HSE Newsletter Issue 83 November

HSE NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 83 NOVEMBER 2019
WWW.VITAL.UK.COM

CONTENTS

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Welcome
Your HSQE Team
5 minutes with...
Hot topic
Post traumatic stress disorder and rail staff
RailStaff Awards 2019
My Idea
Energy and sustainability
Protected species - badgers
Plastic waste reduction
Driving updates
Winter driving
Colas close call - health & wellbeing
Safety Award/Top 5 Close Calls
Notices
Charity
Competition time
Safety Matters - Close Call App
Offices
Safety alerts

WELCOME

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WELCOME FROM HEALTH
AND SAFETY MANAGER,
MARK BARRETT

Dear All,

Hello and welcome to the November issue of the Vital HSE Newsletter. As always, October has been and
gone and it will not be long before the busy Christmas period is upon us. The shorter days and colder
weather bring their own hazards and risks for us, especially when we are commuting to and from our place
of work. We have been busy sending out information and texts on driving, fatigue and accidents so
hopefully you will all have received these and ensure to take extra care in the coming months. 
 
We have seen an increase in accidents over the past couple of months, all of which could have been
avoided. Remember to take extra care and if you see something that is unsafe, then Take 5 for safety and
raise the issue. You could save someone’s life by doing so.
 
My team have been busy touring the country delivering our safety briefs and they have received lots of
positive feedback. As a result, I am please to announce that Jane Hepburn HSE Advisor for the North has
been nominated in the Safety Person of the Year category at this years Rail Staff Awards which is testament
to all the hard work Jane has put in during her time at Vital. We wish her all the best on the night and hope
she brings home the award.

Stay safe,

Mark Barrett,
H&S Manager

TSA team and Andy
Kelly, Rail Manager 

YOUR HSQE TEAM

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Health and Safety Manager and Close
Call Champion
Mark.Barrett- The Mill
[email protected]
0161 836 7053 / 07717 306 817

HSE Adviser and Close Call Champion
Stephen McKay - Scotland and Newcastle
Stephen. [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

5 MINUTES WITH...

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IAN CONNOR, LABOUR MANAGER
BIRMINGHAM OFFICE

Describe what you do in 10 words or less.
Newly appointed Rail Manager for the Vital
Birmingham Office.
What part(s) of your job do you enjoy the most?
I walked onto the railway 11 years ago & after my 1st
shift I’m still here, that says it all.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
General progression in industry & enjoying my new
chance with Vital.
If you hadn’t gone down your chosen career path,
what would you be doing?
As a Birmingham lad I’d rather not say! Lol.
What do you do in your spare time?
Big Birmingham City fan also love boxing and
socialising.

TSA team and Andy
Kelly, Rail Manager 

HOT TOPIC

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WHAT 3 WORDS APP - THE APP THAT COULD SAVE LIVES

Some utility companies across the Case Studies
UK have announced that they are to South Yorkshire Police have used the app to locate a 65-
start encouraging people to use year-old man who became trapped after falling down a
What3words smartphone app to railway embankment.
pinpoint their location and accurately North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service found a woman
report their whereabouts should an who had crashed her car but was unsure where
incident or accident occur. The app she was.
can also be used as a locating to Humberside Police have reported being able to quickly
device to make sure you are in the resolve a hostage situation after the victim was able to tell
right location. Last month it was officers exactly where she was being held.
reported that police have urged UK Power Networks had a case where a farmer took 12
everyone to download the minutes to call an advisor to tell them where he was after
What3words app, saying it had bringing down an overhead line with his tractor. The App
already been used to help save lives. would have saved a lot of time.
It’s already being used by many
emergency services to help get Vital workers are encouraged to download the App. More
resources straight to the scene of an information can be found by visiting
incident more effectively. https://what3words.com/
   
What3words has divided the world Source:  SHP Online
into 57 trillion 3m by 3m squares and
given each a unique three word
‘address’. It means, a person’s exact
location can be pinpointed, more
accurately than a street name or
postcode, in the event of an
emergency. The caller can simply
describe precisely where help is
needed, using just three words. The
app is free to download for both iOS
and Android phones and, once
installed, does not need an online
connection to work. The three-word
format also works anywhere in the
world, in 36 languages.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDER (PTSD) & RAIL STAFF

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PTSD is a condition that some front-line staff could be susceptible to after witnessing distressing
experiences such as accidents, injuries, near misses or being a victim of verbal or physical abuse.

The Rail industry is aware of the potential for PTSD, with senior management commitment to
improving how they care for their staff’s mental wellbeing. In addition, there is a desire by decision
makers to make it easier for staff to recognise symptoms themselves and for them to feel at ease in
seeking support and treatment.

Why is PTSD an issue for Rail?
In the period in 2017-8, there were 297 fatalities on the Rail Infrastructure involving members of the
public.  249 of these deaths were from suicides or suspected suicides, with the remainder involving
trespassers, level crossing users and people on trains and stations.
An RSSB study surveyed 700 frontline staff and found nearly 95% experiencing workplace abuse in
the last year alone, with over 25% experiencing physical assaults. 30% said they receive verbal abuse
every day.

The impact of witnessing and experiencing events like this can take its toll and can lead to a range of
mental health issues including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Staff may need time off work to recover
both physically and mentally, as well as evidence-based treatment. If staff are not supported
adequately following a potentially traumatic incident, there may be an increased risk not just to the
individual but also to others where they are undertaking safety-critical tasks requiring focused
attention and agile recall.

Forward-thinking rail companies are now seeing the benefit in treating mental wellbeing like any
other occupational hazard, and so put in place specific, targeted support and intervention to protect
their people in the same way that they deal with other health and safety issues.
 
RSSB’s Mental Wellbeing Specialist, Michelle O’Sullivan explains: ‘Everyone will respond to a
traumatic experience differently. For some, returning to work shortly after the incident may feel best,
for others more time and targeted support may be needed. With access to the right treatment and
support, the majority will recover and be able to return to work.  PTSD is a medical condition which
changes the individual’s brain chemistry, leaving people struggling to process traumatic events. It can
affect memory, concentration, sleep, social interactions, all of which could impact someone in the
workplace. But PTSD is a treatable condition, and there are steps companies can take to ensure cases
can be detected and remedied sensitively.
 
Morson/Vital have a cadre of Mental Health First Aiders accredited by  Mental Health Health England

Further information & sources of help: PTSD, SAMARITANS, MIND
Acknowledgments to: 
RSSB

RAILSTAFF AWARDS 2019

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Vital nominated in two categories in the annual RailStaff Awards
Morson Group CEO Ged Mason scoops 'Lifetime Achievement Award' nomination
Morson Group companies have been nominated in three categories in the annual
RailStaff Awards. Vital have been nominated in the categories of ‘Safety Person or
Team Award’ and ‘Recruitment Person or Team’, while Group CEO Ged Mason has
been nominated for a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. 
Jane Hepburn, Safety Unit Advisor at Vital, has been nominated for the Safety
Person Award. Jane covers the North of England working with clients and the
workforce to deliver safety briefs from the Safety Unit, the Group’s bespoke vehicle
for site safety briefs originally developed in 2016.
Mark Barrett, Health and Safety Manager for the rail division, said: “Jane is well
respected by our clients and her peers within the business. Her approach is very
hands on and she is comfortable in dealing with senior safety officials as well as the
general workforce. Her enthusiasm, drive and commitment to safety has a knock-on
effect to our work force."

‘Safety Person or Team Award’ and ‘Recruitment Person or Team’,
while Group CEO Ged Mason has been nominated for a ‘Lifetime

Achievement Award’. 

RAILSTAFF AWARDS 2019

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Vital Rail recruiter, Stephen Ducker, has been nominated for Recruitment Person of
the Year. Andrew Latimer, of Network Rail, supplied the nomination, writing: “I have
had the pleasure of working with Stephen over the past five years or so, and he has
also been the model of what a good recruitment person is. He is diligent, honest,
ethical and unbelievably approachable in all aspects. Couple that with an astute
understanding of rail you then have someone you really want in you corner. I have
grown to welcome his thoughts and judgement on all aspects of contracting and
employment, and would gladly recommend him to anyone who needs some insight
to the rail employment world."

The final nomination came for Group CEO Ged Mason. The submission highlighted
both his and the businesses’ strong partnership with local educational authorities
like the University of Salford to create STEM initiatives like  the Morson Maker
Space  to help address the skills gap in rail and other sectors. It also highlighted
pledges towards diversity and women in engineering. This began by  launching a
pledge to double women’s engineering contracts by 2020. Pre-pledge figures
showed that women comprised just 7.5% of total engineering contracts. This has
risen to 13% in the short period since Morson embarked on its commitment, as the
company has more than 1,800 female engineers working worldwide.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday
28th November at the NEC in Birmingham.

 MY IDEA

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Here at Vital, we are always keen to know the thoughts of our workforce. We
urge our employees to think freely and innovatively so we can provide safe
solutions for any problems that arise on the infrastructure. Now, we are
making it even more simple for you to get your thoughts and ideas heard!
It’s your chance to help us improve and be in with the chance to win £100 of gift
vouchers if your suggestion is put into practice!
Simply go to our website to email us at [email protected] with your
suggestions for improving safety or ideas for innovation.

PROTECTED SPECIES
BADGERS

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Badgers and their homes (Setts) are protected by UK law, making it an offence to intentionally
capture, kill or injure them, disturb them, or cause damage/disruption to their Setts.

Identification
Most badgers have the characteristics black and white striped face
Fully grown adults can be up to 1m in length and weigh up to 14kg
Sett entrance usually D-shaped and around 300m x 200m high (larger than a fox or rabbit
hole)
In an active set there may be freshly excavated material scattered around the entrance to the
Sett
Look out for badger hair within the piles of earth - they will feel quite rigid
Badgers have a distinctive footprint - five claws and a broad main pad

Pre works
Identify any signs of badger activity during early walkouts (eg Setts, Footprints, Droppings)
If any Setts are found within the work site, then survey methods (eg Camera traps) may be
required to confirm if the Setts are active - contact your local Environment Manager for
guidance
If the Sett is found to be active then an agreed working methodology must be agreed to
avoid disturbance
In some rare cases a mitigation license may be required if disturbance cannot be avoided -
Ecologists will advise

During works
If a previously unidentified Badger Sett is found during works:
STOP works and inform your line manager
Report the incident to SCO 24/7
Contact your Local Environment Manager and Ecologists who will advise on the next steps

As a general rule of thumb:
DON'T use heavy machines (eg. tampers) within 30m of the Sett
DON'T use light machines (eg. drilling) within 20m of the Sett
DON'T go within 10m of the Sett

Job specific recommendations made by the Ecologists should always take precedence

ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

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PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION

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The UK Plastics Pact is transforming the way that the UK makes, uses and disposes of plastic.
We all need to move away from a linear plastics economy towards a circular system where we
capture the value of plastics material – keeping plastic in the economy and out of the oceans.
The UK Plastics Pact brings together governments, businesses, local authorities, citizens and
NGOs behind a common vision and commitment to a set of ambitious targets. WRAP launched
the UK Plastics Pact in April 2018, working in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
(EMF) to create the first national implementation of the vision for a New Plastics Economy.
Nearly 70% of all plastic waste in the UK is packaging, so this is the focus of The UK Plastics Pact.

Why is plastic waste a concern?

We need to move away from a linear plastics economy, where we take, make and dispose of
plastic, towards a circular system where we capture the value of plastics material - keeping
plastic in the economy and out of the oceans. Plastics have an important role to play, particularly
in protecting our food. However, the current plastics system is failing because:

Not all packaging is designed in a way that it can be recycled e.g. black plastic.
Consumers are confused about what they can and cannot recycle.
There is inconsistent household recycling provision - 1 in 4 UK local authorities do not collect
pots, tubs and trays.
Plastics are entering the natural environment - approx. 5,000 items of marine plastic pollution
have been found per mile of beach in the UK.
We are very reliant on export markets for recycling - currently 67%.
Current packaging legislation does not drive a system where plastics never become waste.

PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION

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2025 Targets to eliminate plastic waste
1  Eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use
packaging through redesign, innovation or alternative

(reuse) delivery models.
2  100% of plastics packaging to be reusable, recyclable

or compostable
3  70% of plastics packaging effectively recycled

or composted
4  30% average recycled content across all plastic
packaging Reducing the use of plastic is critical – by
avoiding unnecessary packaging, eliminating non-
recyclable packaging, encouraging reuse and switching
to other materials or business models where beneficial.
However, we must guard against changes that adversely
affect greenhouse gas emissions, consumer safety,

product protection and food waste.

DRIVING UPDATES

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ROTHERHITHE TUNNEL

New cameras are being introduced in the Rotherhithe Tunnel to increase safety and deter vehicles that
don’t meet the safety restrictions from using the route.

Vehicles that are more than 2 meters (6 foot 6 inches) wide or 2 meters high, or goods vehicles
weighing more than 2 tonnes, are not safe to travel through the tunnel.

From early February 2019, enforcement will be carried out by the new cameras and people
driving vehicles through the tunnel that do not comply with the above
restrictions could be fine up to £130.

Vehicles whose vehicles do not meet the restrictions are advised to use nearby Tower
Bridge or the Blackwall Tunnel to cross the Thames.

The congestion charge does not apply at either crossing.
Can you please ensure that all your drivers are briefed and acknowledge this email as it will save them

and the company time and money.

WINTER DRIVING

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Winter is a more dangerous time to drive; the wet conditions and darkness during most people’s
commute to and from home being the main reasons why we have significantly higher accidents
recorded. Between 2012-2018, when the clocks went back to mark the end of Daylight Saving, car
accidents spiked in the subsequent month and the number of road traffic accidents occurring between
5pm and 8pm also increased.
 
The majority of accidents involve young, inexperienced drivers who may be driving in dark conditions
on slippery roads for the first time, however, all drivers, as experienced as they may be, should refresh
their memories on how to drive in wintery conditions to ensure that everyone gets
home safely.
 
Dark Conditions

Keep windows clean to avoid increased glare and condensation, improving visibility.
Familiarise yourself with all light controls in the car.
Dip your headlights when faced with another road user to avoid dazzling them.
Consider turning your headlights on during the hour after sunrise and hour before sunset to help
other drivers see you during twilight periods.
Consider dimming dashboard lights if possible to reduce reflections and distractions.
Watch vigilantly for pedestrians, particularly by shops, pubs and restaurants.

Wet Conditions
Keep well back from the vehicle in front to decrease loss of visibility from spray and also account for
the fact stopping distance at least doubles in wet conditions.
If steering becomes unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and gradually slow down, do not brake.
Be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel and the effect it has on surface grip.
Access bodies of standing water carefully, if you’re unsure of the depth then don’t go through.

Snowy/Icy Conditions
Firstly, avoid driving in snowy/icy conditions unless it is essential. Check the weather forecast before
travelling and let someone know where you are going.
Keep an emergency kit with de-icer, an ice scraper, a torch, warm clothing and a shovel in your boot;
you may also wish to pack food and drinks. Keep your phone charged.
Before setting off, ensure all windows and lights are completely clear as well as all mirrors and
windows are demisted. Remove any excess snow that may fall into the path of other road users.
Drive with extreme care; keep well back from other road users as stopping distances can increase
by ten times in icy conditions.
Pull away in 2nd gear and drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as suitable, brake progressively and
very gently, avoid any sudden actions and braking while turning corners.

COLAS CLOSE CALL -
HEALTH & WELLBEING 

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Kevin Winterburn, Abercynon Office

Congratulations to Kevin Winterburn from the Abercynon Office in coming 4th in the Colas Top 5
Close Calls of the month, September 2019. On receiving his Safe Work Pack (SWP) for works at
Twyford Station, Kevin reported that lookout protection was specified but there was no sighting
distance charts or warning times provided.  Kevin was then told it may be possible to change it to
separated, but he then found out before start of shift that this was not possible.  Kevin did not
start your work until he had obtained the correct information from a team of Network Rail staff
working nearby, and worked out the correct warning time and distance.
Kevin raised a close call which was reviewed and actions put in place to prevent a recurrence. 
Thank you Kevin for your vigilance and confidence to speak-up.

Colas Health & Wellbeing

SAFETY AWARD

TOP 5 CLOSE CALLS

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Winner, Jack Dawson, Vital Projects

Jack Dawson, of Vital Projects, is the embodiment of safe work practice on track. Recently he
close called a situation where enthusiasm to “get the job done” in a pressured situation led
some operatives to become a bit too close to an exclusion zone. Jack recognised that the
machinery in operation could move, closing the exclusion zone gap. His analysis allowed him
to alert colleagues to remove themselves to a safer distance before a problem occurred.
Isn’t this what should happen anyway? Would be a fair question.
If works always proceeded as they should we would not have any incidents or accidents. It is
only through continued active vigilance and appropriate intervention that we can send
everyone home safe after each shift.
By close calling the issue, awareness is being raised of need to enforce and reassess
exclusion zones on mobile on track machinery. This becomes more important when
operatives have been working on long term projects and may become complacent in
working practices. Well done Jack, thank you for continuing to raise these important close
calls.

FIT FOR WORK

All VHRL workers must be fit for work before travelling and commencing any shift. Fit for work is
defined as a state where the individual is physically, mentally and emotionally capable to enable
them to perform their tasks completely and safely.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT

Fatigue is a major risk to all who work in the rail industry. Accordingly, VHRL has systems in place to
reduce the risk of fatigue when planning shifts. It is therefore imperative the worker informs VHRL of
any other employment in order for this risk to be considered. It is the sole responsibility of the worker
having employment to inform the VHRL branch responsible for planning and allocating work in order
for this other work to be considered before any shift(s) are finalised.

PRESCRIPTION GLASSES

If you require prescription safety glasses then please get in touch with your HSE advisor. We can
provide you with a Specsavers voucher which is free.

HSE AMBASSADORS

We currently have 16 HSE Ambassadors with more in training.

Scotland Solutions Manchester Canning Town
Shaun Gallacher Abid Uddin Brian Healey John MacVicar
Andy Kelly Mark Wallis
Alec Beattie Farnham Gareth Davies
Jim Stevenson Jalal Ahmed
Stephen Docherty Carol Dwyer Colas Free to be Safe Champion
Dillon Miller Phil Allen Gareth Davies - Canning Town
Sean Mayle

ACCIDENT REPORTING

If you have an accident on site, no matter how small or unimportant you think it might be, make
sure you report it to your site supervisor immediately AND your Business Operations Manager
immediately. This will ensure that an investigation is carried out which will help to prevent further
accidents from occurring.

OSBORNE – STOP THINK OCTOBER 2019

The October edition of the Osborne STOP Think! Magazine can
be found by accessing the following link:
https://view.publitas.com/osborne/osborne-stop-think-cascade-october-2019-edition/page/1

CHARITY

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Vital Human Resources Ltd was involved in
another fantastic internal ‘Charity’ Table Tennis
tournament and this time for a charity which
provides advice and support to empower anyone
experiencing mental health problems, this charity
is known as Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/.
 
With everyone back on board from the last charity
tournament and several new faces too, the
competition began in a manner which was
nothing short of a sporting spectacle. There was a
display of top quality table tennis from every
single participant and whether you won, lost or
draw, the smiles, laughter and energy lit up an
already great atmosphere amongst all the
colleagues at VHRL.
 
However, like all tournaments, after a
mesmerising knockout stages and hard fought
qualification stages the two finalist were Nathan
Kemp (Solutions ‘Technical Recruitment’ Division),
who also happened to be the reigning champion,
and Rishi Kumar (Solutions ‘S&T’ Division) who
shocked everyone as he made light work of all his
opponents to reach the final.
 
This final had everything from stubborn defensive
displays to wizardly offensive shots combined
with edge of your seat rally’s and all supported by
a great crowd.
 
However, in the end, there was to be only one
deserved winner, the undisputed Nathan Kemp,
did enough to claim the VHRL- Charity Table
Tennis Trophy 2019.
 
Well done to Nathan and everyone who
participated in this fantastic event for a wonderful
charity. Total raised : £151.00

COMPETITION TIME

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Highlight all of the words you can find from the list below.Words can be vertical, horizontal, left to
right or right to left. One of the words is not on the grid. Once you have found the missing word or

words, enter it into the space below, scan and email your completed form to
[email protected]. If you do not have this facility, then take a picture of your entry on your
phone or speak to your local office for assistance. The winner will receive £100 of gift vouchers. The
draw will be made on 5th December 2019 so please send your entries in by 30th November 2019. 

The competition is for Vital employees only. Good Luck!

THE MISSING WORD(S) IS ____________________________________________________

SAFETY MATTERS

THE CLOSE CALL APP 

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
anytime and any place. 
 

FEATURES INCLUDE  REPORT A CLOSE CALL
0161 836 7200
SIMPLE - Add the information to the form
provided and submit www.closecallnow.com

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!

OFFICES

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

Birmingham  Cardiff Crewe
tel 0121 809 3010 tel 029 2083 9955 tel 01270 906 130
email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected]
F03 First Floor, The Laurels, Dragons Wharf,
Fairgate House, Heol Y Rhosog, Sandbach,
205 Kings Road, Springmeadows Business Park, Cheshire,
Tyseley, Rumney, CW11 3PA
Birmingham, Cardiff,
B11 2AA CF3 2EW

Doncaster Farnham Market Rasen
tel 01302 244450 tel 01252 964 020 tel 01302 308 080
email [email protected] email [email protected] email [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
tel 01908 015020 tel 0191 300 0433 tel 0203 963 5080
email [email protected] email [email protected] email [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

SAFETY ALERTS

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VHRL Safety Alert - PICOPs Use of recordable phones
VHRL Safety Alert - Norwood Jn
VHRL Safety Alert - Possession Support Staff
Trench collapse causes specified injury
Injury to a member of the public
Insecure access points
Water bottle poster
VHRL Safety Alert - Edenbridge Town Station
Manual Handling Brief
Balfour Beatty - PPE Requirements during winter
Near miss with a track worker
Access gate safety
Hand arm vibration - a guide for employees
Letter to contractors sand suppliers 281019
Line Blockage Irregularity Wallington Viaduct
Network Rail Standards Update
Line Blockage Irregularity Wallington Viaduct
Auto Signal Lessons Learnt

No: Vital Safety Alert 025 Revision 2 Date: 31 Oct 2019

Internal Safety Alert – (S) PICOPs Use of Recordable Mobile Phones

Whenever working as a (S)PICOP for VHRL, it is mandatory that you use the recordable work phone that
you have been issued for ALL work-related communications. Personal phones are not to be used. This is
mandatory.

The recording feature is there to protect you and others in the event of any incident. If you are having
problems with the phone, please contact your respective office immediately.

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

No: Vital Safety Alert 029 Date: 14th October 2019

Possession Irregularity – Norwood Jn

On Saturday 13th July 2019, a Possession Support was appointed to place detonator
protection for a possession between Windmill Bridge Jn and Norwood Jn.

The possession limits at Norwood Jn were:
On the Approach to T22 on the Up London Bridge Slow

On the Approach to T20 on the Up London Bridge Fast

The Possession Support had arrived in good time and used the driver’s walkway between the
Departure Road and the Fork Arrival (a position of safety) to familiarise himself with the location.

Driver’s Walkway

T20 and T22 are both situated on a gantry above the tracks and were viewed at an angle by the
Possession Support, making it difficult to determine which lines the signals were controlling.

After receiving instruction to place detonator protection from the PICOP, the Possession Support
became disorientated and placed protection on the Up London Bridge Slow and the Fork Arrival.

In failing to carry out his Possession Support duties correctly, he had placed himself and his
Assistant in danger of being struck by a train by placing detonator protection on a line open to traffic.

The Possession Support was required to re-sit the
Possession Support course and undergo a period of mentorship and

re-assessment before being allowed to return to full duties.

What went wrong?

• The Possession Support failed to correctly identify the lines at site.
• The Possession Support was complacent in determining which signal was controlling which line

after only being able to view them from an angle.
• The Possession Support did not use any of several fixed points of reference available to ensure that

he was placing detonator protection on the correct lines.
• The Possession Support put himself and his Assistant in danger of being struck by a train.

What should have happened?

The Possession Support should have taken the time, using known fixed
points of reference, to determine which line was which at site. For example:
T1019 Ground Position Light, S63 points, The Limit Of Shunt marker and T1020 Ground Position Light.

Had a combination of these fixed points of reference been used, the
possession irregularity would have been avoided and the safety of the
Possession Support and his Assistant would not have been jeopardised.

No: Vital Safety Alert 018 Date: 31 Oct 2019

Internal Safety Alert – Possession Support Staff
Revision 3 (updated from original alert dated 11 November 2018)

As you recall, on Tues 06 Nov 2018, one of our colleagues was tragically killed at Stoats Nest junction. In order to
mark the anniversary of this incident, the following safety alert is to be briefed to all PS Staff. This incident
reminds us how dangerous our work is and that we need to remain vigilant at all times whilst carrying out our
tasks.

Following the tragic events in the early hours of Tues 06 Nov 18 when a VHRL Possession Support worker lost his
life, VHRL would like to remind everyone of the procedures in place to keep you safe:

ALL: All duties must be carried out professionally, diligently and you must also be respectful when engaging with
the general public.

ALL: All workers must attend site on time (as standard 90 minutes prior to Possession Times, or shift times) and be
readily available, contactable and prepared to carry out their duties at any time during the shift. On arrival at site,
you must complete your RT9909 before setting foot on the infrastructure. Without a completed RT9909 you are
NOT authorised to be there.

Only work stated in the SWP is authorised. The SWP and associated paperwork should be completed in full. All
completed SWPs should be returned to the NR Planner within 7 days.

POSSESSION SUPPORT: Once you have orientated yourself, contact your PICOP, let him/her know that you have
arrived and have got your bearings. Sentinel check & swipe of all workers at the Start AND End of each shift is to
take place.

PICOPs: When your Possession Support Staff contact you, ask them to confirm their blocking points to you and
describe exactly where they intend to place their protection.

ALL: Repeat back all Safety Critical information.

ALL: You must ONLY walk and work within the confines of the area covered by your Safe Work Pack. Any late
change MUST be authorised by the On-Call Manager.

ALL: If a line blockage has been booked for you to reach your blocking point(s), you MUST take it. Do not cross
open lines.

POSSESSION SUPPORT: If you are in any doubt as to where you are expected to place your protection, DO NOT GO
ON OR NEAR THE LINE. Stay in a position of safety and contact your PICOP.

PICOPs: If your Possession Support sounds unsure as to what you are asking him or her to do, do not instruct them
to place any protection. If necessary, go to their access point and show them exactly where it should be placed.
We would rather a possession be taken an hour late than anyone be put in danger.

THIRD RAIL AREAS

POSSESSION SUPPORT: Ensure you make contact with your assistant before the shift commences, giving them a
convenient meeting place and time. Ensure you respond to them if they try to make contact with you first. Once
you meet with your assistant, ensure they are fully briefed in good time and before going on track, and that they
fully understand the information you have given them by asking them questions on it.

Make sure the assistant knows the contact details for the PICOP and ECO, as they are there to assist in case of an
emergency situation that may develop. The PICOP will want to speak to the assistant to ensure attendance on
site when you make contact, so please ensure they are with you.

YOUR ASSISTANT MUST BE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. Neither yourself or the assistant are to leave the site
location, even for meals or toilet breaks without checking with the PICOP that it is ok and safe to do so. Leaving
site without authority is considered a dereliction of duty as you are in a Safety Critical role. Any lateness, non-
attendance, poor communication, suspected cases of ‘ghosting’, behaviour or attitude on the part of any of the
Possession Support Staff is to be reported without fail to the VHRL Site Operations Managers, VHRL On Call and
your relevant office, so improvement measures can be taken and replacements found.

PPE and equipment are to be checked. Any issues should be reported to your local office/VHRL on call
immediately. If the matter is urgent, then the VHRL Site Ops Manager can be contacted (details below).

PICOPs: Confirm attendance of assistant on site by asking for the blockman to put the assistant on the phone, at
the start and end of each shift. THIS IS MANDATORY AND MUST BE COMPLETED.

ALL: The railway is an extremely dangerous place! We do everything we can to eliminate any risk with the
information we provide. We are all responsible for our own safety and we must ensure that our actions do not
endanger you or others. VHRL workers must report any risks or hazards on site via the Morson Close Call App or
directly to the Site Ops Manager.

ALL: Failure to comply with the above is in breach of the Sentinel Life-Saving Rules and you may be subject to
disciplinary action following an investigation. Be vigilant, follow the correct procedures and adhere to all
protocols. Your safety is our number one concern. If something is not safe, then don’t do it!!!!
Everyone home safe. Every day.
CONTACT DETAILS
Site Operation Managers:
David Hannah: 07507 429 385 | Darren Connor: 07737 930 327 | Rob Adam: 07717 306 896
Vital Farnham Office:
On Call: 07740 322 722 | Office: 01252 964 020 (Mon – Fri – 0900 – 1730 hrs) | Email: [email protected]

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

HEALTH AND SAFETY ALERT

TITLE OF ALERT Network Rail NRB19-16 Trench collapse causes specified injury
TARGET AUDIENCE
AUTHORISED BY Rail REF NO. 19-ConR-A025

St Maur Miles DATE ISSUED 11/10/2019

REASON FOR THIS HEALTH AND SAFETY ALERT

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

Ref: NRB19-16

Location: Stamford Underbridge, Eastern

On 30th September during installation of drainage
works, at Stamford Underbridge, a survey levelling rod
was left in a trench by mistake. A trench box had been
in use earlier but not when a supervisor entered the
trench (2.5 – 3.0 metres deep) to retrieve the rod.

As the supervisor was leaving the trench a section of
the unsupported clay wall fell and struck the supervisor's
back and legs causing them to fall to the trench floor.

Fire and rescue teams attended site and recognising the
restrictive nature of the site, and the danger involved in
trench collapse, took time to safely remove the supervisor from the trench.

The injured person was taken to hospital by ambulance having sustained a fractured pelvis.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND LEARNING TO BE APPLIED

Discussion Points

• NEVER assume that it is safe to enter or work in an unsupported trench or excavation pit.
• ALWAYS check that the appropriate controls are in place and permit requirements are met.
• Reinforce 'Take-5' in site safety arrangements.

CONCLUSION / FINAL NOTE

While this accident is being investigated, please discuss the following with your team:

1. How does risk awareness 'drift' on your sites? What do you see?
2. When and how are you using safety conversations to embed risk awareness and safe practice on our

sites?
3. Discuss the importance of the responsibility to stop and challenge unsafe practice.

Please display this Health and Safety Alert on noticeboards and brief to all relevant employees within 48 hours.

REFERENCE AMEY-HS-ALERT-FO-01 UNCONTROLLED © AMEY PLC

VERSION 1.2 IF PRINTED PAGE 1 OF 3
DATE 08/08/2018

Injury to member of the public at
Twyford Station Platform

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

Ref: NRB19-14

Date of issue: 02/10/2019

Location: Twyford Station

Contact: James Adshead, Principal Health
and Safety manager, IP Track

Overview

During recent track renewals work which affected Work had been taking place both on track and the
the platform/track interface a member of the platform which included coping stone and
public walked onto the platform from the adjacent platform furniture adjustment to achieve correct
car park and stepped onto a manhole cover which track and platform levels.
was not securely fitted.
The incident is still under investigation, but when
This resulted in the cover moving and the undertaking work in public areas we must make
member of the public falling into the manhole. sure that the area is left safe and secure not only
The individual suffered minor injuries and for our own staff during the activity but also for
attended the local A&E department after initial when the asset is returned to public use.
first aid was administered on site.

Discussion Points  Would you know what to do if a member
of the public was injured on one of your
 If you identify something that is sites but did not require the attendance
potentially unsafe what immediate action of the emergency services – what action
should you take? would you take, who would you tell?
What level of help and support could you
 What checks are made to ensure work provide?
areas during activities and when
returned to public use are left fit for use.  What information should you collect and
what would you do with it?
 Are checks made on areas that are not
directly related to the planned work but
may be affected by them.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Insecure access points

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

Ref: NRB19-15

Date of issue: 30/09/2019

Location: National

Contact: Sarah Winnington, National Crime
Manager. National Incident
Management and Operational
Security Team

Overview  On the 12th July 2019 an inebriated lady
used an unsecure gate to access the line
On the 15th September an access gate was left along the official signal box walking route
unlocked between Topsham and Exton on the to the bottom of the signal box steps at
Exmouth branch line following track renewal work Mickle Trafford (North West & Central).
in the area. When staff arrived to secure the gate,
children were found on the line having accessed  On the 26th June 2019 Keymer
the railway via this gate. (Southern) substation compound access
gate was left open resulting in access to a
This incident follows several recent occurrences high voltage location.
where people have accessed the infrastructure via
insecure access points.

 On the 13th August 2019 a man and child Insecure access points allow trespassers to access

were found trackside near the infrastructure. This poses serious safety and

Hendon (Eastern). The individuals had security risks and provides an opportunity for crime

accessed the line via a gate which had and malicious acts to occur.

not been secured by the lock and chain.

 On the 25th July 2019 a group What you should do

of trespassers were found lineside near

Leagrave (Eastern). An insecure To ensure safe access and egress to the Railway

access gate was found at the location. infrastructure apply standard NR/L3/TRK/002/D15,

which states that access points should be routinely

inspected, checking that they are secured and if not

notifying fault control.

Authorised access points should be secured when
not in use.

Discussion Points  Challenge security risks and concerns.
Use the close calls system (01908
 What would prevent you locking the 723500 or via the app), inform a member
gate/securing the site? of staff or report via
[email protected].
 Do you report close calls/faults when
you find issues relating to site security?  Text BTP on 61016 to report a crime or
incident. In an emergency call 999.
 Do you understand the impacts and
financial penalties for leaving the railway  Further information on Railway Security,
insecure? including the HOT and WHAT protocols
are available on Safety Central. This link
 Remember that security is everyone's will take you to a poster that should be
business and you are responsible for displayed in buildings where staff who
your own and others' safety.    access the infrastructure regularly will
see them.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

EVERY CHOICE YOU MAKE HAS A CONSEQUENCE!

DO

keep hydrated.
Drink plenty
of water.

DON’T

chuck your empty
single-use bottles
on site. Bin them.

Look after yourself
Look after your colleagues
tracksafetyalliance.co.uk

No: Vital Safety Alert 028 Date: 10th October 2019

Operational Close Call - Edenbridge Town Station - 06/10/2019

On Sunday 6th October 2019, a Possession Support (COSS) was instructed to report to Edenbridge
Station in order to place detonator protection for a possession between Redhill and Edenbridge.
At 01.01, the PICOP instructed the Possession Support to take a line blockage and proceed from

Platform 1 to AD510 in order to key the signal to Danger.

At 01.24, the PICOP became concerned that the Possession Support had not yet been in contact and called to
see if there was a problem. The Possession Support said that he had taken the line blockage but had been
walking for 10 minutes and had not yet found AD510. He presumed that he had been walking in the wrong
direction and told the PICOP that he would head back to the Station and walk the other way.

At 01.30, the PICOP called the Possession Support again who informed him that he was now back near the
station and was looking for the crossover between the platform and AD510 signal.

At 01.37, the PICOP called the Possession Support again who informed him that he had found neither the
crossover nor the signal. The PICOP asked the Possession Support what mileage was he at according to Track

Locator, he replied 25 miles 50 chain. The PICOP pointed out that he should be at 32 miles 50 chain.

At 01.42, the PICOP called the Possession Support again who was at this time back in the station platform.
The Possession Support asked if there were two stations at Edenbridge. The PICOP asked the Possession

Support which station he was at; the Possession Support confirmed that he was at Edenbridge Town.

At this point, it became clear to both parties that the Possession Support
was at the wrong location and on the wrong ELR.

The Possession Support and his Assistant had been walking on a line which they believed
to be protected by a line blockage; they were not!

The Possession Support was removed from duty and has had his COSS and PS
competencies suspended pending investigation.

What went wrong?

• The Possession Support did not sufficiently prepare ahead of the shift.
• The Possession Support did not realise that there were two stations with similar names and upon

arrival, reported that he was at Edenbridge Station when in fact, he was at Edenbridge Town Station.
• The Possession Support did not identify the ELR and his mileage with Track Locator until it was too late.
• The Possession Support did not orientate himself using fixed points of reference. The line diagrams

show that he should have clearly been able to see the ground frame from Platform 1. Not being able to
do so should have told him that something was wrong.

What should we be doing?

Plan in advance. Ensure you know exactly where you are going before leaving home.

Always report your location accurately and in full to the PICOP.

Always check the ELR and your mileage using Track Locator before going on track.
If there is a discrepancy, DO NOT GO ON OR NEAR THE LINE and contact the PICOP immediately.

Always use fixed points of reference to ensure you are where you are supposed to be.

Manual Handling Briefing

1

Manual Handling Briefing

2

Manual Handling Briefing

3

The Greater West - Wales Electrification

Safety, Health & Environmental Bulletin

Number 195 -Re issue Oct 2019

PPE Requirements During Winter

The Weather is getting colder and with this our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
must reflect this by keeping us warm and dry

Without the correct (PPE) we run the risk of getting increased fatigue and the risk of
illness or exasperating previous health conditions

If you believe you haven’t got the correct (PPE) to work in the current weather
conditions, contact your sponsor and get additional (PPE)

Safety helmet – Safety glasses – worn
No hoodies or bobble always consider taking
hats to be worn over or wipes to keep the
under the hard hats lenses clean
while on site
Orange high visibility
Safety Gloves – Cut 5 upper & lower body
minimum there are cover – Correct
cut 5 gloves or gloves sponsor must be
that have been displayed on the back.
assessed and are Make sure you are
suitable to your task, warm and dry, and the
speak to your clothing is suitable and
supplier if you have sufficient for the
these concerns weather conditions and
task
Author: Mark Walsh protect the lens
Authorised By: Craig Summerhill Safety Boots – With
midsole, protective toe
caps and ankle
protection, consider a
spare set of boots if the
ones you’re wearing
get wet

Health and Safety Specialist
HSES Project Partner

Near miss with a track worker

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

Ref: NRL19-14

Date of issue: 21/10/2019

Location: Between Horley & Gatwick Airport
Station (Southern)

Contact:
[email protected]

Overview

At 23:24 hrs on 2 December 2018, a track worker The COSS moved out of the path of the train,
narrowly avoided being struck by a train between around one second before it reached him, when it
Horley and Gatwick Airport stations, on the was travelling at around 35 mph (56 km/h).
boundary between Surrey and West Sussex. The Nobody was injured.
track worker was a controller of site safety
(COSS) who, together with a strapping operative,
had gone onto the railway to remove short
circuiting straps.

Underlying causes

The Network Rail isolation planning process The COSS recognised that the planned system of
meant that BAM Nuttall planners lacked the work lacked adequate protection from train
information needed for them to establish the movements, but undertook the task without
exact location at which work was to be carried out implementing an alternative safe system of work.
on the track. He wasn't challenged by a colleague.

The planners lacked the skills and experience Network Rail isolation processes did not provide
needed to understand this and so provided a planners outside Network Rail with sufficient
system of work which provided no protection from information to always be able to plan safe
train movements at the actual location of the task systems of work.

Key message • Safe work planners must seek
additional information before
The RAIB investigation has identified the completing a safe system of work pack
following important learning points: if they lack the detail of the task
needed to confidently plan it safely.
• It is essential that track work is
undertaken in accordance with the • The value of sounding the train horn as
approved safe system of work, or after a warning if drivers see people in, or
following the appropriate formalised possibly in, a position of danger was
system for establishing an alternative demonstrated during the Gatwick
safe system of work. incident when it almost certainly saved
the life of a worker involved. The rule
• Challenging inappropriate safety book requires the warning to be given
behaviours, and applying a work safe as repeated short horn blasts.
process (stopping work if safety
concerns are not resolved) when
appropriate, are essential for
everyone's safety.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Access gate safety issue

Issued to: Network Rail safety,
maintenance and operational
delivery leads and RISQS
registered contractors

Ref: NRA19-13

Date of issue: 25/10/2019

Location: National

Overview

Signs on access gates across our infrastructure
are a valuable way to provide safety information,
especially to confirm line designations,
emergency numbers etc. But they can also cause
a 'sail effect' in high winds.

Immediate action required

• Review the signage fixed to all
access gates.

• Consider if the signage is
required.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

There have been reported cases of people being
injured when the gates move in high winds.
Some gates also become cluttered with signs
which can result in the essential safety messages
being less obvious.

• Consider moving signage to the
fence lines or a designated site
entry board.

Health and Safety
Executive

Hand-arm vibration

A guide for employees

Health and Safety Introduction

Hand-arm vibration This pocket card is aimed at people who use handheld powered work equipment
or workpieces which vibrate while being processed by powered machinery, such as
A guide for employees pedestal grinders.

What is hand-arm vibration?

Hand-arm vibration is vibration transmitted into your hands and arms when you use
this equipment. It can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal
tunnel syndrome (CTS).

This is a web-friendly What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?
version of leaflet
INDG296(rev2), HAVS:
published 06/14
■■ affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and
arm;

■■ can become severely disabling if ignored;
■■ includes vibration white finger, which can cause severe pain in the affected

fingers.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder which may involve pain, tingling,
numbness and weakness in parts of the hand and can be caused by, among other
things, exposure to vibration.

How can I help reduce the risks?

It is your employer’s responsibility to protect you against HAVS and CTS, but you
should help by asking your employer if your job could be done in a different way
without using vibrating tools and machines. If this cannot happen:

■■ ask to use suitable low vibration tools;
■■ always use the right tool for each job (to do the job more quickly and expose

you to less hand-arm vibration);
■■ check tools before using them to make sure they have been properly

maintained and repaired to avoid increased vibration caused by faults or
general wear;
■■ make sure cutting tools are kept sharp so that they remain efficient;
■■ reduce the amount of time you use a tool in one go, by doing other jobs in
between;

Hand-arm vibration Page 1 of 2

Health and Safety
Executive

■■ avoid gripping or forcing a tool or workpiece more than you have to;
■■ store tools so that they do not have very cold handles when next used;
■■ encourage good blood circulation by:

—— keeping warm and dry, eg wear warm waterproof clothing;
—— giving up or cutting down on smoking because smoking reduces blood flow;

and
—— massaging and exercising your fingers during work breaks;
■■ report any problems with your hands promptly to your employer or the person
who does your health checks;
■■ use any control measures your employer has put in place to reduce the risk of
HAVS;
■■ ask your trade union safety representative or employee representative for
advice.

Further information

For information about health and safety, or to report inconsistencies or inaccuracies
in this guidance, visit www.hse.gov.uk/. You can view HSE guidance online and
order priced publications from the website. HSE priced publications are also
available from bookshops.

This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance
is not compulsory, unless specifically stated, and you are free to take other action.
But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with
the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and
may refer to this guidance.

This pocket card is available at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg296.htm.

© Crown copyright If you wish to reuse this information visit
www.hse.gov.uk/copyright.htm for details. First published 06/14.

Published by the Health and Safety Executive 06/14 INDG296(rev2) Page 2 of 2

FAO Network Rail
Dear St Patrick’s House
17 Penarth Road

Cardiff
CF10 5ZA

Tel: 03457 11 41 41
Email: [email protected]

28 October 2019

Our Ref: Electrification/281019

Electrification of Overhead Line Equipment
St Brides, Newport to Cardiff

We are writing to let you know that from 25 December 2019, the overhead line equipment
suspended above the railway between St Brides, Newport and Cardiff will be switched on at 25,000
volts, 50Hz frequency. From this date, it should be treated as live at all times.

There is no danger to anyone as long as they remain away from the railway boundary and are
always more than 2.75 metres from the overhead lines if their property is adjacent to the railway.
This includes any tools, plant or materials that may be handled. Encroachment onto Network Rail
land or air space could place them in serious danger.

The purpose of this letter is to inform relevant individuals, authorities and organisations to
take extra care when near the equipment. We would be grateful if you would inform all
members of your staff and teams who may be affected by this.

We would like to request that you provide written confirmation either by post or via the email
address at the top of this letter to acknowledge receipt of this letter and whether you require further
information. Should you have any further general enquiries regarding electrification of the railway,
please contact our 24 hour National Helpline on 03457 114141 or email [email protected].

Yours sincerely

Ron Murray
Head of Route Safety Health & Environment
Network Rail, Wales & Borders

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Registered office: 1 Eversholt Street, London, NW1 2DN

Registered in England and Wales No. 2904587

Safety Alert

Title: Line Blockage Irregularity – Wallington Viaduct

Date: 28/10/19
Distribution: All staff

Priority level: High

Overview

When handing back a planned Line Blockage where the protecting signal was
an automatic signal, the Signaller was not informed until after the signal had

been returned back to normal working.

Action Required

Upon completion of the work, the Coss/SWL or Competent Person must
contact the Signaller before operating an Automatic Signal, you must:

• Confirm the line is clear and safe, all group members are aware
that the line is to be open.

• Only remove the Additional Protection if agreed with the signaller
or permissible within the rule book.

• Get the Signaller’s permission to place the key in the switch and
operate it.

• Operate the key and then check that the signal has returned back
to a ‘Proceed’ aspect.

• Confirm with the signaller the signal is at a ‘Proceed’ aspect.
• Unless a Local Instruction exists, the Signaller will cancel the

Authority Number.

Safety Ref: 02 Issued by Darren Wood Colas Rail

Railway Group Standards

Document Number Title Issue Replaces
GERT8000-Issue HB Rule book Hand 11 issue10
6 Issue 5
book history 7 Issue 6
7 Issue 6
Handbook 7 General duties of 7 Issue 6
Handbook 9 a controller of
Handbook 11 site safety COSS 6 Issue 5
Handbook 12 IWA or COSS
setting up safe
RERM8000 systems of work
within possessions
Duties of the person
in charge of the
possession (PICOP)

Duties of the
engineering
supervisor (ES) or
safe work leader
(SWL) in a
possession
Trackworkers
Manual

All changes are identified in the Briefing Leaflet Issue 33 attached to this newsletter.

Compliance Date:- 07/12/2019

Personnel Requiring Awareness Briefing
All operatives holding the above rule book modules.

Railway Group Standards

Document Number Title Issue Replaces
RIS-3279-TOM High Visibility 2 Issue 1
Clothing

Purpose:-This document sets out the minimum requirements for high-visibility clothing.
Change:-Removal of the option to only provide a high-visibility mini-vest to staff where the
nature of their work does not involve the possible obscuring of the high-visibility clothing.
The mini-vest does not have sufficient area to meet the requirements for ‘Class 2’ garments
in BS EN ISO 20471:2013 which is the general minimum requirement. Guidance added
about wearing additional high-visibility garments which do not meet ‘Class 2’ requirements
on their own.
Compliance Date:- 07/12/2019

Personnel Requiring Awareness Briefing
All personnel required to wear PPE on NRMI.

Document Number Title Issue Replaces
RIS-8046-TOM Spoken Safety 2 Issue 1
Communications

GEGN8516 GEGN8516 issue 1 Issue1
one 'Guidance on
Recording and
Monitoring of
Spoken Safety
Communications

Purpose:-This document sets out requirements for spoken safety critical communications,
including monitoring

Change:- Incorporates relevant findings from 'The Communications Manual' from RSSB
research project T1078 'Developing a safety critical communications training programme.
Merges RIS-8046-TOM issue one with GEGN8516 issue one 'Guidance on Recording and
Monitoring of Spoken Safety Communications'.
Editorial changes throughout.

Compliance Date:- 07/12/2019

Personnel Requiring Awareness Briefing
Infrastructure managers (IMs) and railway undertakings (RUs)) regarding spoken safety
critical communications