Vital May Safety Newsletter

Safety
Newsletter

May 2021

vital.uk.com

Contents

May 2021

Section Page 3
Introduction Page 4
Welcome Page 5
Your HSQE Team
Page 6
Close Call App
Page 7
Hot Topic
Mental Health Page 8
Page 9-11
Health and Wellbeing
Drug & alcohol guidance Page 12-13

Environment Page 14
Asbestos awareness
Page 15
Safety Awards Page 16
Page 17
Compliance
BREXIT Your Right to Work –
EU Settlement Scheme

Driving
Go left motorway campaign

VHRL Notices
Offices
Alerts & Notices

Welcome

Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality We have got off to a great start this year
and Environmental Compliance, Gareth and our work stream remains strong so
Morris please keep up the good work and help us
all achieve the safe delivery of our work.
Welcome to our May Safety Newsletter.
We must all work hard to ensure that we
I hope you will find the content relevant, Work Safe, and go Home Safe every
thought provoking and useful. working day.

The key message we offer is unchanged; Be well. Be safe
safety and the safe delivery of our work is of
paramount importance. No circumstance, Take care,
whether on track or off shift is worth putting Gareth Morris
at risk your wellbeing or that of your family
and friends.

As the lockdown restrictions ease across the
UK, we should remain vigilant and realise
that the risk, whilst thankfully reducing, has
not been eradicated. Workplace COVID-19
restrictions have not changed, so the
Government message of Hands, Face and
Space still remains relevant and in place.

Many of you have started the vaccination
process, but that alone is not enough to
prevent the spread of new COVID-19
variants in the workplace. Once you are
vaccinated you still may catch COVID-19
and spread it amongst others at work and
at home, so we still need to be careful in our
behaviour.

The opening of pubs and restaurants will
increase our socialising, so please
remember to still get sufficient rest and
sleep before heading off to work. Please
also remember that alcohol remains in the
bloodstream for many hours after, so do not
set off for work under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

3

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

Mental health

Vital is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week 10-16 May. This year the theme is
Nature and how connecting with the natural world can support good mental health.

Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: “Mental Health Awareness
Week has grown to be one of the biggest awareness weeks in the UK. This year the theme is on
nature and its central role for our mental health. Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of
us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental
health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both
prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, why not try to make a habit each day of connecting to the
nature in your local area? Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a
house plant, notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these
connections.

1. SEEK OUT GREEN SPACES 4. CREATIVITY
Whether you live in the countryside Nature can be great inspiration to get creative!
surrounded by green spaces, or in the city, This can be through painting, drawing, crafting
there is nature everywhere. From local parks, something, photography or writing – the
gardens, canals, or courtyards, it’s possibilities are endless.
worthwhile seeking out these natural spaces
if you can do so in a safe way, following the 5. GARDENING, CONSERVATION AND FARMING
latest Government advice. Gardening can have huge benefits for your
wellbeing, and studies have found that time
2. RELAXATION AND MINDFULNESS gardening can improve mood, increase quality of
Taking quiet time to reflect on your natural life, and overall wellbeing.
surrounds can be really positive for mental
health and wellbeing. If you’re not sure how
to practice ‘mindfulness’, just take your time
to be aware of how you’re feeling, your
surroundings, what you can hear, smell,
touch and see. Apart from what you’re doing
right at that moment, try to let other
thoughts drift away by focusing on your
senses. .

3. INTERACTING WITH WILDLIFE
Being around animals and wildlife can also
be beneficial for overall wellbeing. Even from
your own home, take a look outside your
window and see if you can spot birds in your
garden. If you can’t see them, listen for them
instead!

If you are struggling with mental health 6
issues, please contact our Head Office
to speak to one of our Mental Health
First Aiders 0161 836 7000

Drug & alcohol
guidance

Drug and alcohol misuse is described as the problematic use of alcohol, drugs and other illicit
substances. Drugs, alcohol or other illicit substances use can become problematic when an
individual uses them so regularly or in such quantities that the person starts to depend on it in
order to feel normal in everyday life. Dependence can develop into addiction, where day to day
life focuses on obtaining and regularly drinking or taking drugs to maintain either a physically
stable state or a preferred mental state. In the case of alcohol, the term misuse can refer to binge
drinking or regular heavy drinking.

Those with dependency problems may find that their performance is affected, that they develop
mental health problems, or they are off work more often. At the same time, any person who either
uses drugs or alcohol at work, or who comes to work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
could put themselves and their colleagues’ safety at risk.

Understanding the signs of drug and alcohol misuse helps us all to manage potential health and
safety risks in the workplace and support our employees. If a person comes to work under the
influence of either of these it may impair their performance and can lead to them taking risks or
putting others at risk. Many drugs can also have psychological effects that can affect
performance or mental wellbeing, especially after long-term use or if a dependency develops.

TESTING
Network Rail has a zero tolerance approach to individuals attending work whilst under
the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

The limits are set by the Rail Industry Standard: RIS-8070-TOM and are not the same as the
government limits for driving, they are substantially lower. You may be under the drink-driving limit
outside of work, but not when in the workplace.

The Rail Industry Standard limits for alcohol are:
29 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood
13 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath
39 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of urine

Consequences of a positive test result:
PTS certificate revoked for five years
Subject to disciplinary procedure
Sentinel card cancelled

If you voluntarily report a drug or alcohol issue to your line manager, supervisor of HR Business
Partner – and this is not reported as a consequence of expecting a positive test result, you will
receive support. Please do not suffer in silence, we can help.

7

Asbestos awareness

It is possible that any train, station or depot constructed before the year 2000 may contain
asbestos. In buildings it is often found in ceiling tiles, insulation boards, vinyl floor tiles,
roof sheeting and pipe lagging, and railway buildings are no exception. Its fire resistant
and insulating properties also made it a highly popular material for the construction and
maintenance of trains.

Every Year about 12000 people die through lung diseases that are linked to workplace
exposure.
Every year there are about 20000 new cases of work related lung disorders.
Every year about 2500 people die due to Mesothelioma; a cancer specifically linked to
exposure to asbestos

In order to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos, it is imperative that the correct processes are
followed to identify assets that contain (or presumed to contain) ACM asbestos containing
material and to suitably plan, organise and deliver the work.

When planning the work, you must: Questions to ask?
Check the Asbestos Risk Management Are you up to date with your Asbestos
System (ARMS) for the potential Awareness eLearning?
presence of ACMs. If you control site safety, access to buildings or
Presume that asbestos is present where are liable to disturb asbestos during your work,
there is no survey data to show are you aware of the Asbestos eLearning
otherwise. available? These include asbestos Non-
Communicate clearly the presence of licensed Works training, and the imminent
ACMs to ALL involved in the planning release of Enhanced Awareness training.
and delivery of work. Have you got ARMS log on and can you
Ensure a safe system of work is in place. effectively navigate the system?
Stop work immediately if asbestos is Does your process for planning ensure the
discovered, or thought to be present provision of all pre-construction information to
after work has started. those who need it?

8

Safety Awards

Our Bellshill Rail team have three deserving candidates of our Safety Award for
recognition of their distinguished action and interventions.

James Doran
Network Rail contacted Vital to pass on thanks and praise for James Doran’s exceptional stance
at work earlier this year.

James was on duty in Waverly Station when he noticed trespassers on the roof area of
Edinburgh’s iconic station. Monitoring their progress, James realised that the two intruders were
putting their own lives at risk, as a fall from the height would not result in a happy outcome.

A report on the incident was swiftly relayed to Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) and
Police Scotland containing essential time saving detail and likely location for Police Scotland’s
patrol to start searching.

Through these actions, BTP and Police Scotland were able to apprehend and charge persons for
trespassing on railway property and endangering operations.

Vital Operations Manager, Andy Kelly, said “This action is typical of James' quiet professionalism
and calm in a tense situation. James immediately realised that the intruders were putting
themselves in great danger, also risking the safety of anyone who had to locate and apprehend
them. By monitoring their location and accurately relaying this key data, the exposure to risk by
the Police was minimised and a hazardous situation was swiftly brought under control.”

Andy concluded, “I’m delighted to have nominated James for this well-deserved award to
recognise his diligence, alertness and concern for people. Well done James, Thanks for your
excellent performance”.

Tam Sneddon
The impacts of climate change affect every area of our lives, sometimes in ways that may not be
immediately obvious. Prolonged heavy rainfall is a known hazard for the rail industry which
means that early warning and intervention is essential to prevent landslip.

We have a fantastic pool of experienced safety critical operatives who use their knowledge of the
infrastructure to stay alert to potential problems.

Tam Sneddon was on shift with a tree surveyor, recently, on the AYR4 track in the Dalgarvin area.
The survey team were working along the cess, noting the condition of trees and vegetation when
Tam noticed a water outlet pipe from a lineside neighbours’ premises that was facilitating water
ingress within the railway boundary fence. Rather than ignore this condition, Tam tracked the
water’s flow path and quickly concluded that a heavy rainfall could cause Network Rail’s access
road to flood. Tam consulted with the tree surgeon to raise his concern that, over time, the water
could erode the topsoil, exposing the tree roots which could cause it to fall on the track.

9

The tree surgeon agreed that this situation had the potential to become a greater problem over
time. Using our Close Call App, Tam reported the concern which was forwarded on to Network
Rail for action.

Andy Kelly, Vital’s Operations Manager for Scotland “The conditions at the time of reporting looked
ordinary, Tam had the foresight to understand that extreme weather is becoming more frequent
and that the impact could cause a rapid deterioration of the embankment. Tam’s timely
intervention is highly commended and has the thanks of his colleagues at Network Rail and Vital”.

Hugh Irvine
Railway environments have many challenges which require those using and working on track to
maintain a high level of alertness. Our safety critical teams take a pride in scanning the rail
estate when working on track. A big issue is trespass and its prevention. Identifying pathways
used by trespassers can help identify boundary fence breaches which the operatives can close
call and have the maintenance teams attend and repair.

On a recent shift in Ayrshire, Hugh Irvine was scanning his area of responsibility and saw an
unusual sight, that may have been left by a trespasser, in the lineside vegetation. Hugh noticed
an object that did not seem to belong to the environment and had a closer visual inspection
which revealed what appeared to be a handgun.

Ensuring the safety of his party, Hugh quarantined the area, calling in the Network Rail
representative and British Transport Police (BTP). Whilst waiting for the police to attend, Hugh
close called the find, on our Close Call App, whilst ensuring no one entered or disturbed the
immediate area.

BTP attended, along with an armed response team from Police Scotland, and appropriate
measures were put in place to safely escort the party to the relevant location. The object may
have been thrown to where it was found, however if it was deliberately left there by an intruder,
for recovery at a future date, that would have been two instances of trespass.

Had any other person found the item, it could have potentially triggered further incidences of
trespass by others looking for similar finds.

Police confirmed the component was probably from an air pistol which had been painted to look
like a real firearm. The firearms officer advised that there had been instances of armed robberies
in the locale using an item matching the appearance of the recovered component. All items, and
personnel were safely removed from track by RIO and Hugh.

Commending Hugh, Andy Kelly, Operations Manager for Scotland, said “Police Scotland’s firearms
officer stated that if this object was pointed at anyone, they would not have been able to say if it
was a live firearm or not. He added, although the item was not a viable gun, a member of the
public would not know that. Hugh’s diligence in reporting something that did not belong in the rail
environment may have prevented distressing and criminal situations”.

10

Photographs clockwise from top right - Hugh Irvine, firearm found, Police
arriving on site; James Doran (left); Thomas Sneddon (right) all received
awards from Andy Kelly, Business Operations Manager, Scotland

11

BREXIT:
Your Right to Work
in the UK

As a result of Brexit new rules apply that may affect your right to work in the UK.

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

GO LEFT! Campaign

Millions of journeys are made every day on the country’s busiest roads – motorways and
major A-roads – and most are incident-free. But around 600 journeys a day involve a
breakdown, and when you are on a busy motorway that can be frightening.

Highways England are setting out what drivers should do if they encounter problems with their
vehicle – go left!

If you get into trouble on a motorway - go left Most breakdowns are
avoidable. Around 40,000
If your vehicle has a problem, or you get into trouble breakdowns were recorded
on a motorway, stay calm and try to exit at the next as due to tyre issues in the
junction or motorway service area. year from June 2019 to May
If that’s not possible: 2020, while more than 6,000
people simply ran out of fuel.
Put your left indicators on.
Move into the left lane. Click here to find out how to
Enter the next emergency area, or hard shoulder. prevent a breakdown
Put your hazard lights on.
Get behind a safety barrier where there is one - 14
keep well away from moving traffic.
Call Highways England on 0300 123 5000, then a
breakdown provider for help.

If you are unable to exit your vehicle and get to a safe
place, have stopped in a live traffic lane or feel your
life is in danger:

stay in your vehicle with your seatbelts and
hazard lights on
call 999 immediately

VHRL Notices

Correct PPE

Wearing the correct PPE can help prevent hand injuries. The hand and arm areas
continue to be the most frequently injured area of the body.
What can you do?
Can you elminiate the risk by doing the same task another way, rather than
relying on PPE as the last line of defence? If manual handling is invloved, is this
the only way to carry out the task?
Cut Five gloves give a level of protection from cuts, but do you need a better level
of protection for the task such to protect from crush injuries?

On Track Plant (OTP)

On Track Plant can offer risk if the rules are not closely followed. The need for clear,
constant communications between the OTP Operator and the Crane/Machine
Controller (CC/MC) is critical to the safety of all in the area of activity.
It is especially important that both OTP Operator and CC/MC use DECT COM at all
times when on track. If a OTP Operator or the CC/MC refuse to use the kit, STOP WORK
and report to On Call and to Site Management.
Failure to comply can result in Sentinel competence being removed. All other roles on
track must observe exclusion zones and follow MC/CC instructions.
Spot checks have started on sites across the UK to ensure these rules are being
followed, SRSA worksites will see a particularly focussed scrutiny during the coming
weeks.

Rule Books

If you wondered how to access the rule books at any time there is an app to help.
The RSSB, offer a free to download app where you can:

access the Rule Book on your phone or tablet, even when offline
search and navigate the whole Rule Book quickly and intuitively
personalise Rule Book, selections, saving only the parts you need
bookmark bits of the Rule Book as “favourites”
add personal notes to capture their own thoughts
be notified of future amendments via the app, giving immediate access to
updates.
Click here for PDF of all Rule Books
Rule Book App (rssb.co.uk)

Osborne STOP! Think

Please find your link to the April 2021 STOP Think! Cascade Briefing.
Osborne - Osborne STOP Think! Cascade April 2021 Edition - Page 1 (publitas.com)

15

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

16

Alerts & Notices

Internal Alerts & Notices
Vital Safety Alert 052 - Operation of Hookswitches
Vital Safety Alert 053 - Duties of an LXA

External Alerts & Notices
Network Rail - Safety Alert - Collision between RRVS
resulting in serious injury
Network Rail - Safety Alert - Fire on tamping machine
Network Rail - Safety Update - Key findings following
electric shock at Ryde substation
Network Rail - Safety Advice - Using lookout operated
warning systems (LOWS)
Network Rail - Safety Bulletin - Exposure to Asbestos
Containing Materials (ACM)
Network Rail - Safety Bulletin - Carnforth SMTH irregularity
Siemens - Fast Facts Alert - Damaged Cables
Siemens - Good Practice Report - ICE Emergency Contacts
Southern Shield - Home Safe Weekly Safety Update 14/04
SRSA - Safety Alert -Maintain exclusion zones and how to
relocate a steel sleeper housing

17

No: Vital Safety Alert 052
Internal Safety Alert – Op

A POSSESSION IRREGULARITY HAS OCCURRED AS A RESU
OPEN.
When operating Hookswitches, in particular multiple Ho
you go by making a note of each Hookswitch that has be
Also please ensure you double-check the number on the
Last April 2020 there was found to be a Hookswitch in th
it. Although it was in the right general area, it was the W
You must be 100% sure you are operating the correct on
to the Hookswitch or missing numbers/number plate, th
the PICOP to await further instruction.
If you find a Hookswitch that is damaged or a Hookswitc
then raise a Close Call via the App or at www.closecallno

THIS PRACTICE IS AN IMPORTANT WAY TO HELP AVOID
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE VI

Date: 06 April 2021
peration of Hookswitches

ULT OF A COSS PIC INCORRECTLY LEAVING A HOOKSWITCH
ookswitches, please ensure you are checking these off as
een opened / closed.
e Hookswitch against that listed on your SWP/B2.
he Eastleigh / Shawford area with no identifying plate on
WRONG Hookswitch.
ne, when being instructed to do so. If there is any damage
hen DO NOT operate it. Instead, immediately report it to
ch that has missing numbers or is missing a number plate,
ow.com.
IRREGULARITIES AS A RESULT OF HUMAN ERROR. IF YOU
IA [email protected]

No: Vital Safety Alert 053
Internal Safety Alert

Safety issue: Level Crossing Attendant issues: Effe

1. LXA had SWP but had not completed it.
2. LXA had a non-standard size Green flag.
3. LXA had completed the SWP but it was from the previ

Background: Recently there has been an incident where Leve
and incorrectly completed SWPs

What should have happened?

Level Crossing attendants are required to have a complete LXA

If a SWP is not available or has incorrect information within it,
your office. A correct one should then be supplied prior to com

Prior to attending any LXA shift, you should ensure you have th

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
3 x Red Flags (2 for placing on the track plus one for use in eme
Red lamps (2 for placing either side of the crossing)
Green flag
Occurrence Book & Pen
Instruction Booklet/Sheet
Hand lamp (capable of showing a red and a green light)
222 key (or regional variation)
6 mm Allen Key
Sub Master Key (regional)
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTION LEAFLET
The operational instruction leaflet is either at the crossing or a
and instructions for the crossing. Make certain you familiarise
controls.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
It is a requirement when attending A.H.B.C Crossings that a Re
track, on each approach to the crossing, so as to be visible to e
foot on a double line and in the 4 foot on a single line when the
road traffic to cross. It is permissible to use a PLB instead of the

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO YO

Date: 23rd April 2021
t – Duties of an LXA

ective date: Immediately and ongoing.

ious day.
el crossing attendants were found to have incorrect equipment

A kit and check/complete their SWPs.
this should be reported to the Mobile Operations Manager and

mmencement of works.
he following items of equipment:
ergency)

at the controlling signal box and describes operational procedures
e yourself with their contents prior to your use of the crossing

ed Flag by day or a Red Lamp by night be maintained on the
each approaching train. This means placing them in the 6
e crossing is on local control, and the barriers are raised to allow
e red flag or light, where these are available.
OUR SHIFT PLEASE CONTACT YOUR OFFICE

Network Rail Anglia Route

AMENDED IMMEDIATE SAFETY ALERT 2/5/2021
COLLISION BETWEEN ROAD RAIL VEHICLES RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY
To: All staff involved in the on-site movements of RRVs.
Produced by: Eric Larocque (Anglia Head of Network Delivery)
Amended 2/5/21 2040 to clarify that The Machine Controller must be in a safe position to control the safe movement and operation of the machine and
that existing rules that allow Machine Controllers to travel in/on vehicles remain unchanged.
At approximately 0700 on the 2nd of May 2021, a collision between a Doosan Long Reach Crane and a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) occurred
when transiting to the site access point at Wickford in Essex, at shift changeover.
The MEWP stopped and the jib of the Doosan, which was travelling behind struck the MEWP basket, inflicting crush injuries on the Machine Operator and
Machine Controller who were both situated in the MEWP basket. The Machine Operator sustained life changing injuries.
The Controller and Operator of the Doosan were uninjured, although it was identified that they were both riding in the Doosan at the time of the collision.
RAIB and ORR investigations are still ongoing, but a number of initial significant learning points have been identified.

IMMEDIATE LEARNING POINTS:
• The Machine Controller must be in a safe position to control the safe movement and operation of the machine and that existing rules
that allow Machine Controllers to travel in/on vehicles remain unchanged.
• Sufficient distance must be maintained between machines in the event one has to come to a sudden stop. This includes distances between
machine apparatus such telescopic booms etc.
• Machine Operators and Machine Controllers must have suitable communication devices ( e.g. DECT Comms )
• Staff must declare to their relevant Supervisors/Managers if they have not been able to achieve the required door to door policy, in place
for their organisation.

A follow up Safety Alert will be issued within the next few days by the Safety Team.

Fire on tamping machine

Scope: All Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals, accredited
Ref : contractors and Entities in
Date: Charge of Maintenance (ECMs)
Location:
Contact: NRX21-05

28/04/2021

Dunton Green (Kent)

Malcolm Miles, Network Technical
Head - Plant

Overview

At 05:29 on 23rd April 2021, a Matissa B41
Tamper suf fered a major engine compartment fire
causing disruption to train services between
Orpington and Sevenoaks. The line was blocked
and an Emergency Switch Off (ESO) was
implemented to enable the Fire Brigade to attend
the scene. Thankfully there were no injuries as a
result of this incident.

Whilst it is too early to identify the exact cause of
the f ire there are some similarities to an engine
compartment fire that occurred on another B41
Tamper around 3 years ago. The f ire risk is not
restricted to Matissa B41 Tampers, the potential
exists for any item of rolling stock or On-Track
Machine with an enclosed engine room.

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Discussion Points

• Are maintenance regimes adequate to
address the potential fire risk.

• Are regular inspections carried out to
check the condition, security and integrity
of all electrical connections in engine
rooms.

• Are regular checks carried out on all
hydraulic hoses in engine rooms.

• Are all hoses and electric cables routed
away f rom potential risk areas whenever
possible.

• Are all hose leaks in engine rooms
addressed as soon as they are identified.

• Where f itted, is the fire suppression
system tested on a regular basis.

• Are all sources of high heat which could
cause combustion clean from
f luids/debris such as engine manifolds
and turbo pipe exhaust outlets.

Southern Capital Delivery Safety Update 21-14 dated 27 April 2021

Key findings following electric shock at Ryde substation, Isle of Wight

At around 09:30 on Saturday 13 February,
an operative sustained an electric shock
whilst working on the 230V electrical
system in Ryde substation on the Isle of
Wight. He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital,
Newport by a colleague.

The operative was initially kept in hospital
for 24 hours, but following complications,
he was then readmitted for about a week.
He is now on a phased return to work.

Investigations showed that the shock Operative was working on earth terminal (arrowed) inside the DC
occurred due to wires being terminated immune RCD unit. The wiring to the unit should not have been live as the
incorrectly into a distribution board, which
resulted in the Residual Current Device live conductor (brown) was isolated at the main distribution board
(RCD) that the operative was working on
was live when it was expected to be
isolated.

A similar electric shock event (to the same operative, with a less serious outcome) occurred the previous
day, Friday 12 February as a result of the same incorrect wiring. The operative only reported the shock to
their supervisor after their shift and not at the time of the incident. Therefore, it was not reported to the
Principal Contractor (PC) so that it could have been investigated, potentially preventing this accident.

Key findings following investigations

➢ The Lifesaving Rule of “Test Before Touch” wasn’t undertaken prior to working on electrical
equipment

➢ The operative who completed the wiring and the injured party were not properly trained to
undertake the work. Additionally, one of the Supervisor’s competencies had expired

➢ The PC did not identify the lack of competence during the induction process. Additionally, the
contractor did not address this issue through their management system

➢ The daily briefings which had taken place had become a discussion about the day’s work rather than
a briefing to the team about the key risks and associated control measures. This was not monitored
or actioned as part of the PC’s processes

➢ The Task Briefing Sheets (TBS) which had been written were overly long, generic and therefore
ineffective

➢ Although concerns had been raised by the PC regarding poor housekeeping, these concerns were
not acted escalated or acted upon within either organisation.

Action Taken

➢ Works were stood down on site for a week during initial investigations
➢ Both the PC and contractor undertook a full company stand down following the accident
➢ An independent inspection of electrical install at Ryde substation was completed
➢ The PC and contractor have created Improvement Plans
➢ Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) documents have been updated to include hold points for low voltage

(LV) work on isolated circuits
➢ The PC’s electrical processes have been reviewed and updated, including creation of new E&P

specific LV processes and DC/HV processes
➢ The PC is providing further guidance to project teams on the implementation of Work Package Plans,

Task Briefing Sheets and associated risk assessments processes
➢ An E&P specific Competency Matrix has been created for key electrical operations
➢ Both organisations are assisting with the ORR investigation.

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Using lookout operated warning
systems (LOWS)

Issued to: All Network Rail line managers,

safety professionals and
accredited contractors

Ref : NRA21-06

Date of issue: 14/04/2021

Location: National

Contact: Dave Tough, Programme
Interf ace Manager, Technical
Authority

Overview Examples of the reasons are:

In the last 12 months we have reduced the • Inadequate communications between the
amount of unassisted lookout working by over LOWS Controller and the LOWS Lookout
70% and near-miss frequency by over 50%. The during set up.
majority of this has been achieved by moving
work in to safer access opportunities to our • LOWS Lookouts not acknowledging the
railway, typically using 'protection' methods. approach of a train resulting in
During this time the frequency of near miss workgroups not receiving a warning to
events while using LOWS warnings has allow them to retreat into a position of
worsened. saf ety.

In time, we will replace LOWS with semi- • LOWS Controller identifying the
automatic and automatic track warning systems. incorrect train.
In the interim we need to address and reverse
this trend in LOWS near misses.

Every recent investigation into a LOWS incident
f ound the equipment worked as designed. The
causes were linked to human error and
procedure.

Immediate action required by all staff who use LOWS

LOWS Controllers:

• What conversations / communications • Are you always satisfied that when
do you have with the Planner when the positioned by the LOWS Controller you
work saf e pack is being produced? are in a position of safety and able to
carry out your lookout duties correctly?
• How do you check the arrangements
detailed in the safe work pack? • How do your plans make sure that
o Emergency contact devices
• How does your plan make sure are in place and working?
your communications devices allow o You are in a position of safety
you to only speak to your LOWS during the system set up?
Lookouts? o What tests of the system
occur BEFORE authorising the
• Where is your team's position of safety COSS to start work?
to enable more than 10 seconds
bef ore a train passes over the site of • Please make sure the LOWS team
work? understand how you keep yourselves
and your team safe.
• How does your team help LOWS
operators to speak out if they are Only by working together can we reduce the
distracted by work or home issues? likelihood of incidents involving LOWS and
other saf e systems of work.
LOWS Lookouts:

• Do you always report issues you are
encountering both at work and at home
which may affect your ability to
concentrate as a lookout?

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Exposure to Asbestos Containing
Materials (ACM)

Issued to: Network Rail line managers,
safety professionals and

accredited contractors

Ref : NRB21-03

Date of issue: 16/04/2021

Location: Lords Covered Way tunnel near
Marylebone, London

Contact: Neil Jones, Regional Engineer,
Buildings and Civil

Overview

On 6th January 2021, an operative was installing The location of known asbestos at Network Rail

temporary lighting in Lords Way Tunnel, near to inf rastructure can be found in the ARMS
Marylebone Station and whilst doing so, drilled into Database. ARMS can be accessed here:
asbestos containing material (ACM). https://arms.networkrail.co.uk/.

When ACM is disturbed, asbestos fibres can be A username and password for ARMS can be
released and if inhaled can cause ill health such as obtained by following instructions on and from

Asbestosis, Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma. the above link.

In order to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos, A guide to using the system can be found under
it is imperative that the correct processes are 'usef ul information' on the homepage screen
f ollowed to identify assets that contain (or once logged in.
presumed to contain) ACM and to suitably plan,
organise and deliver the work. More guidance is available in NR/L2/CIV/168
(Issue 1) Asbestos Management.
When planning the work, you must:

• Check the Asbestos Risk Management
System (ARMS) for the potential presence
of ACMs.

• Presume that asbestos is present where
there is no survey data to show otherwise.

• Communicate clearly the presence of
ACMs to ALL involved in the planning and

delivery of work.
• Ensure a saf e system of work is in place.
• Stop work immediately if asbestos is

discovered, or thought to be present after
work has started.

Discussion Points • Would you know what to do if you
suspected your work had disturbed
• Are you up to date with your Asbestos
Awareness eLearning? ACMs?
• Non NR employees who control site
• If you control site safety, access to
buildings or are liable to disturb saf ety and access to buildings or
asbestos during your work, are you
aware of the Asbestos eLearning anyone liable to disturb asbestos
available? These include asbestos during their work should be trained in
Non-licensed Works training, and the Asbestos Awareness delivered by an
imminent release of Enhanced
Awareness training. accredited training provider as outlined
in NR/L2/CIV/168.
• Have you got ARMS log on and can • Should an inadvertent exposure occur,
you ef fectively navigate the system?
NR/L2/OHS/157 specifies actions to be
• Does your process for planning ensure taken.
the provision of all pre-construction
inf ormation to those who need it?

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Carnforth SMTH irregularity

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

Ref : NRB21-02

Date of issue: 19/04/202
1

Location: Carnf orth, North West Route,
NW&C Region

Contact: Owen Flanders, Principal
Engineering (Signalling), NW&C
Region

Overview The incident is subject to an investigation which
will establish the sequence of events that led up
On 23rd February 2021 an engineering to the unsafe condition and any underlying
assurance inspection discovered an uninsulated causes.
wire had been lef t in situ for 9 months following
internal wire renewals conducted by Network The incident follows three similar signal testing
Rail. irregularities in the last 18 months on the NW&C
Region and follows a wider national trend. As a
It was f ound that wires were not appropriately result, the f ollowing discussion points are
recovered or sleeved following the work. It was recommended:
also noted the signalling diagrams were missing
f rom the location case 5/6A.

Discussion Points • Whenever making signalling
disconnections the tester shall ensure
• Never undertake any job unless you that any bare conductors (e.g. relay
have been trained and assessed as
competent. spades, ring crimps, etc.) are suitably
insulated. This shall be done in
• Are you and your team clear on the accordance with General Instructions
standards and policy regarding
temporary and permanent wire to Staff Working on S&T Equipment
disconnection? (NR/L3/SIG/10064), E052.
• When undertaking maintenance
• Have you got a clear testing plan that remain vigilant and report any defects
has been checked? Do you have to your line manager.
enough time to work correctly through
the plan?

Part of our group
of Safety Bulletins

Audience: Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure FF/013/2021

Fast Facts Alert

Subject: Damaged Cables

During site works on the 23 April 2021 a cable damage was discovered Discussion Points
at a newly installed disconnection box entry point. On first appearance 1. Are all cables contained within the route or
this looked to have been caused by friction during the installation protected prior to working in close proximity to
process. them.
Installation staff walked the route between REB CLC31M058 and
FSP32M025 to ascertain if any further cable damages were visible. An 2. What procedures are in place to protect
additional 23 sites were found to have cables with varying levels of cables from damage if they can’t be contained
damage. The damage was found on both existing and newly installed within the route or protected.
cables, all of which were subsequently sprayed to ensure clear
identification. 3. What supervisory checks are carried out to
For all existing assets that showed damage, faults have been logged prevent this type of damage occurring.
with Network Rail Fault Control.
As further damage internal to the route was not known (as troughing lids Manchester Region
had been removed during the installation process and replaced at the Trafford Park Re-Signalling Project
end of shift), a decision was made to isolate the power until further
surveys could be conducted. Mark O’Leary - Delivery Director
A further assessment of the cable route took place on 26th April 2021 Ben Tillotson - Project Manager
and no additional damages were identified. Steven Morrison – EHS Specialist (Author)
An investigation has commenced to identify the cause of the damage.
for more information about this report please
Produced By EHS Department contact [email protected]
Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure
Any queries please contact your local EHS Specialist UKI-RI-HS-TM-006
November 2020 Issue 4
Restricted © Siemens Mobility Limited 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Document is UNCONTROLLED when downloaded or printed.

Audience: Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure GP/013/2021

Good Practice Report

Committed to Responsible Actions… Vic 3 Project
London South-East
Following an assessment and review of our First Aid Emergency
Response procedure, we have adopted a process to save our ‘next of Steve Wright- Delivery Director
kin’ contact details in the ICE - Emergency Contacts. Rob Watson- Project Manager
Barry Kiely- Author
An ICE or ‘In Case of Emergency’ contact, is a number or group of
numbers that you designate in your phone, to be contacted should an For more information about this report please
employee be in an emergency or crisis situation. contact [email protected]
They are often called the Emergency Telephone Contacts, and once set
within your phone can be accessed even if you phone is locked. To
access the numbers you have to select ‘Emergency Call’ and the ICE
numbers will be visible.

The Process of setting up your ICE contacts will depend on the type of
mobile phone you use.

Setting up Medical ID/ ICE Contact on your mobile device-
To make your important health information accessible in case of
emergency (ICE) you should set up your Medical ID or Emergency
Contact: To do this:

1. Go onto your Contacts, choose a name, scroll down and Add to
Emergency Contacts in your phone.
2. Next on your Touch ID tab open Medical ID/ Emergency.
3. In Medical ID > Edit. Here you can view the details of your
emergency contacts also enter your health information.
4. Turn on Show When Locked to make your Medical ID available from
the Locked screen. In emergency this gives people access to your
important information and the emergency contacts that you’ve entered.

Produced By EHS Department UKI-RI-HS-TM-005
Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure July 2020 Issue 3
Any queries please contact your local EHS Specialist

Restricted © Siemens Mobility Limited 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Document is UNCONTROLLED when downloaded or printed.

Audience: Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure GP/013/2021

Good Practice Report

Committed to Responsible Actions…

5. When you’re finished tap Done. Vic 3 Project
London South-East
How to access Medical ID or make an Emergency Telephone call:
Steve Wright- Delivery Director
To view the Medical ID, open the touch ID and tap Medical ID. Rob Watson- Project Manager
Barry Kiely- Author
If the phone is locked, follow these steps:
For more information about this report please
1. Press the Home button. contact [email protected]
2. Tap Emergency.
3. On the Emergency call screen, you can make a call or tap Medical

ID to see ICE Contacts and any medical information stored on the
device.

This accessibility is very important for emergency situations
especially when a phone is locked.

Produced By EHS Department UKI-RI-HS-TM-005
Siemens Mobility Limited, Rail Infrastructure July 2020 Issue 3
Any queries please contact your local EHS Specialist

Restricted © Siemens Mobility Limited 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Document is UNCONTROLLED when downloaded or printed.

Southern Capital Delivery

Home Safe

Southern Shield Weekly Safety Update

14 April 2021

•
•

•
•
•

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

Home Safe

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

Safety Alert

Maintain exclusion zones and how to relocate a steel sleeper housing

Overview

Whilst attempting to replace the insulator on a metal sleeper a heel bar was used to
hit the housing which became stuck in the incorrect position.

In doing so the bar slipped off of the housing, catching the welder on the knee who
was working very close to the activity.

IP was sent to hospital where it was diagnosed that he had sustained ligament
damage.

Action Required

Exclusion zones

It’s important that exclusion zones are set up and maintained during any works that
have the potential to cause harm to others, this should also be highlighted within
the task briefing sheets.

The correct way to relocate a steel sleeper housing

The correct way to relocate a steel sleeper housing is not to hit it with anything,
take the weight off of the housing by means of using a Simplex Jack. This then
allows the sleeper housing to be lifted and twisted back into the correct position by

hand.

Safety Ref: 02 Issued by Darren Wood SRSA

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May 2021