020

Location: Slochd, Highland Main Line,
Scotland Route

Contact: Craig Milne, Head of Infrastructure
Support Services, Scotland Route

Overview

On 22nd April 2020 a planned worksite was set The initial planning error was made at T-7 weeks
up outside the associated possession limits. possession planning timescales. This worksite
error went through the planning processes
The possession was planned between Tomatin unnoticed.
Loop South and Millburn Junction (Inverness).
The signaller at Inverness, on the Highland
The protection limit at the Tomatin end was signal workstation, reported that they had received a
HT353 at 98 miles 827 yards. SPAD alarm on signal HS346 at Slochd Summit
which alerted them to the incident.
The worksite, for earthworks at Slochd Summit,
was between 94 miles 1200 yards and 96 miles There were three members of the workgroup, and
500 yards, over two miles further south on an a Road Rail Vehicle (RRV) with a trailer, working
open line. on an unprotected line.

Underlying causes

The planned possession didn't cover the planned There is no system check or visual representation
worksite mileages. The possession planning of the plan which prevents or highlights worksite
meetings, T-5 weeks and T-10 days, failed to mileages which are planned outside of the
identify the planned possession didn't cover the possession limits.
planned worksite mileages.
Communications on the night between the PICOP
There was no PICOP meeting held for the and ES had failed again to highlight the planning
possession, and the PICOP and the ES, failed to error.
identify that there was a worksite listed outside
the possession.

Key message • How effective are your systems and
processes in identifying worksites that
PICOP meetings are mandatory in aren't compatible with the possession
accordance with T3 Possession of the line for arrangements?
engineering work delivery requirements
(NR/L2/OPS/303). • How effective are safety critical
communications in your area?
• How effective are your possession
planning meetings in line with • How robust are the Safe Work Pack
NR/L2/OPS/202? verification processes to identify
errors?
• Are PICOP meetings being held in
accordance with NR/L2/OPS/303? • What training and development is
available for your Access planners?
• How do you know your PICOPs
understand their possessions and ES
understand how their worksite fit
together?

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

OFFICIAL

Southern Capital Delivery

Home Safe

Southern Shield Weekly Safety Update

19 May 2021

Safety stand down Recent Close Calls that may
have prevented a serious
A Safety Update 21-18 was sent out yesterday for all Southern Shield injury:
sites to schedule a safety stand down, following the recent increase of
people and plant accidents. • A lorry delivering lamp columns
arrived on site, the driver
climbed on the rear of his lorry
Everyone must attend a stand down by 31 May. and started to place the strops

You can download a copy of the stand down briefing pack on the around the lamp columns. The
driver and operator didn’t have
Southern Shield website. If you have any questions, contact a briefing, no PPE other than a
[email protected] Hi-Viz and no edge protection

What happens when people and plant aren’t or harness/fall arrest in place.
safely managed… Also, as the driver didn’t have a
lift plan, the load was removed
using a telehandler by site
staff. The driver was stopped
An operative who was working and briefed.
in Weybridge, Surrey, suffered
serious injuries after a three-
tonne dumper truck fell into a • Whilst undertaking a survey on
trench he was working in, a project site the telecoms
crushing his leg and fracturing engineers came across a
his femur. location case which when
tested with a voltage pen
showed the case being live.
A short film has been produced which shares the findings of the The incident was reported as
incident and you can watch the video on the Southern Shield website. urgent.

Please take some time to consider the lessons learnt. • Following a review of

Lessons learnt permanent works drawings
with designers it was noticed
that the designers hadn't
Updated findings have been identified specified their
following a recent incident where a requirements/information for
Movax attached to a road/rail vehicle
lifting arrangements and lifting
points to aid the installation of
(RRV) was being used to install the proposed new bridge.
Grundamot piles released, causing the
unit to fall to the ground, narrowly
missing an operative. • During an HV site survey, the
supervisor noticed that a
feeder cable was wrongly
You can read the conclusions from the identified on the tombstones
investigation here. at the UTX. This was

immediately reported to the
ECR and Main control room.

Contact us: [email protected] or go to www.southernshield.co.uk

OFFICIAL

Home Safe

HAVS is preventable – good practice The difference makers
Congratulations to Paul Roose
To reduce the risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), the and James Griffiths from Alstom
Gatwick station site team have implemented wrist watches to who received a ‘Make A
monitor exposure levels whilst using vibrating tools. The watches are Difference Award’ on behalf of
scanned to the tool to log and record the operative’s usage. After the Southern Shield safety
usage they are stored and charged overnight. leadership team.
The watches are set to 300 points, which is below the HSE guidance
to keep within the Exposure Limit Value. Also, before works They noticed a section of fence
commence, a HAVS assessment is completed and all tools are clearly line had been removed from the
displayed with the daily exposure limit for using the tool and the car park, which allowed members
vibration magnitude. of the public to gain access to the
railway. The gap in the fence was
being used by another contractor
team working on the railway to
get equipment to the track. Paul
and James alerted the
contractor’s COSS who rectified
the issue and made a temporary
repair.

Well done to the team. Paul Roose

What is HAVS? James Griffiths
HAVS is a debilitating condition Well done Paul and James for
which affects the blood vessels, going above and beyond to make
nerves and joints of the hands and sure that everyone gets home
arms and commonly manifests as
vibration white finger or carpal tunnel safe.
syndrome. Would you like to nominate
• HAVS is preventable but once the
someone for a Make A
damage is done it is permanent. Difference Award? Contact
• HAVS is serious and disabling; [email protected]

nearly two million people are at
risk.
• Damage from HAVS can include
the inability to do fine work and the cold can trigger painful
finger blanching attacks.

What can you do?
You should consider identifying sensible, practical actions to
eliminate the vibration exposure or reduce it to as low a level as is
reasonably practicable.

What are you doing to reduce or eliminate the risk of HAVS on
your site?

Contact us: [email protected] or go to www.southernshield.co.uk

Personal Protective
Equipment Guide

It is mandatory to wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) shown as a minimum while undertaking work or
visiting sites within IP Southern. However, risk assessments must be carried out to determine whether di erent
or additional PPE is required to o er more suitable protection for the task and environment. You must ensure you
know how to wear your PPE correctly and that it is suitable for you, the task and the environment.

Do you have the right PPE for the task?

Eye Protection Eye protection as Safety helmet Safety Helmet
appropriate for the A chinstrap may
Eye protection must be worn while task (e.g. glasses, A safety helmet must be worn
on site and be suitable for the task. goggles, visors and be required if at all times when trackside or on
Task specific protection includes face shields) there is a risk construction sites. Safety helmets
goggles for impact tasks, goggles from the helmet should be adjusted to fit properly and
with alkali lenses for contact High visibility falling off, such should be replaced in accordance
with solvents, and anti-mist and orange upper as working at with manufacturer’s guidance. Only
anti-scratch lenses for general body clothing purpose made liners are permitted to
use. Prescription eye protection is (long sleeves are height or in be worn under safety helmets.
also available. preferable to high winds
protect skin)
with reflective
tape

Clothing Hand Hand & Arm
protection Protection
You are required to wear high appropriate
visibility orange PPE; including to the task As a minimum, you are required to wear
jackets, vests, t-shirts and trousers. (the minimum Cut 5 gloves on our sites. This does not
Upper body clothing must have your standard is preclude task specific gloves being worn
Sponsor’s logo on the back. Cut 5 gloves) as identified in the risk assessment. For
example, rubber gauntlets must be worn
The Southern Shield Charter also when strapping.
mandates the following minimum
level of protective clothing: High visibility Footwear Footwear
orange lower, supporting the
• Protective clothing (as a minimum full length Boots must have steel or composite
to EN ISO 11612) must be worn clothing ankle with a toecaps and support your ankles; rigger
when undertaking strapping duties protective toecap boots are not permitted. The boots
as the COSS/SWL or Strapping must also have a composite or steel
Operative. and mid-sole mid-sole. You must replace your boots
protection if the steel toecap becomes exposed.
• Protective clothing (as a minimum Specific boots may be required for
to EN ISO 11612) which is also certain tasks and should be identified
Arc Flash (EA) rated (as a during a risk assessment.
minimum to IEC 61482-2),
plus cotton or flame-retardant
undergarments must be worn
in traction and high-voltage
non-traction distribution locations.

25 kV ac overhead
line equipment

Brief

 Only touch the OLE if a Form C has been issued for the relevant section
 If possible test a conductor, which you believe has been isolated but is capable of being made

live before touching the conductor. Use an approved device before entering within 2.75
metres of the conductor, unless you have an approved risk assessment for working up to
600mm of the conductor
 You should retest if you have moved beyond an in-line feature, onto a different track or a
different conductor
 The test should either be directly performed or witnessed by each individual before going
within 600mm. Where joining a workgroup who are in contact with a conductor, if there is any
doubt about the extent of their worksite the test must be performed again
 Approved devices only indicate if a conductor is live, not if a potentially harmful induced
voltage is present. Conductors must be isolated, and made dead, before touching

 All components which may be energised at 25 kV ac. This includes but is not limited to,
 Catenary system including contact wire
 Bare feeders
 Autotransformer Feeder (ATF)
 Supplementary conductors
 Exposed cable terminations
 Booster Transformers
 Harmonic Dampers
 Cables

 Return Conductor (RC)
 OLE under construction (i.e. not capable of being energised)
 Local (depot) isolations

Learning for the future

 Every report of electric shock shall be formally investigated using the fair culture process
 A Close Call should be raised when a conductor is tested live and it is not expected to be live
 live

/

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Newsletter

Jun 2021