RailStaff - Issue 274 - July-August 2021

JUL-AUG 2021 | ISSUE 274

UNCERTAINTY

FACING

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PLUS NEWS PEOPLE EVENTS HEALTH & SAFETY FEATURES COMPANY FOCUS CAREERS

IN RAIL

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CONTENTS JULY-AUGUST 2021 | ISSUE 274

FACING UNCERTAINTY IN RAIL | 26

RISQS is run by the industry, for the industry - so you can be sure that they have the best interests of rail buyers and suppliers in mind.

MODULAR ACCESS AT SWINDON | 28

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HAKI, the leading specialist in modular access solutions, worked together with Attridge to find a solution to the temporary bridge needs for the Gypsy Lane project in Swindon.

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BALLAST SCRATCHED BOOTS, SHARED EXPERIENCES AND THE "GO TO JAIL CARD" | 30

Look around you. Is your workplace healthy? Are there hazards perhaps invisible to the eye - that aren't being addressed?

RAIL STILL SAFER AND GREENER THAN ROAD | 36

Britain's railways remain the safest and greenest forms of land transport, but there is no room for complacency.

SMALL TALK SAVES LIVES | 38

British reserve may be internationally renowned but a new survey

by Samaritans shows how much we rely on small talk as a nation..

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S

T H G I L T O P

ES UCTUR the R T S Y ce with xperien e RAILWAIFFERENT | 40 d n a h s. his firstARE D talks of structure ilway heeler Colin W a number of ra f o filling in

THE RETURN OF RAILTEX AND INFRARAIL | 44

following a challenging period brought on by the covid-19 pandemic, the rail industry is now targeting a determined recovery.

less than

20p a day

All about people people working in public transport... ...people like you!

In times of need, hardship and distress TBF is here to support its members by helping them to keep the wheels of the public transport industry turning. TBF offers financial and medical benefits, a wide range of complementary and alternative therapies, bereavement grants and welfare advice.

£1.25 a week covers you, your live-in partner and dependent children.

0300 333 2000 help@tbf.org.uk www.tbf.org.uk Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016.

Staff

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Contact us: Publisher:

Paul O’Connor

Production and design:

Adam O’Connor

Track safety:

Colin Wheeler

Advertising:

Asif Ahmed

Craig Smith

Chris Davies

Contact email addresses News: news@rail-media.com Track safety: colin@rail-media.com

Another brick in

Pictures: pictures@rail-media.com Adverts: adverts@rail-media.com Subscriptions: manda@rail-media.com

the wall at Dawlish

Contact details RailStaff Publications, Rail Media House, Samson Road, Coalville,

Network Rail’s work on the second section of the new sea wall at Dawlish is progressing well, with all 143 concrete wall panels now successfully installed.

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Over the past three months, Network Rail’s contractor BAM Nuttall has installed the concrete panels ranging from 6.09 to 6.69 metres in size and each weighing between 11.55 to 12.95 tonnes, using a Linkbelt TCC 750 Telescopic Crane. Each panel has been lifted and then clipped into place, followed by grout being inserted into the gaps between each panel.

Behind the newly installed panels, concrete is continuing to be poured, helping backfill between the new panels and existing sea wall and further strengthening this new structure. This project is also benefitting from the latest in construction technology, with low carbon concrete being used as part of the

concrete backfill, reducing the carbon impact of this project by two-thirds.

This milestone has been reached despite limited access to the beach as a result of the tides, with the construction team constrained to only working during the lower spring tide periods, where it is possible to operate the large and heavy machinery on the beach.

Alongside this work, engineers have also installed the remaining piles at Coastguard breakwater whilst improving the drainage of the track by drilling large holes - known as coring - into the stonework underneath the railway.

Now that all the piles and wall panels have been installed, attention turns to fitting the curved wave returns on top of the panels, which is expected to be completed by September. Work will also begin to build the new stairs down to the beach at Coastguard breakwater.

Construction of this second section of the £80 million upgrade first began last November and is expected to take around two years to finish. Once complete, this 415-metre section which stretches from Coastguard breakwater east of Dawlish station to Colonnade breakwater, will link up with the already completed first section of sea wall at Marine Parade.

Ewen Morrison, Network Rail senior programme manager for the Dawlish sea wall project, said: “It is so satisfying to see us reach this important landmark in the second section of the new sea wall now that all the piles and concrete wall panels have been installed.

“The excellent progress that has been made is testimony to the hard work and coordination of staff from Network Rail and our contractors BAM Nuttall, who have successfully worked under challenging conditions.

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DESIGNS FOR OLD OAK COMMON PUBLIC SPACE

UNVEILED H S2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson MP, has revealed new plans for the urban realm around the new Old Oak Common station in West London.

The ‘super-hub’ station has already received planning approval, and permanent construction began last month, with the Transport Secretary giving work the green light.

Once complete, the HS2 station will offer unrivalled connectivity, with fourteen new platforms; six HS2 platforms offering high speed services to the North and Midlands, four Crossrail – or Elizabeth Line – platforms, and four conventional rail platforms, which will be served by trains to Wales and the South West.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “Building back better is not just about delivering once-in-a-generation projects like HS2. It is about using our investment to fire up innovation, create new skilled jobs, and lay the foundations for a thriving, green, sustainable economy for the future.

“At Old Oak Common, we’re not just building a world-class transport hub, but supporting one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK – aiming to deliver 56,000 jobs over the next 30 years as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs.”

The proposals include the creation of a new public parkland that can be enjoyed by local residents, workers and rail users. It will be accessible via Old Oak Common Lane and will be formed of pocket gardens, tree and shrub planting, and a viewing platform over the small wetland area and station plaza. The new park will be a destination for people to relax as well as a venue for events, and pop-up markets.

The park will also offer a wide range of seating, including benches, low walls, chairs and tables. There will also be provision for public art and visual installations which will animate and reinvigorate the park long into the future.

Speaking about the new designs, Matthew Botelle, Stations Director for HS2,

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said, “The proposed designs for the urban space around the station will provide a new vibrant public area where the local community, station users and workers can relax.”

Disability access has been at the heart of the plans right from the start and the proposals include step free access across the main paths in the park. There will also be resting spaces for wheelchair users and accessible seating across the area.

A Wetland Common at the front of the station also forms part of the proposals, which will be an area rich in biodiversity, and be a pleasant, safe environment for everyone – from children playing, friends relaxing or passengers waiting for a train or a bus. There will be a diverse range of planting species and mature trees, creating a unique place to be enjoyed all year round.

Local residents were asked to feedback on transport plans for access to the station including an area for private car drop off at the station, taxi rank, bus depot with green-roofed shelters and indoor bicycle parking with wide cycle paths.

The plans have been

developed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS JV) and their design contractor WSP. Following the approval for the station building design from the planning authority, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), in May 2020, the new urban realm proposals are the next step in showcasing how the arrival

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

of HS2 will reinvigorate the surrounding area.

Tim Peet, Director at WSP, said, “The urban realm has been designed to provide a real sense of place for the station and the Old Oak Common Community.

Its design is underpinned by the cultural and ecological connections of the area, providing for one of London’s biggest and intensively green

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new urban parklands aligned to the Design Vision of all stakeholders. WSP has worked closely with our architects WilkinsonEyre and landscape architects Grant Associates, HS2 and OPDC to create an extensive parkland area and integrated transportation interchange extending over four hectares of urban realm surrounding the station.”

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Solihull resident, Danielle Taylor is today confirmed as the 650th HS2 apprentice. HS2 has committed to creating 2,000 apprenticeships during the life span of the project.

Welcoming the landmark moment, HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson MP said: “Reaching the 650 apprenticeships milestone at this stage of the project shows HS2’s firm commitment to create a lasting skills legacy.”

Inspired by her grandad’s career as a plant operative, Danielle’s dream to follow in his footsteps came true when she secured a Level 2 Plant Operator apprenticeship with Flannery, a tier one contractor with HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands Balfour Beatty VINCI. She’s now a crucial part of the team helping to bring HS2 to the region.

Danielle is currently working at a construction site in Warwickshire with a team of operatives who are tasked with excavating materials and creating the embankments that will shape the foundations for the new high speed rail network. It’s a far cry from her previous role, where she worked in Birmingham city centre as a banking audit officer, but 29-year-old Danielle explains she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Danielle said, “This couldn’t be more different to my previous role, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, I’ve achieved my dream. On my D5 Dozer, I’m literally

HS2 hits 650 apprenticeships milestone shaping the landscape and paving the way for HS2’s arrival and it’s exhilarating to see the progress we’re making every single day.”

Over the next two years, Danielle will combine work and study to learn how to safely operate a broad range of plant machinery that is used in the onsite construction sector. Once qualified, she will be equipped with the skills and experience that will enable her to continue playing a key role in the delivery of HS2 and other major infrastructure projects of the future.

Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Skills Manager for the West Midlands said, “Danielle is a fantastic role model for young women and it just goes to show that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and pursue your career

goals.”

Balfour Beatty VINCI is leading the construction of the West Midlands section of HS2, which spans a 90km section from Warwickshire into Birmingham city centre and on to Staffordshire. It expects to create around 7,000 jobs to deliver its programme of work and is committed to ensuring that local people benefit from the job opportunities it is creating.

Michael Dyke, Managing Director at Balfour Beatty VINCI said, “The opportunity to work on one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects truly is unrivalled.

That’s why we’re taking an active approach to encouraging new entrants and providing numerous apprenticeship and graduate positions.”

Carrington West awarded share of £950m labour supply deal Carrington West has been appointed as an approved supplier on the £950m Network Rail Frontline Labour contract, which runs from 2021 to 2029 and includes the provision of workers across the UK. Nick Rowe, Carrington West Rail Director and joint business owner says, “When we set up the rail team our vision was to become one of the leading UK providers of recruitment solutions in the sector. Our commitment to achieving this has resulted in us partnering with a stellar list of leading multi-disciplinary design consultancies, Tier 1 contractors and railway operators. I am immensely proud of the team and

the high quality of service we provide. Working with organisations such as Network Rail on significant projects is something we are honoured to be part of. “ James Fernandes, Managing Director says “We have a great track record of working in the transportation sector and it is an exciting time to be working in rail as we enter the next phases of UK rail infrastructure investment.”

The partnership forms an integral part of delivering Network Rail’s wider strategy to make improvements to the UK’s rail network to improve customer experience and meet environmental and sustainability goals during CP6 and CP7.

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Viaduct protection at Orbiston Work is underway on a £1.1m project to protect Orbiston Viaduct in North Lanarkshire.

Specialist engineers are removing material from the bed and banks of the river and around the viaduct’s foundations, as well as carrying out masonry repairs and ballast installation.

It’s all designed to extend the lifespan of the structure while protecting it against weather damage as part of a wider programme of maintenance to keep the rail network safe and reliable.

Rod Hendry, Construction Manager at Network Rail, said: “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Network Rail and the £1.1m investment we’re making in Orbiston Viaduct will protect it for years to come.

“While scour remains the leading cause of bridge failures in the last 100 years in the UK, the work we’re doing is vital to keeping passengers moving safely and reliably over the South Calder Water.

The ‘scour protection’ scheme on the stone structure, between Uddingston and Motherwell stations, is due to be completed later this year. Network Rail invests around £20m each year on scour protection projects across Scotland’s Railway.

Scour damage occurs when floodwaters undermine the foundations of bridges. Scour protection works help protect these shallow foundations by diverting water away from the base of the bridge.

HS2 pioneering new viaduct design

HS2 has revealed that its designers are on track to more than halve the amount of embedded carbon in one of the high speed rail project’s viaducts.

The innovative ‘double composite’ approach – which involves two steel girders sandwiched between two layers of reinforced concrete to create a super strong but light weight span – will be used on the Wendover Dean Viaduct in Buckinghamshire.

The 450m viaduct was recently given approval by Buckinghamshire Council and will be the first major railway viaduct in the UK to use the ‘double composite’ approach.

Designed by HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor, EKFB - a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and BAM Nuttall - working with their design partner, ASC (a joint venture between Arcadis Setec and COWI) and specialist architects Moxon, the viaduct is one of 50 being built on the first phase of HS2 between London and the West Midlands.

Applying lessons from the use of double composite structures on the latest French TGV lines, the British team has cut the amount of embedded carbon in the viaduct by 7,433 tonnes – the equivalent of 20,500 return flights from London to Edinburgh.

As well as cutting the amount of concrete and steel – one of the major sources of CO2 – the slender design also reduces the silhouette of the structure viewed from across the valley. Nine evenly RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF

spaced piers will support the deck of the viaduct and will be placed to carefully reflect the near symmetry of the ground beneath.

In a further improvement to the original design, the piers – some of which will be up to 14 metres high – will be cast in pieces offsite before being assembled like giant lego blocks. This approach will reduce the amount of work on site and cut disruption for local residents.

The beams themselves will be made from weathering steel, which will age to a characteristically dark russet finish and echo the natural tones of the surrounding landscape. Total steel weight is around 1400 tonnes and will be topped with a concrete deck which will carry the track and built-in noise barriers.

When viewed from a distance, against the weathered steel, the pale concrete parapet will appear as a thin horizontal band hovering over the slender piers as it glides over the valley and make the whole structure look thinner.

This effect will be further emphasised by the viaduct piers, which have been extended to almost connect with the parapet, helping to give the appearance of a light and narrow structure.

The historic field boundaries and hedgerows will be recreated after the viaduct is built to provide uninterrupted access for farmers and local residents. A mix of trees and shrubs commonly found across the Chiltern chalk hills will be used for new woodland planting around the viaduct, including Oak, Beech, Hazel and Wild Cherry.

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HS2 UPDATES HS2 tunnel segment contract awarded

HS2’s contractor delivering the London tunnels, Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture, has signed the first of two contracts for the production of concrete precast tunnel segments that will be used to construct HS2’s London tunnels. Pacadar UK will be manufacturing the tunnel lining at their factory in the Isle of Grain, Kent.

The segments will be used in the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) drives in London. The production will begin in January next year at the factory and the materials will then be delivered to HS2’s TBM launch site in West Ruislip by rail, where the construction of the twin bored, 5 mile, Northolt Tunnel West will begin.

Malcolm Codling, Project Client for HS2 Ltd, said, “We are making exciting progress across London and are gearing up to start our immense tunneling work underneath the capital. It is great that the first of our precast tunnel segments are being manufactured here in the UK, providing UK jobs at a time when it is most critical as the country recovers from the pandemic.”

Over 160,000m3 of concrete will be used to make the segments which form a 9.5m outside diameter tunnel 0.35m thick. Each complete ring is made of seven segments and a key. Each segment weighs approximately seven tonnes. They will be fitted to line the tunnel by the first two of six 2,600 tonnes Tunnel boring Machines that are currently under construction by Herrenknecht in Germany. They will operate for 22 months non-stop, except for Christmas Day and other bank holidays. The first TBM for the London tunnels will be delivered later this year and will be assembled for launch in 2022.

HS2’s London tunnels from West Ruislip to Euston station will have a total length of 26 miles, the same length as Crossrail.

The construction of the first tunnel will be completed in 2024.

HS2 Enabling Civil Works - Package 2

HS2 has confirmed that Kier Construction will be appointed to deliver a major programme of highways and utility work on Phase 2a of the project, which will take the UK’s new high speed railway north of the West Midlands.

Known as ‘Enabling Civils Works – Package 2’ (ECW2), the £50m programme will be awarded in two stages and includes a range of early works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project.

This includes major highways works and associated utility diversions as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 36 mile stretch of route. The second stage of the work will be awarded in 2022.

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Tests show no traces of Covid-19 at four major railway stations Passengers can travel in confidence after university academics found no traces of the Covid-19 virus during two rounds of testing at four of the country’s largest railway stations.

Places passengers touch regularly like escalator handrails, ticket machines, and benches were swabbed, and hour-long air samples taken on station concourses at London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly stations in January and June.

The same tests were repeated on several inter-city train routes.

Between the testing dates passenger numbers across all four stations rose by 287%.

All lab tests by Imperial College London showed no Covid-19 contamination of any surface tested or airborne particles of the virus in station or on trains.

David Green, senior research fellow at Imperial College London, said: “In the same way that a swab is used to take a COVID-19 test in the nose and throat and sent to the lab, we use a filter to collect any virus particles in the air and swabs to collect viruses on surfaces.

“This approach provides a way of quantifying the amount of virus circulating in these public environments and the effect of mitigation strategies like cleaning and

wearing face coverings. This is part of a wider programme of work with the public transport sector to understand where this virus is most prevalent so that we can return to pre-pandemic activities as safely as possible.”

The conclusions from the independent report commissioned by Network Rail say enhanced cleaning methods across the rail industry and widespread wearing of face coverings by passengers are key reasons for the negative results.

Natasha Grice, executive director of customer experience, said: “We really welcome these findings, which demonstrate that customers can travel with confidence.

We have a well-established enhanced cleaning regime with a focus on touch points, including door buttons, tables, handrails, armrests and toilets, as well as using long-lasting sanitiser onboard our trains. We’re delighted to have this clear evidence that backs up our approach.”

Enhanced cleaning procedures will remain in place with hand sanitiser and face masks available at stations to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Passengers who can are expected to wear a face covering in stations and on trains so everyone can travel in confidence.

People should continue to plan ahead, sanitise their hands regularly and open a train window while travelling if possible.

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New railway safety centre opens in Kent A new dedicated rail safety education facility has been opened

by Network Rail and Southeastern in Margate railway station, featuring a full-scale railway platform, life-size train front, model railway and interactive games.

Targeting primary and secondary school age children who may be out and about on their own for the first time this summer holiday, the premise of the Travel Safe and Travel Smart centre is to prevent future trespass through education.

Using real tracks in a safe, controlled environment the centre will educate children about the risks of trespassing, for example that the live rail is energised with up to 750V of electricity and can kill instantly, or that trains weigh an average of 400 tonnes, often making stopping in time for someone on the tracks impossible.

Network Rail Southern region director John Halsall, said: “The work our community safety team does in visiting classrooms to warn of the dangers of trespassing on the railway is so important and our new Travel Safe and Smart centre will enable us to get those messages across even more clearly.

“This is the only dedicated rail safety education centre for children in the country and we hope that it will help to get across that trespassing on the railway can have serious, life-changing consequences for the individual, their loved ones and the wider community.”

Southeastern’s managing director David Statham, said: “When young people are injured or killed on our railway, the impact ripples across the community and the impact on our colleagues is huge. Anything we can do to help educate people into staying safe will make a difference and this facility will be a cornerstone of that.

“It’s so important to us that any group of school children coming to visit the centre will get free travel on our trains to get here.”

Trespassing causes significant disruption across the rail network resulting in delays for thousands of passengers and can result in catastrophic injury or death. Shockingly, given the danger to life, the latest figures show that between January and March, there were 179 incidents causing trains to be delayed by almost 97 hours in the southern area (Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire).

And recent data provided by British Transport Police’s National Disruption Fusion Unit found that the past two years since 2019 have seen a 40% increase in trespass incidents in the Southern region.

Children will also be shown a new safety film – Parallel Lines – which has been produced by Network Rail’s education partner LearnLive.

New cycle facility opens at Manchester Airport station TransPennine Express (TPE), in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester and the Department for Transport via Sustrans, has delivered a brand-new cycle parking facility at Manchester Airport railway station.

The £48K facility, which is now open, is located at the Ground Transport Interchange and it is hoped it will encourage cycling as a sustainable means of accessing the station for residents of surrounding areas and enable the development of an improved and innovative cycle network.

Rosslyn Colderley, Sustrans Director for the North of England, said: “This new cycle parking facility will make it easier for employees and travellers to commute by bike or to combine

cycling and rail travel to get to Manchester airport. We were pleased to work with the Department for Transport to help make this facility happen.”

The cycle parking spaces available have now doubled and the facility can be easily accessed from the front of the station. To ensure bicycles are stored safely, the facility is outfitted with CCTV, and there is no fob key required for access.

The new addition will also provide a sustainable transport option for employees of the businesses relocating to Airport City as part of the airport’s ongoing expansion and development.

Demand for cycle access to the station is growing rapidly with further increases expected from a new green bridge connecting the station with

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Wythenshawe.

TPE anticipates that by the early 2030s, usage of the station will double, and therefore sustainable journeys need to feature to meet this demand.

Lucja Majewski, Regional Development Manager at TransPennine Express, said: “I’m

delighted that we are offering this brand new and sustainable cycling facility for cyclists at Manchester Airport. TPE is proud to have worked together with Transport for Greater Manchester in developing this facility to enable cyclists to easily access the Airport”.

‘Support on life’s Journey’ When life’s journey hits those ups and downs.

We are there to care, to listen and to help you cope with life’s uncertainties.

We are Railway Mission, a group of specially trained people who offer friendship and a listening ear to anyone connected with our nation’s railways.

We’re a Christian charity offering support to everyone.

How do we help?

Railway Mission has been offering support to the railway family for 140 years, but we’re totally up-to-date with the trials of modern living. We help railway staff (at all levels) and the travelling public to enjoy the good times and get through the bad times. So if life’s

journey feels threatened we offer face-to-face friendship and an opportunity to talk about problems and explore solutions.

Help us support them

Donations

Railway Mission relies on donations to finance our work and meet an ever-growing need for our services. While we receive some rail industry support, we depend on the generosity of individuals like you.

There are various ways to give, for more information visit: railwaymission.org/donate.

Please give something so that we can give a helping hand to those who need us.

For further information please email: office@railwaymission.org.

Charity number in England and Wales: 1128024 Scotland: SC045897

We’re also on hand to help staff and the public in the event of rail incidents, including suicides.

Cheques should be made payable to Railway Mission and sent to: Railway Mission, Rugby Railway Station, Rugby, CV21 3LA

To donate £5 text RAIL 5 to 70085.

This costs £5 plus a standard rate message.

Alternatively, you can opt to give any whole amount up to £20.

www.railwaymission.org

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Pressure mounts on Highways England as councils push back against bridge "vandalism"

Council officials have told Highways England that it must seek retrospective planning permission after infilling a Victorian bridge which two heritage railways need for a connecting line between their operations.

The structure at Great Musgrave in Cumbria is one of 134 disused bridges and tunnels that the state-owned roads company intends to infill or demolish over the next five years as part of a controversial asset management programme.

In May, contractors started burying the Victorian bridge beneath hundreds of tonnes of aggregate and concrete, despite Eden District Council twice asking Highways England to stop the work whilst planning requirements were properly investigated.

The company refused, claiming that infilling was urgently needed because the bridge deck might “fall suddenly”. Permitted Development powers were invoked that only apply in emergency situations.

Campaigners pointed out that Highways England’s own inspection reports recorded only minor localised defects. The bridge presented “No significant risk” to public safety, with a “Low” likelihood of any problems occurring and “No action [was] required”, according to the company’s engineer.

Infilling was completed in June, but the council has now stated that “Whilst the provisions [of the Permitted Development powers] allow initial works to be undertaken in connection with an emergency, where such works are intended to be retained, retrospective planning permission must be sought. Highways England have confirmed their intention to make such an application within 12 months of the commencement of the works, as required.”

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the Stainmore Railway Company, said: “For weeks now, Highways England has been misrepresenting our views - both in the press and to Ministers - on the basis of dialogue which never happened. Their dishonesty has been shocking.

“We’re now delighted to learn that the Council has told them to retrospectively follow due democratic process so this unwarranted scheme can be scrutinised.

We look forward - finally - to making our real views on the matter heard loud and clear.”

Meanwhile, Highways England has backed down over the threatened infilling of a bridge in Dumfries & Galloway which spans an old railway being considered for reopening by the Scottish Government.

In April 2020, the company told the local council that infilling the structure at Lochanhead near Dumfries “is considered necessary to prevent further deterioration and remove the risk of future collapse.”

Local residents, councillors and members of a railway campaign group voiced their concerns to the local authority whose planners had authorised the work as “repair”. But, following an intervention from council officers, Highways England has withdrawn the threat of infilling.

In an email, the company’s engineer said that “we can confirm that we are planning to repair the former overbridge - not infill it.

We have been in communication with the team carrying out the Strategic Transport Projects Review and are waiting for further information which will inform the nature of the repairs that we take forward.”

Graeme Bickerdike, a member of The HRE Group - an alliance of engineers, sustainable transport advocates and greenway developers - said: “Whilst the apparent reprieve of Lochanhead bridge is very welcome, it serves only to demonstrate the deceit Highways England has been

perpetuating for many months about its infilling programme.

“There are no meaningful engineering, public safety or cost grounds for the damage being inflicted on 134 Victorian structures and we share the view of many civil engineers who have expressed embarrassment and shame at Highways England’s vandalism. The company is pursuing a destructive policy in its own narrow interests, without any consideration of the wider social, economic, environmental and heritage consequences.

“These valuable historic assets should never have been placed in Highways England’s hands.”

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NEWS

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THE FIGHT TO END LONELINESS Two inspirational Network Rail workers have been recognised for their work during the Covid pandemic at a celebratory reception at 10 Downing Street.

Haji Mustaq, Network Rail station manager for London Paddington and Emma Van Leer, Network Rail business continuity project manager, have been recognised for going above and beyond in contributing to the railway over the last 18 months.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “Frontline transport workers kept this country moving throughout the pandemic and for that, they deserve our profound thanks.

“I’d like to personally thank Haji Mustaq and Emma Van Leer, who were not only instrumental to Network Rail’s response to Covid-19, but went above and beyond outside of work to volunteer support to other critical workers in the NHS.” Haji Mustaq said: “It was an honour and a privilege to attend the event as a representative of Network Rail and the London Paddington station team.

“It was a once in a life time experience to be able to converse with our Prime Minister and Secretary of State about how proud I am of my colleagues and how we all worked together, supporting one another, while facing some of the toughest of challenges during lockdown.”

Throughout the pandemic, many frontline workers and people who were required to travel to work needed to continue using the railway. Haji was recognised for his efforts in ensuring his team kept the busy London Paddington station running, safe and clean during the peak months of the pandemic. In addition to carrying out his day-to-day role, Haji was also recognised for actively encouraged members of his team to volunteer at local hospitals, including St Mary’s Hospital which neighbours Paddington.

PPE has and continues to play an integral role in helping reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protecting NHS and frontline workers.

As business continuity project manager, Emma Van Leer was recognised because of the pivotal role she played in supporting Network Rail’s Wales and Western region’s response to Covid-19 by helping ensure a continuous supply of PPE reached the thousands of frontline staff who worked throughout the pandemic.

Emma was also recognised for encouraging fellow members of her team to assist local NHS Trusts.

Emma Van Leer, Network Rail business continuity project manager, said: "It’s a real honour to be recognised and is testament to the whole team for how we pulled together throughout the pandemic.

“Everyone in Network Rail wanted to play their part in keeping vital freight and key workers moving. It was also great that we were able to do so much to support the NHS.” Haji and Emma were joined by other Network Rail colleagues and Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chair of Network Rail at the event which celebrated the efforts of frontline transport workers across the country during the pandemic.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chair of Network Rail, said: “I’m immensely proud of all the Network Rail members of the railway family for playing such a pivotal role in keeping people and goods moving – particularly our front line workers who selflessly continued dayin-day-out.

“To be invited to attend a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the role that front line transport workers have played during the pandemic is a great honour, one you should all feel immensely proud of, and reflects on every one of our colleagues too.

“Let’s maintain this positive momentum as we continue to welcome our passengers back to the railway.”

TfW purchase Pullman Rail Transport for Wales (TfW) has signed a deal with Colas Rail UK to purchase Pullman Rail Limited.

TfW, the not-for-profit organisation established by Welsh Government to drive forward its integrated transport network vision has been conducting a national review of its depots and stabling options. This includes its largest depot in Cardiff, where the vast majority of TfW’s trains are serviced, cleaned and maintained.

Pullman, providers of specialist engineering services for rail vehicles in the UK, also operate from this depot in Canton. The acquisition will enable both TfW and Pullman to build on an already-close working partnership, with further investment delivering even better results for TfW and Pullman’s customers.

Bolstered by the purchase of Pullman, Canton depot will have the required capacity and resilience to support the introduction of TfWs flagship Metro scheme alongside new rolling stock for the Wales and Borders network.

TfW CEO James Price says: "High performing and enterprising, Pullman reflect many of TfW’s own values. Pullman has been operating in the UK for more than 25 years, delivering high quality products and services. This technical expertise, quality workmanship and innovation are integral to the UK rail industry, ensuring legacy fleet can be maintained.

Pullman will continue to operate as a stand-alone business as Pullman Rail Ltd. Activity will remain business as usual with existing services continuing to be delivered under the Pullman brand.

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FIRST 'BEAVER TUNNEL'

CONSTRUCTED UNDER HIGHLAND MAINLINE Network Rail engineers have constructed what is believed to be the first ‘beaver pass’ in the country under the Highland mainline.

The new tunnel has been constructed to help the protected species pass under the railway and to help prevent flooding issues caused by the animals building dams across the railway’s drainage culverts under the line.

As part of the project an additional 45mm pipe has been inserted through an existing larger culvert drain with wild mesh fitted either side to protect the railway while still allowing the movement of wildlife.

The Tay catchment around Perth has a growing beaver population and is a recent example of an area where their impact was felt on the rail network and a solution was needed to a flooding issue

caused when a resident pair of beavers damned a culvert under the track.

The culvert near Gleneagles was blocked by part of a beaver lodge – leading to flooding on an area of land which formed part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated for wet woodland, scrub and fen meadow habitats.

After obtaining the appropriate licenses to work in the SSSI and working with species specialists at NatureScot, the Network Rail team pumped the water out of the area over a number of days before removing the 2m high 5m wide beaver dam by hand.

When the culvert was clear, the beaver pass was installed and wild mesh fitted at either side of the tunnel, in line with SEPA best practice guidelines for altering culverts, to enable wildlife, including beavers and otters, to pass safely under the railway.

James Morrison, ecologist,

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with Network Rail Scotland, commented: “To a beaver, a culvert probably looks like a hole in a dam – the barriers they build to restrict the flow of water – so they are very popular damming spots.

“The action we took near Gleneagles is the first beaver pass installed in the country that we are aware of. It is a repeatable solution which works to protect Scotland’s Railway as well as safeguarding the beaver populations and other wildlife.

"The beavers will naturally expand across Scotland and as they do it is possible they could occasionally impact Network Rail's infrastructure through felling trees on to the line, flooding caused by their dams or burrowing into railway embankments. However, they are an important keystone species and we need a proactive approach and sensitive solutions that allow us to co-exist.”

Network Rail's Ecology team has been praised for its work to

co-exist with Eurasian beavers – listed as a European Protected Species – while keeping Scotland’s railway safe.

NatureScot advised Network Rail throughout the process.

Dr. Roo Campbell, a member of NatureScot’s Beaver Mitigation Team, said: “Beavers are an important component of a healthy ecosystem whose presence usually brings a host of benefits, including creating ponds and wetlands where other species thrive, alleviating downstream flooding, and improving water quality.

“But occasionally they can cause issues. Our team advise on and provide mitigation against beaver issues across Tayside, but this situation is definitely one of the most challenging we’ve faced.

“We are pleased that Network Rail have been so proactive in working to live with the beavers at the site. NatureScot will continue to monitor the effect the beavers have on the SSSI.”

T H E

R A I L S T A F F

A W A R D S

2 0 2 1

MORE THAN AN AWARD Let’s recognise those who are outstanding, those that go above and beyond, those who are special. They need to know just how much they are appreciated, especially after the year we’ve all had.

Apprentice of the Year

Health & Wellbeing Award

Rail Engineer of the Year

Award for Charity

HR, Diversity & Inclusion Person or Team Award

Rail Manager of the Year

Covid Hero - Outstanding Individual Award Covid Heroes - Outstanding Team Award Customer Service Award

Learning & Development Award Lifetime Achievement Award Marketing & Communications Team Award

Depot Staff Award Digital Railway (S&T) Person or Team Award

Rail Civils / Infrastructure Team Award

Rail Person of the Year Rail Project Manager Award Rail Team of the Year Safety Person or Team Award Samaritans Lifesaver Award Station Staff Award

Graduate or Newcomer Award

NOMINATE TODAY! www.railstaffawards.com THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM // DECEMBER 2021

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NEWS

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

NETWORK RAIL LAUNCHES AN

ART EXHIBITION CELEBRATING RAIL TRAVEL

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NEWS

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N

etwork Rail has launched an exhibition showcasing work from the next generation of artists that celebrates the return of rail travel.

Earlier this year, Network Rail launched a competition titled “Wish I was There”, asking art students from across the UK to create work that reflected the places they had missed travelling to during the pandemic – whether it be a town, city or beach, a shopping street or even just a pub or a park – a place that meant something special to them.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail, said: “The standard of art submitted has been beyond exceptional and reflects how much we have all missed travelling by rail. I thank all the artists who have taken the time to submit their work that has paid homage to the places that they have missed travelling to.

“The railway has a long history of creating works of art to promote the destinations that people can travel to by train, and the art submitted completely and utterly reflects that. This art will become a part of history, documenting what has been an unprecedented time for all of us.”

100 submissions were selected, judged by a panel that included artist Jacqueline Colley, who teaches at the Victoria and Albert Museum. They will be exhibited at major mainline stations across the country.

THE TOP 20 WINNERS ARE: Dina Aldrich - The Norfolk Coast and beyond Louise Allen - North Yorkshire coast Chris Bunn - Llandudno Promenade M A Chamberlain - Drumochter Pass, the highest point on the rail network Marlya Darr - Sandals and the Sea Esther Forse - Edinburgh Laura Hurn - Glenfinnan viaduct Jazz Lawrence - Canterbury Downs Nataliia Marchuk - Chester Sunset Emma McMillan - Edinburgh Castle Amandine Mondion - London is my cup of tea Elbo Parkes - Lyme Regis Claudia Elestabeta Prospescu - By the sea in Suffolk JJ Raines - Nothing like fresh lobster Shakiba Raiki - Welcome back to Chinatown Leah Risby - St Michael’s Mount Andrea Stables - The Lakes Ase Vikse - Dover Catlin Whitaker - The Tyne Bridge Abi Winter - The town of Britain FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

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Network Rail has replaced 36 miles of track across the rail network in the last 12 months to drive down delays for passengers in Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

The work also includes the replacement or refurbishment of 38 switches and crossings units and the renewal of 20 level crossings, including renewing the rail and the level crossing deck where trains and vehicles pass over.

Keeping the track in good condition is essential for the safe and reliable running of rail services. The busier the network, the more worn track becomes over time. Engineers keep on top of repairs and maintenance throughout the year but eventually sections of track need to be replaced, just like when roads need resurfacing.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We’re committed to improving the reliability of rail services for passengers in Anglia and keeping the track in good condition is essential to keep trains running on time around the region.

Throughout the last 12 months we have delivered a huge amount of track renewal work, despite the challenges of the pandemic, to drive down delays and deliver a more reliable service across the network.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “Over the past year, punctuality across our network has been at an all-time high, with almost 95% of trains running on time.

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Track renewals improve Anglia's network “There are several contributing factors, including the positive impact of our new trains, but another key factor has been the ongoing programme of rail infrastructure improvements being delivered by Network Rail, which have been carried out under very difficult conditions as the country weathered the pandemic.

"We know how important it is to our

customers that our trains run on time, which is why we started a concerted punctuality drive jointly with Network Rail in 2018, focusing on all areas of railway operations, to improve the reliability and punctuality of our service.

We’re really pleased that our joint efforts are succeeding and we are working hard to maintain these good results as people return to the railway.”

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24

NEWS

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

Excavation begins for HS2's first 'barn design' tunnel vent shaft Following the launch of HS2's first two giant tunnelling machines, engineers working on Britain’s new high speed railway have now begun excavating the first of five shafts that will provide ventilation and emergency access to the ten-mile long tunnels they are digging under the Chiltern hills.

Once complete, the 78m deep shaft near the village of Chalfont St Peter will be topped with a headhouse inspired by nearby barns and other agricultural buildings to help it fit into the surrounding landscape.

Set back from the road, the single-story building will be wrapped in a pre-weathered grey zinc roof with doors and vent openings picked out in a dark bronze colour and a simple blue brick base.

Below ground level, the shaft will reach down to the twin tunnels, with fans and other equipment designed to regulate air quality and temperature, remove smoke in the event of a fire and provide access for the emergency services.

A 120 tonne drilling rig with a specialised cutting head was used to excavate the walls of the shaft, before concrete was poured in to form each of the 16 wall panels. Now, with the walls complete, the team are excavating the chalk from inside the shaft to reveal the full depth of the structure.

The two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) –

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named Florence and Cecilia - are expected to reach the shaft next year and complete their 10 mile journey in three years’ time. Once the TBMs have passed through, the team will build the internal vent shaft structures, basement works and install the equipment.

Around 18,000 cubic metres of material is expected to be excavated from the shaft, with the chalk set to be reused to landscape the site once construction is complete, taking trucks off locals roads and helping to create new chalk grassland habitats.

Rohan Perin, HS2 Ltd’s Project Client Director said, “The excavation at Chalfont St Peter shows how much progress we have already made in delivering the Chiltern tunnels. Topped with a headhouse inspired by the style of local barns and agricultural buildings, the shaft is one of the few elements of the tunnel which will be visible above ground level and shows just how seriously we are taking our responsibility to protect the landscape and natural environment.

Before the start of construction, a temporary access road was built to link the site with the A413, Amersham Road. This has allowed

construction traffic to avoid the centre of Chalfont St Peter and stopped heavy goods vehicles driving past Robertswood School and the Epilepsy Society.

A new temporary marshalled lorry holding area has also been established on the A413 near Gerrards Cross. HGVs can be held in this newly surfaced layby until their approach to the vent shaft site is clear – helping to reduce congestion and eliminate queueing at the site entrance.

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COMPANY FOCUS

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RISQS IS HERE FOR THE INDUSTRY OVER THE LONG HAUL

2

021 has been a year of massive change for GB rail – in more ways than one. We’re seeing changes anticipated by the industry – like the end of the franchising system that’s governed the railways since privatisation thirty years ago. Not to mention those that will flow from the recently-released results of the Williams Rail Review. Others were hard, if not impossible, to predict – like the disruption of the pandemic.

This puts Britain’s railways under more pressure than ever – and the same goes for the businesses that keep them running. As we write, train services are operating at just 75% of pre-pandemic levels. There were around 85% fewer passenger journeys in January than the pre-pandemic average. And the reduced passenger numbers forecast for the future create further need to operate not just safely, but more efficiently.

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UNCERTAINT Y

FACING IN R

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COMPANY FOCUS

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RAIL

You need all the certainty you can get

So effective, efficient supplier assurance is more important than ever. Why? Because supplier assurance reduces uncertainty. It ensures suppliers are suitably competent, adequately resourced and can consistently deliver to specification. It helps reduce a range of risks: train performance risks, sustainability risks, environmental risks, health risks, contractual risks, reputational risks, financial risks, product identification risks and legislative risks. To name just a few…

Over 4,000 businesses compete to supply the rail industry. The simplest, most cost-effective way to manage multiple risks across multiple companies is an independent assurance scheme that covers them all.

That’s what RISQS (the Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme) is.

Stop duplicating work

RISQS was created to help rail buyers navigate this complicated market and find the best suppliers for their specific needs.

They offer a transparent, verified record of each supplier’s competences. So buyers and suppliers can say goodbye to multiple audits (and days of preparation time) or running multiple systems. You can stop duplicating work and focus your efforts on what’s important.

Simplifying supplier assurance processes has a noticeable impact on efficiency – which means costs. The Arthur D. Little report in 2011 showed that the industry could save £30 to £35 million each year. Just by simplifying and improving the supplier assurance process, and removing duplication within the system.

Which is how RISQS was born.

By the industry, for the industry

RISQS is run by, and for the benefit of, the rail industry. Scheme members number around 4,000 suppliers and 90+ buyers. Since the industry took over in 2013 we’ve seen big changes. A brand-new platform designed specifically for rail. Along with new governance priorities, this allowed them to cut costs. In the first year, membership fees were cut and

took £50 off of audit day rates (by £50). This reduced the cost of business for rail suppliers, many of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

RISQS are chaired and governed independently, by representatives from across the industry (including TfL, Network Rail and the Rail Delivery Group) and have stakeholders, not shareholders, which means they offer a fair view of what benefits the industry.

Industry consultation also led to their new online benchmarking tool. This lets buyers compare suppliers on key competencies, and offers suppliers the chance to stand out from the competition. It uses information from the registration verification process to encourage transparency, comparability and competition to drive up standards across the supply chain.

New developments like this are part of their commitment to helping the entire industry.

This kind of ongoing improvement based on industry needs is why TfL recently extended its use of RISQS, and why Network Rail continues to require its direct suppliers to be members.

Now isn’t the time to turn back the clock

In times of change, having a single trusted point of reference for supplier assurance means one (big) thing less to worry about. At RISQS, they’ve always worked hard to build trust in, and understanding of, rail supplier assurance.

During the disruption of the pandemic, they’ve done everything they can to help support the industry, from designing and carrying out remote audits to extending subscription payments for suppliers. They hope to act as a safe central reference for organisations great and small.

The balkanisation of supplier assurance services could reverse some of the progress we’ve outlined here – sucking value out of the rail market.

The rail industry can never turn its back on safety. And, at least for today, it can’t turn its back on efficiency. RISQS was built from the ground up with safety, costeffectiveness and sustainability in mind. We don’t want GB rail to lose sight of what good looks like.

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COMPANY FOCUS

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MODULAR ACCESS AT SWINDON

H

AKI is a leading specialist in modular access solutions for complex and temporary works across a wide range of industry sectors, including rail.

When scaffolding contractor J.F.E. Attridge needed a fast and temporary bridge solution for the Gypsy Lane project in Swindon, they turned to HAKI for the HAKI Bridge System and HAKI Public Access Stairs.

The bridge needs to span 23.5m across a track, providing a safe and comfortable nonslip walkway during the difficult winter months.

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HAKI worked in partnership with J.F.E. Attridge to find a solution that would provide a minimum loading of 5kN/m2 and internal cladding for the bridge, to protect the public from high winds. The simple, systemised components allowed J.F.E. Attridge’s scaffolders to build the bridge in just 7 hours, despite having never built a HAKI Bridge System previously.

Two 4.7m tall stairs were also required, suitable for long term public use, to be provided either side of the track. The HAKI Public Access Stairs were erected by 4 men in just 8 hours. As the HAKI erection

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

method is to build ahead and always behind a guard frame, building the stairs in a potentially dangerous area was made far safer and easier - minimising any risk to the scaffolders on site.

Once the HAKI Public Access Stairs were built, the final step was to connect them with the HAKI Bridge System, an operation that was assisted by HAKI technicians and swiftly completed by crane one night in just 15 minutes.

The HAKI Public Access Stairs allowed for a comfortable walk-up to the bridge, whilst the sturdy handrails provided strong support, with the 2m-wide bridge providing comfortable room for a busy public walkway. Along the bridge there were high sections with cladding, to keep the public safe and sheltered from bad weather during the winter months.

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HAKI’s world-class technical support team are always onhand to advise on design and solve even the most complex temporary work access challenges, with skill and ingenuity. Proud of their success, HAKI have an unrivalled supply standard that reaches across the country, meeting all availability and reliability requirements.

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TRACK SAFETY

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REPORT BY COLIN WHEELER

BALLAST SCRATCHED BOOTS SHARED EXPERIENCES AND THE "GO TO JAIL CARD"

A

lmost all of my railway civil engineering experience was with British Railways before the unlamented Railtrack was formed. As a graduate I began “on the shovel” in an experienced city track maintenance gang and was “minded” by platelayer Charlie in safe track working. Later I learnt how to read track patroller’s reports and to listen and learn from maintenance gangers and Permanent Way Inspectors. Later still I met with the Division’s Chief Permanent Way Inspector whose practical views and opinions on trackwork were in many ways on a par with those of the relevant local divisional engineer.

After a short while, I could see that a depth of understanding from shovel level was complementary to engineering technical knowledge.

Local experience together with that knowledge made the identification of faults and how to repair them easier. Record keeping was generally the job of “light duty men”; a benevolent euphemism for those knowledgeable trackmen retained in employment despite being unfit for manual trackwork, due to injuries sustained at work or age; or a combination of both! My early career began when “mechanised maintenance” (i.e., using rail mounted tamping, regulating and lining machines etc) was being introduced and track maintenance gang sizes and numbers were consequently being reduced as fewer men on shovels or ballast forks were needed.

Now we have the benefit of computing to store records and keep them available but have we lost many of the advantages of face to face listening together with sharing information and motivation with those whose boots are “ballast scratched”? Arguably this is evident from recent RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) reports and Network Rail’s Safety Central website.

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Red, Green, Warning and Protection Issued on 29 June on Network Rail’s Safety Central website was Local Safety Advice 21-01 from Network Rail’s “Project Manager Technical Authority”. It says that “Planners, Controllers of Site Safety (COSS’s) and other trackworkers will be aware that the terms Red and Green Zone working were removed from the Rule Book a number of years ago” and from 2017 from standard 019. Really?

The Advice adds that “Any text referring to Red and Green Zones that exists in the National Hazard Directory will be bulk updated to remove these terms on 30 June 2021”. It then asserts that the terms red and green zone will be replaced by “Warning SSOW” and “Protection SSOW” respectively; please check as I may have them the wrong way round! (SSOW Safe System of Work).

Newhouse Barton Western Safety Bulletin

Unauthorised Open Line Working with a three second near miss! On 21 June two trackworkers were patrolling in the four-foot on a curve and checking rail temperatures. Their sighting distance was inadequate when that moved to a place of safety with three seconds to spare before a train passed them.

The plan was for the work to be done using a “line blockage with additional protection”. The protection was refused by the Green Zone Access Controller!

(Does the Technical Authority know they still exist?)

The planner did not know

Colin Wheeler.

how to escalate the matter so the Safe Work Pack (SWP) was not amended before being authorised and issued to the PIC (Person in Charge). Poor mobile phone reception meant that the two were unable to contact the signaller to arrange protection so they continued their work without having a SSOW in place.

Hopefully the author of the Bulletin, Western’s principal construction manager will suggest that ease of understanding and simplicity are key on a day-to-day basis, and those changing rules and the Hazard Directory ought to get their boots well scratched by track ballast!

RAIB’s investigation of Roade track worker fatality

On 9 June the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) published report 03/2021 following their investigation of the fatal accident to a trackworker who was struck by a train at Roade in Northamptonshire on 8 April last year.

The report summary is clear and concise, “the accident happened because the trackworker, who

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

TRACK SAFETY

31

S,

25

Confidential Reporting Est Safety 1996 for

Speak up confidentially.

We’ve been listening for 25 years.

Raise a concern for any company – not just your employer.

Work environment

Rules & procedures

Welfare facilities

Equipment

Occupational Safety hygiene practices

Training & competence

Fatigue

www.ciras.org.uk Report hotline: 0800 4 101 101 Rail Media - This is CIRAS ciras@25.indd 1

Report textline: 07507 285 887

Freepost: CIRAS

05/08/2021 09:55:28 FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

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was the person in charge of the work with responsibilities as Controller of Site Safety, was walking along a line that was open to traffic and did not look back towards the approaching train on hearing its warning horn.

He had gone back onto track after handing back a blockage of the line, which had been taken to isolate the overhead line equipment, a task which it was later appreciated did not need to be done every day.”

Image showing site looking north including safety fence and overhead line equipment.

Inadequate management systems and work planning

The investigation found that “performance monitoring and appraisal arrangements for the track worker were inadequate and did not identify and address issues of compliance with rules standards and procedures”. The system of work was inadequate for the work being undertaken and did not specify adequate arrangements encouraging compliance.

The report suggests that this possibly affected the behaviour of the trackworker and others. The report makes three recommendations, two for the employer AmcoGiffen and one for Network Rail.

AmcoGiffen should develop and implement formal performance monitoring and appraisals for identifying and developing the ongoing safety performance and competence of its workforce at all grades.

Secondly AmcoGiffen should review management arrangements and resources to ensure that work is planned, undertaken and reviewed in compliance with its management systems, particularly in the early stages of establishing new projects and sites of work.

Remotely operated earthing devices needed!

The recommendations for Network Rail are far reaching. They are to review and amend their Electrical Safety Delivery programme to confirm that it takes account of the learning from the Roade investigation and consider ways of minimising the need for personnel to access the track, such as remotely operated

earthing devices, and improved coordination and visibility of key information when planning and taking isolations of electrical supply and contact systems.

Llandegai Tunnel, Gwynedd near miss

On 30 June RAIB published their safety digest about a near miss on 13 February this year. It happened around 1233. The track worker was one of a group of two inspecting ice accumulation in the tunnel. His colleague was acting as “protection controller” and took a line blockage of the up line (eastwards) through all three tunnels.

After confirming that the up line was blocked, the protection controller became the Controller of Site Safety (COSS) and the two worked together. The approaching Shrewsbury to Holyhead train was travelling at close to its maximum speed of 75 mph when its driver saw the workers and sounded the horn.

One second to spare

The pair had entered the tunnel on the down line (used by westbound trains) and were using a long pole to remove icicles from the tunnel roof. Hearing the horn and seeing the train the COSS shouted that they were on the wrong line.

He managed to get to the safety of the adjacent line; the other track worker fell over, but managed to roll into the space between the two tracks. The train driver applied the emergency brake and again sounded the horn. CCTV shows the second worker rolled clear with just one second to spare.

No staff available

Both trackworkers worked for AmcoGriffen and managed a team contracted by Network Rail to carry out minor works on structures in North Wales. They could be called to check tunnels with ventilation shafts and deal with ice. Network Rail’s plan in Wales for dealing with the ice risk in tunnels is for trains to be cautioned when a “red warning” low

(Above) CCTV from the approaching train.

(Left) Route showing the location of the three tunnels and the two access points close to Llandegai tunnel.

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This is what assurance looks like

Since 2018, we’ve been run by stakeholders, not shareholders. RISQS has been designed with industry involvement and built for rail from the ground up.

That’s why the industry’s biggest buyers choose us.

Plus, you can benefit from a recent price reduction and service improvements.

Find out what RISQS could do for you at risqs.org

Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme

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TRACK SAFETY

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

Safety Central MEWP basket contacted live overhead line equipment On 14 May at 0038 at Wolverton on the West Coast Main Line south a technician was working in the basket of a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) when it came into contact with live overhead line equipment (OLE). He was still in hospital with serious injuries on 18 May. The operator of the MEWP also sustained a minor injury. The work being undertaken was “routine planned OLE adjustments”. Both British Transport Police and the Office of Rail and Road are now involved.

Derailment risk following engineering work

temperature alert (72 hours of temperatures below zero degrees C) is experienced. It had been cold for several days and other AmcoGriffen staff had been deployed to tunnels across North Wales on 10 February.

The senior asset engineer and control were concerned and wanted to avoid cautioning trains. They arranged a reinspection of the tunnels to be completed before 2130 on Saturday 13 February. The engineer called the rostered COSS, who having no staff available, agreed with his manager that they would inspect the tunnels themselves.

Icicles and access points

Due to a driver’s report of icicles, trains were being cautioned through Penmaenbach tunnel near Conwy. The two travelled in separate road vehicles to Penmaenbach where they completed their work by 1130 leaving three more that were nearer Bangor.

One trackworker had been to Llangedai Tunnel before during a possession in 2019 so the COSS followed him to the access point used previously. The COSS spoke with Bangor signaller saying he was “at the Llangedai access gate” and needed 10-20 minutes to inspect the tunnel.

He was offered the up line for nearly an hour but told the down line would have to stay open. The COSS though this would suffice for all three tunnels so the relevant forms were completed.

Wrong access point!

The COSS referred to an access point list from Network Rail’s Hazard Directory, picking out “Llangedai Tunnel” where the track adjacent to the access was the up. They were actually at “Blake and Arnold” access point where the nearest track was the down line that was open for traffic!

This was the access used back in 2019.

Consequently, they entered the tunnel on the down line from the wrong direction believing

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they were protected. Neither of them had been to the Llangedai access before. RAIB reviewed the 13 February train service pattern.

Had they waited a further ten minutes for the train to pass, another would not have been due for over an hour. The Blake and Arnold access point did not have a sign indicating which track was which.

North London Bell Isle Junction MEWP runaway

RAIB are investigating the runaway at around 3-40 am on the morning of 16 May of a MEWP (mobile elevated work platform) that occurred as it was being on-tracked.

A similar event happened in 2016. It ran away for about 700 metres on a 1 in 28 gradient in the direction of London St Pancras station. RAIB’s preliminary examination revealed that its direct wheel braking system was not correctly set for operational use and this was the likely cause.

The braking system, machine maintenance, effective braking, technical issue reporting and underlying factors are all being investigated.

Signal passed at danger Sileby Junction Leicestershire On 5 May at 5-29 am a rail grinding/ profiling train on the Down Slow passed a signal at danger by 350 metres stopping foul of the junction over which a train of empty coaches travelling in the opposite direction had passed less than ten seconds earlier!

RAIB’s preliminary examination found no faults in the trains or signalling equipment.

Brakes on the grinding train were applied and the Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) intervened but the train did not stop within the safe overrun distance. RAIB are considering management of the train driver’s competence, signalling design Leicester/ Loughborough, effectiveness of the TPWS and relevant underlying factors.

At Barnehurst in Kent possession was given up around an engineering train which then left the worksite. Its driver on seeing an obstruction across the adjacent line spoke to the signaller who blocked that line. Two sleepers were chained and padlocked to the running rails. It has been established that the sleepers were left to create a barrier to control the risk of a “rail mounted plant runaway” leaving the site of work. I wonder if their use was specified in the SSOW? Currently we have a sophisticated, computerised planning system to be proud of, but it contains some rules etc even in the Hazard Directory which are not accepted by those directly involved in doing the work.

Without the buy-in and ownership of each safe system of work plan by the workforce and each and every shift supervisor the plan is worthless and potentially dangerous.

I recall using a system where technical staff and supervisors, who would be doing shifts together visited every site in daylight and agreed or if necessary, amended the working details so that they were committed to the detailed work method of every shift.

Consequently, they carried out the work as planned. They both wore ballast scratched boots and were aware that if it all went wrong, they would suffer the consequences and get the blame!!

A Better, Safer Railway

Discover how industry, with support from RSSB, is keeping Britain’s Railways safe.

Download RSSB’s Annual Health and Safety report. This report reviews the year’s health and safety performance, looks at the lessons that can be learned, identifies emerging risks, and outlines what the industry is doing to improve health and safety.

3 16

fatalities in a train accident

One passenger, two members of train crew

public fatalities at other locations

Eleven trespassers, five on level crossings

3

workforce fatalities

Not in train accidents

78

in % reduction passenger journeys

1

passenger fatality in a station

253

suicides or suspected suicides

Download the full report at: www.rssb.co.uk/AHSR

36

HEALTH+SAFETY

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

RAIL STILL

SAFER THAN ANDROADGREENER

B

ritain’s railways remain the safest and greenest forms of land transport, but there is no room for complacency.

The independent rail safety body RSSB has published its latest Annual Health and Safety Report for Britain’s railways, covering the last financial year 2020-21.

A year like no other saw rail grappling with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and a significant drop in passengers, all while ensuring the railways remained safe for people to work and use.

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A train journey is still over 20 times safer than travelling the same distance by car, meaning any shift from public to private transport would have a detrimental effect on safety, health and the environment, according to RSSB. Three people died in a train derailment at Carmont in August 2020, following 13 years with no passenger or workforce fatalities in accidents of that type in Britain. Conversely, there are at least 1,500 fatalities on Britain’s roads reported every year.

While the comparison is stark, this takes nothing away from the tragic effects that poor safety performance has on the workforce, passengers and public, as well as the wider economy.

RSSB are keen to state that safety cannot be taken for granted while the reforms prompted by the Williams-Shapps plan are brought in. Safety will be critical to maintaining the confidence needed by people and freight to return to rail, which in turn, will improve Britain’s economic and environmental prospects, meeting people’s needs and helping people to rediscover quality of life.

RSSB’s Director of System Safety and Health, Ali Chegini said, “Fundamentally,

our Annual Health and Safety Report 2020-1 shows that Britain’s railways can continue to be proud of a formidable safety record that makes the train far safer than other transport modes.

“The industry’s response to the pandemic was heroic, keeping the nation’s critical workers and supplies moving to where they needed to be, all while handling safety and the impact of Covid simultaneously.

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

HEALTH+SAFETY

37

R

“The fatal train accident at Carmont as well as the workforce fatalities at Roade and Surbiton show that we are not infallible.

These are indicators of big challenges where improvement is needed, and where RSSB is playing a part, through industry collaboration and its strategy: Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railways.

“As we move into an era of reform post the Williams-Shapps plan for rail publication, we will need to make sure the industry continues to work together closely to monitor risk and make the right interventions. Our members, funders and wider rail users can count on us for support, and we will continue to help rail become healthier and safer together.”

The rail body has been keen to ensure that its members are Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railways, industry’s shared strategy that focuses on the key risks and challenges.

RSSB’s data analysis has boosted rail’s understanding of Covid transmission risk, making it easier to manage decisions and put in the right controls, for different levels of restrictions and passenger numbers.

Experts are also helping Network Rail undertake analysis of earthworks examination and failure data, and develop a system risk model to help identify the appropriate operational response to forecasts of extreme weather.

RSSB has also provided data and risk analysis to support the move away from working with unassisted lookout protection, and reduce the risk to the workforce out on the track. This comes after two infrastructure workers were struck by trains and killed in separate incidents during the year; one at Roade in April 2020, and the other at Surbiton in February 2021.

In spite of their role as critical key workers during the pandemic, there was a big increase in the number of assaults on staff in proportion to the number of passengers travelling. RSSB has produced tools to help rail companies manage the risk of assaults and trauma, and industry is continuing to work closely together to ensure the numbers come down, and staff are better protected.

Download the full report at: www.rssb.co.uk/AHSR FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF | @RAIL_STAFF | RAILSTAFF.CO.UK

38

FEATURE

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

SMALL TALK SAVES LIVES

RAIL INDUSTRY GETS ON BOARD FOR SAMARITANS' CAMPAIGN

B

ritish reserve may be internationally renowned but a new survey by Samaritans shows how much we rely on small talk as a nation, even with the limiting social restrictions of the pandemic.

The findings come as Samaritans launches a new phase of Small Talk Saves Lives this summer, in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, to empower the public to act to prevent suicide on the railways and other settings.

The YouGov survey found that over three quarters of UK adults (78%) used small talk during the pandemic, whilst almost one in five of those surveyed say they are likely to want to make more small talk with a stranger face to face once restrictions are lifted (19%). Just over half of those who want to make more small talk said it was because

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they now recognise the importance of human connection (51%) and with 39% of respondents saying they also appreciate the sense of community the pandemic brought out in people.

Despite the unprecedented events of the last year, the good old British weather still remains the go-to subject for striking up conversation, chosen by 71% of people, compared to coronavirus in second place with 45%.

After an incredibly tough year and as the nation begins to readjust to life with easing restrictions, the campaign reminds the public they already have the skills to start a conversation with someone who needs help, giving them the confidence to act. By trusting our instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, a little small talk and a simple question, such as “Hello, what’s the time?” can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help start them on the journey to recovery. It could save a life.

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

FEATURE

39

SHEILA'S SMALL TALK HELPS SAVE A LIFE

The survey also highlighted the benefits small talk can have, with over half of respondents saying it can make people feel less lonely (57%) and boost their own mental health and wellbeing (45%), as well as showing others that people care and want to help them (28%).

Network Rail’s Dom Mottram, age 32, knows the importance of small talk after he experienced suicidal thoughts aged 19 and was considering taking his life when a lady approached him and asked him a question – her kindness “snapping him out of harming himself in the moment”. Dom has since helped others in a similar situation both in and out of the rail environment.

Dom said: “I’m thankful for the ripple effect of that lady saving my life – without her stopping and checking if I was okay, I might not be here to now look out for and save others. I’m always on the lookout for anyone who might need help. If I see someone who looks out of place or a bit down, I often just go over and ask if they’re alright and try and bring them to a place of safety. Nine times out of ten the person is absolutely fine – but trusting my instincts and talking to that one person can make such a difference.

“It took me a long time before I spoke to anyone about that moment - but it was a wake-up call and I eventually got help from the university and my family. I’ve had my ups and downs with my mental health after that, but I’ve come a long way since my 19-year-old self and feel I know how to support my mental health now. I’d encourage everyone to talk about how they’re feeling and ask for help.

It’s so true that small talk is enough to save someone’s life – just as it did for me and it’s what I always try to do for others.”

Samaritans CEO Julie Bentley said: “We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on the nation’s mental health and wellbeing and even though restrictions are lifting, people are still struggling. It’s so important we look out for one another now more than ever, because suicide is preventable and it’s everybody’s business.

“How people act when they are struggling to cope is different for everyone – people may seem distant or upset, but suicidal thoughts are often temporary – so if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and try and start a conversation. Whether that’s on a journey home from work as we start to travel more or someone you may pass in the street – any one of us could have an opportunity to save a life.

Let’s start a conversation and work together to prevent suicide.”

Initially launched in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives was developed after research showed passengers have a key role to play in suicide prevention. The latest phase of Small Talk Saves Lives has the backing from leading suicide prevention expert and psychologist, Associate Professor Lisa Marzano, from Middlesex University. Further new research from Marzano has confirmed that when asked, people with experience of suicidal thoughts said that verbal interventions, including small talk, providing reassurance and listening, are the most helpful things a person can do to respond to someone in a crisis.

Huddersfield-based railway colleague, Sheila Anderson, has made an intervention to save someone’s life after feeling empowered to apply the skills she learnt through Samaritans’ training with Network Rail.

Sheila, a Learning & Development Administrator, has worked for TransPennine Express in Huddersfield for six years and took part in Samaritans’ ‘managing suicidal contacts’ training with Network Rail, as part of the rail industry partnership.

In early 2020, Sheila was heading out for her weekly food shop, when she saw someone who needed help – trusting her instincts, she struck up a conversation and managed to get them the help they needed.

Sheila said: “Around the beginning of last year, I was on the way to my weekly shop when I came across a young woman in floods of tears. I had taken part in Samaritans’ Managing Suicidal Contacts training over four years ago, wbut something inside me told me something was wrong, so I stopped the car and slowly approached her. I asked, “has something happened to bring you here today?” and I could tell that instantly broke her thoughts.

She told me her name and said she was struggling to cope as she wasn’t able to get the support she needed.

“I then encouraged her to move to somewhere quieter to get her to a safer place and she asked me to call the hospital she was at. Another woman stopped and kindly offered to help. She hugged the young lady and made small talk, whilst I arranged for an ambulance.

“I’d encourage everyone, if they see someone who needs help, just say anything – anything that’s going to break that cycle of thought. Even though I was lucky enough to have Samaritans’ training in the rail industry, I think I’m quite an observant and caring person and since that experience I’m even more hyper-sensitive and would do the same again in a heartbeat.”

Network Rail offers this training by Samaritans to give rail staff the skills they need to help identify vulnerable people and get them to a place of safety. Over the past 10 years, the partnership has trained over 23,000 rail and BTP staff to look out for passengers and make conversation if they feel someone might be vulnerable.

The campaign is a reminder that, like Sheila, everyone has the skills to start a conversation with someone who needs help. By trusting our instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, a little small talk and a simple question, such as “Hello, what’s the time?” can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help start them on the journey to recovery. It could save a life.

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40

FEATURE

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

REPORT BY COLIN WHEELER

RAILWAY STRUCTURES TURES ARE DIFFERENT CULTURAL VANDALISM AT GREAT MUSGRAVE

A

s a student I worked briefly for a County Council in the department led by that County’s Surveyor and Bridgemaster who was a chartered civil engineer with many years of experience.

Post-graduation working for British Rail was very different.

In one railway office I recall the working of a full-time member of staff whose sole mission was to generate income by letting contracts for the removal of the steel deck spans of redundant railway bridges usually leaving the abutments and wind walls standing. At the time the prices being paid for scrap steel significantly improved our bottom line. Detailed examination of these bridge decks often revealed serious corrosion wherever water could accumulate. Bearings, cill beams, trimmer girders, trough decks and other areas all needed close examination if the bridge’s life was to be extended.

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Due to the age of these bridges their design life easily exceeded the 100 or so years with which highway engineers are well acquainted.

Indeed, most if not all would have been candidates for estimated and actual cost reductions if the original designers had known how to apply “value engineering” analysis. However routine maintenance had been neglected deliberately due to budget constraints and the prioritisation of repair works to operational structures.

I also recall having to repair two ornamental stone arch bridges within the grounds of a minor stately home due to the fact that the owner of the house at the time when a certain railway was built only agreed to allow it to be built across his land if the rail company agreed to maintain the two bridges into perpetuity!

When Railtrack was set up many disused railway structures, including unused railway bridges and tunnels were initially transferred to the keeping of “British Rail Residual”. This was the method

Colin Wheeler.

used to separate them from the operational railway. In 2013 Highways England became responsible for them. In total there is a portfolio of 3,800 bridges, tunnels and viaducts.

Their website says that very rarely is demolition or infilling considered and the local authority is asked to take over the structure or others may provide a “viable new use”.

Infilling of bridges they describe as “where material such as crushed rock underneath an old railway bridge makes sure it is fully supported”.

I had first-hand experience of the filling in of a number of structures but the one I best remember was a series of brick arches carrying an operational railway that had been filled in to reduce maintenance. Details of the filling were meagre, but for a few decades there had been no problems. Then the track geometry began to deteriorate, a speed restriction was imposed and we sought the cause.

From the memories of a former employee, we then discovered the inadequacy of the filling in.

Having crawled into a horizontal man-sized tunnel at the top of the filled in arches embankment we

discovered that only around three quarters of the depth of each arch was filled. Believing it was filled our predecessors had tried to grout up the space between the fill and each arch soffit. Generally, the set grout could be seen in the form of a near perfect cone supporting thin air! The three ring arches had deteriorated and loose brickwork with slipped bricks was easily seen. We closed the railway for some weeks, broke each arch at its springing, and filled and consolidated substantial quantities of additional filling material. The tracks were then reinstated and the problems did not recur.

Subsequently I had reason to demolish a number of redundant brick and stone bridges. A lesson had been learnt, we always broke the filled arch at both sides or by the removal of keystones and then consolidated the arch rubble and fill together to eliminate voids.

Merely filling in but leaving the arches intact will not guarantee support. But for many original railway structures especially those built in stone or brickwork (including engineering bricks) the 100-year design life does not apply. The design life of vintage rail steel structures is most often

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

limited by fatigue considerations, with working loadings well within permitted limits. The design life of brick and stone bridges and tunnels is longer as may be judged by the number of original structures still in use. The first railway was built nearly 200 years ago.

Some time ago I recall a design consultancy business development director trying to convince me that with the number of bridges and tunnels we were responsible for, we ought to be renewing a set number each and every year.

He offered to provide designers to do the job. We were standing under a splendid multi-span stone viaduct that was nearly 150 years old. I pointed to the cathedral in the city which was built 1,100 years ago to explain my lack of concern. In my experience creating a reinforced concrete saddle over weak arches is both simple and cost effective in extending the lives of

FEATURE

41

such arches.

I am surprised and dismayed to learn from press reports that in May of this year a bridge at Great Musgrave in Cumbria was infilled using 1,000 tonnes of concrete and aggregate under its arches. Highways England have apparently claimed that the “infilling of the arch removes the risk of the bridge deck failing”.

The need for retrospective planning permission is now being examined despite the District Council originally stating it was not needed.

Pictures of the infilled 159 year old bridge do not look good! Given the number of Victorian innovative railway structures we have as testimony to an astonishing work of the Stephensons, Brunel and others, I concur with the use by the Historical Railways Estate Group campaigners of the description of the action taken at Great Musgrave as being “cultural vandalism”.

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42

RAILSTAFF AWARDS

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

RAIL TEAM OF THE YEAR O

ne of the most loosely defined categories at the RailStaff Awards, Rail Team of the Year gives nominators broad scope. A team can be any number between two and infinity, and there is no restriction on what role that team has in ‘real’ life.

So, nominating a pair of recruiters, five drainage specialists, ten train cleaners or twenty timetable planners – all are equally valid entries.

That permissible variety was evident in the nominations in 2019. A total entry of 64 teams included train operator apprentices, community ambassadors, a graduate outreach programme, a performance and planning team, train care, customer service, revenue protection, a station team (including the station cat!) and even a team of drivers testing new trains in the Czech Republic!

What will the RailStaff Awards attract in 2021?

MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY As it happened, the 2019 winner was the ‘Scotrail in the Community’ team, which had successfully delivered a number of community rail, regeneration, transport integration, accessibility and charitable schemes over the previous year.

This included high-profile events such as hosting the Association of Community Rail Awards in October 2018, which was attended by close to 500 people - an event record.

There have also been smaller changes that have had a big impact on people’s lives.

Grace’s Signs, a more-inclusive toilet door sign for people with invisible disabilities, has been introduced to all stations. It is named after 13-year-old Grace Warnock, who has Crohn’s Disease and who came up with the idea after facing criticism from strangers when she used accessible toilets.

In a nomination bursting with success stories, there were also mentions of: a comprehensive programme of cycling initiatives, reducing the notice for passenger assist times to only two hours from April 2019 and increasing ScotRail’s ‘Adopt a Station’ programme to 75 per cent of its stations, while still reducing overall costs by 20 per cent.

James Ledgerwood, head of economic development and communities at ScotRail, said: “I’m so pleased for the team, because that’s the key thing. I work with a wonderful team - they’ve worked so hard since Abellio won the franchise to really change what the railway’s about.

“They’ve changed it from being just about getting from A to B to being much more about the community and this is just a small reward for the work the boys and girls have done.

“Community rail is at the forefront of what the franchise is all about. Railways are going to be so important in the future, they’re going to be at the heart of communities, whether it be for getting people to education, work or for tourism, it’s about connecting people to opportunities.”

The Rail Team of the Year Award was sponsored by on-track plant hire specialists Total Rail Solutions (TRS). Paul Bateman, chief executive officer at TRS, said: “What can I say?

Another fantastic evening showcasing the rail industry and the people who make it happen.

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FORGING AHEAD

The Rail Team of the Year category is of special importance to all at TRS as it represents the core value of teamwork, a value the business and the industry rightly places at the epicentre of all it does and achieves.

TRS CEO Paul Bateman said “This last year has clearly presented many additional and unimaginable challenges. Those challenges have been firmly met by an industry that is recognised for its planning, organisation and teamwork. I am particularly pleased to see the wealth of applications outlining the great work and results the various teams have achieved, from across the sector”.

Total Rail Solutions themselves have strengthened their team, in addition to simplifying its working processes thus ensuring its customers are best placed to meet and address the challenges and opportunities of an evolving rail network.

Paul continued, “I am delighted to welcome the four new members of our leadership team. We have worked diligently to ensure the recruitment strategy matched that of the business and the needs of our customers, employees and stakeholders. The new team is equipped with a depth of knowledge and expertise of the market and industry, in addition to a proven track record of delivering results”.

43

Team TRS announced earlier this year, two significant initiatives to complement its environmental and welfare strategies. Firstly TRS will become one of the first hirers in the rail sector to switch from fuelling its machines with diesel, to one of the cleanest fuels on the market, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) supplied by Crown Oil. Secondly, the company will be installing defibrillators and easy to operate guides in each of their 70 strong fleet or Road Rail Vehicles (RRV). Thus improving the recovery rate of any rail operative who suffers a cardiac arrest, whilst in the vicinity of a TRS machine.

Total Rail Solution specialist RRV plant and multi-disciplined expert teams get hired for a wide range of projects, including rail infrastructure and civils, permanent way and electrification. With three broad areas of service, TRS keep the operations flexible, so they can be tailored to meet customers’ exact needs.

Watch // TRS CEO Paul Bateman talking about HVO at Rail Live 2021

Scan this //

On-track plant hire and POS services

RRV hire and POS services, including on-track plant planning, delivery and site management.

Multi-disciplined labour provision

Delivering the best rail labour teams for every project.

Sub-contract management and project delivery

End-to-end project delivery, managing rail sub-contractors, equipment, materials and labour needs.

With delivery, customer experience and renewal teams amongst the finalist, in addition to teams who have provided support to others via the Railway Benevolent Fund, TRS is proud, once again, to support and sponsor the Rail Team of the Year category, in a year, like no other year.

total rail sustainable Total Rail Solutions ditches diesel and switches to a cleaner, greener fuel for a more sustainable rail network .

•

Alternative HVO fuel from Crown Oil to be supplied in all plant

•

Further improving the environmental impact on the rail network

We are one of the first hirers in rail to make this change and are committed to protecting all our futures.

Visit totalrailsolutions.co.uk or call 01962 711642 to find out more

0542_IMAGI-06-21_Print-Digi-Ad_Jun21.indd 1

12/08/2021 19:16

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RAILTEX | INFRARAIL

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

THE RETURN OF

RAILTEX AND INFRARAIL

FOLLOWING A CHALLENGING PERIOD BROUGHT ON

BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE RAIL INDUSTRY IS NOW TARGETING A DETERMINED RECOVERY

S

uccessful rail events will play a major role in kickstarting business activity and reconnecting the key decision makers with their peers.

Railtex and Infrarail, which have both served the rail market for over 20 years, are back in what is being billed as the ‘ultimate show for the UK rail industry’.

The exhibition will offer a brand-new programme of activity, held in partnership with supporting organisations old and new.

A new feature from RIA is the Unlocking Innovation (UI) Zone, which will be a daily programme focusing on new ideas and thinking that could benefit the railway, its passengers and the economy. There will also be a new UI Showcase stand, where discussions can be held with presenters from important organisations such as Network Rail, RIDC, Tier 1, HS2, regional authorities, UKRRIN and Innovate UK. Also organised by RIA will be the returning Future Focus Conference - a three-day, free to attend, high level, strategic conference covering topics for the whole industry supply chain, with political and industry leaders presenting on UK rail’s strategic direction.

More products, services and live demonstrations

By combining Railtex - the premier exhibition of railway equipment, systems and services - and Infrarail - the leading showcase for every aspect of railway infrastructure technology and expertise - the event will be the perfect platform for companies, covering every aspect of the railway industry and its associated disciplines.

Never before has there been an opportunity to see so many different products, services and innovations under one roof at a UK rail exhibition as there will be at Railtex/Infrarail 2021.

From track, rolling stock, and infrastructure to plant, machinery and civil engineering, there will be something for everyone involved in rail in any capacity. Exhibitors will be able to grab the attention of attendees by hosting their own live demonstration of products, either at their stand or at the dedicated track display area.

For more information, including the latest list of exhibitors please visit www.uk-railhub.com.

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15th International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems & Services

13th International Railway Infrastructure Exhibition

7 - 9 SEPTEMBER 2021 NEC, Birmingham

Let’s get back on track Joining forces to shape the future of UK rail Companies serving all aspects of the infrastructure and rolling stock sectors will be showcasing their technologies and innovations, covering over 180 categories of products and services from the following:

• Passenger and freight rolling stock

• Track and infrastructure

• Fare collection technology and products

• On-board comfort • Passenger information • Signalling and train control

More than just an exhibition!

Strong conference programme with 40+ speakers across two conference streams (CPD accredited)

On–Track display & Plant and Machinery exhibits

Matchmaking

Recruitment wall

NEW

First Time Exhibitor Zone

systems and equipment

REGISTER NOW!

www.uk-railhub.com

Organiser:

NEW

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RAILTEX | INFRARAIL

Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N11

PACE Networks | Hall 12 | Stand E01

Aldolex Irl Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G60

FREQUENTIS UK | Hall 12 | Stand G06

Pandrol - Vortok | Hall 11 | Stand P40

Alpha Cleantec AG | Hall 11 | Stand Q81

Fugro NL Land B.V. | Hall 11 | Stand N40

Pennant International Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand H36

Alstom Transport UK Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B11

Fujikura Europe Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N09

The Permanent Way Institution | Hall 11 | Stand N07

AMiT, spol. s r.o. | Hall 12 | Stand B37

G. Zwiehoff GmbH | Hall 12 | Stand D31

Petzl UK Agency | Hall 12 | Stand G07

Ampetronic Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D15

GAI-Tronics | Hall 12vStand D41

Pfisterer Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F10

Anderton Concrete | Hall 11 | Stand N37

Ganymede Solutions | Hall 12 | Stand L71

Phoenix Contact Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand Q77

Aqua Fabrications Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P10

GDS Technology Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand L70

Phoenix Dynamics | Hall 12 | Stand H16

Arentis Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand E46

Gem Cable Solutions | Hall 11 | Stand Q16

Polyco Healthline | Hall 12 | Stand P30

Asset International Structures

GeoPal Solutions | Hall 12 | Stand G67

Portaramp UK Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand J71

(A Division of Hill & Smith Ltd) | Hall 11 | Stand R37

Goldwing Cable Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G31

Project Control Tools | Hall 11 | Stand P60

Aura Brand Solutions | Hall 11 | Stand N31

Gramm Barriers Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand R59

Prover Technology AB | Hall 12 | Stand H30

Axminster Carpets Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B30

Green Furniture Concept AB | Hall 12 | Stand Q60

PSV Glass & Glazing | Hall 12 | Stand C37

Ballyclare Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand E11

Harmill Systems Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D37

PULSAR ® | Hall 11 | Stand P30

Barkers Fencing | Hall 11 | Stand N77

HARTING | Hall 12 | Stand H46

QuEST Global | Hall 12 | Stand B38

Bender UK | Hall 12 | Stand F61

HEGENSCHEIDT-MFD GmbH | Hall 12 | Stand F56

Radionika sp. z o.o. | Hall 11 | Stand N67

Bespoke Composite Panels &

Hepworth Group (B Hepworth & Co Ltd) | Hall 11 | Stand N82

Rail Forum Midlands | Hall 12 | Stand H51

Corex Honeycomb | Hall 12 | Stand H10

Hikvision UK & Ireland Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B62

Rail Innovations | Hall 11 | Stand N64

Big Bear Plastics Products Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand J80

Hilti (GB) Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F31

Railmetrics | Hall 11 | Stand Q37

Binder UK Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand Q30

Hird Rail Development/Trough-Tec Systems | Hall 12 | Stand G11

Railway Benefit Fund | Hall 11 | Stand P67

Birmingham Centre for Railway

Hitachi Information Control Systems Europe | Hall 11 | Stand P16

Railway Industry Association | Hall 11 | Stand R66

Research and Education | Hall 12 | Stand E10

Hoppecke Industrial Batteries Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand C66

RED TRAINING | Hall 11 | Stand P04

Blaschke Umwelttechnik GmbH | Hall 12 | Stand D31

Horizon Utility Supplies Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand M11

RISQS | Hall 12 | Stand G10

Blocksil Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N81

HR Kilns Ltd / HR Fibreglass | Hall 11 | Stand Q66

Roxtec Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand M17

Bolle Safety UK | Hall 12 | Stand B47

Hubner UK Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N46

Royal British Legion Industries | Hall 12 | Stand G02

Bonomi | Hall 12 | Stand E01

Hydram Engineering Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G16

Sabre Rail | Hall 12 | Stand E40

British Steel | Hall 11 | Stand N71

Hydro - Pole Products | Hall 12 | Stand G32

Salamander Fabrications | Hall 12 | Stand H51

Bulldog Tools | Hall 11 | Stand R79

icotek | Hall 11 | Stand Q10

Schaltbau | Hall 12 | Stand C67

Buttkereit Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand H47

iLine Technologies/Channeline International | Hall 12 | Stand G37

Schweizer Electronic Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N16

Cablecraft Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand C02

Infinitive Group Ltd | Hall 12 Stand L61

Scott Cables Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F02

Cembre Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F17

ITH Bolting Technology | Hall 11 | Stand N68

Scott Parnell Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N17

CIBEST | Hall 11 | Stand R16

Ixthus Instrumentation Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand J46

Sécheron SA | Hall 12 | Stand F36

CLEANSOFT | Hall 12 | Stand R47

Jet Aire Services | Hall 12 | Stand K70

SEED Architects | Hall 12 | Stand K61

CMCA (UK) | Hall 12 | Stand G38

Jewers Doors Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P42

Sekisui Chemical GmbH | Hall 12 | Stand H41

Colchester Fuel Injection Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P06

J-Flex Rubber Products | Hall 12 | Stand H51

SELLA CONTROLS Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F39

CoMech Metrology Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G17

JMS Transformers Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P70

Senceive Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N83

Competency Training Marketplace (CTM),

Johnson Controls | Hall 12 | Stand H61

SeSys Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N64

powered by Sopra Steria | Hall 12 | Stand L83

Jones Nuttall Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D17

SET Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand H51

Complete Cyber | Hall 11 | Stand R80

JSP | Hall 12 | Stand P30

Silver Fox | Hall 11 | Stand R36

Concrete Canvas Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D30

KeTech | Hall 11 | Stand N41

Snap-on Industrial | Hall 12 | Stand B10

Cordant Services | Hall 12 | Stand J81

Klauke UK Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand M11

SPL Powerlines (UK) Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand E47

Cordel Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G51

KLEIN Anlagenbau AG | Hall 12 | Stand D31

Stadler Rail AG | Hall 12 | Stand F11

Craig and Derricott | Hall 12 | Stand H14

Kloeckner Metals | Hall 11 | Stand P80

Sulzer Rotating Equipment Services UK | Hall 12 | Stand B41

Cubis Systems | Hall 11 | Stand Q40

KMT | Hall 12 | Stand L73

Taziker Industrial | Hall 11 | Stand R77

The Crown Group | Hall 12 | Stand L53

Kwik-Step Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand E56

TenBroeke Company Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand H51

Dartford Composites Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand L80

LECM Industries | Hall 11 | Stand P61

Tensar International Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F50

dBD Communications | Hall 11 | Stand N04

Leo Workwear Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D47

Thales UK Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G57

Depot Rail Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B31

Lindapter International | Hall 11 | Stand R21

The CPD Certification Service | Hall 12 | Stand E60

Design & Analysis Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand H51

Linmag Rail Milling Service | Hall 12 | Stand B50

Thermit Welding | Hall 12 | Stand E50

Deutzer-Measurement Services | Hall 12 | Stand B56

LINSINGER | Hall 12 | Stand E17

Tidyco Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N30

Dms Technologies | Hall 12 | Stand E37

LPA Group Plc | Hall 11 | Stand N10

Time 24 Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand C03

dormakaba UK | Hall 11 | Stand Q17

Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR Ltd) | Hall 11 | Stand Q46

TMC Transformers S.p.A. | Hall 12 | Stand C31

Dürr Technik UK Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand E36

Lucid Communications | Hall 12 | Stand K80

Totalkare Powered by Emanuel | Hall 12 | Stand F16

Duvine Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand E37

Market Infra Consulting Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand L60

Trainfx Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F46

EAO Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand C41

Marshalls Civils and Drainage | Hall 12 | Stand E30

Transmag (UK) Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N62

Eartex Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P76

Mechan Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D31

Tratos UK Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P11

EKE Electronics Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand F37

Megger | Hall 12 | Stand G66

VDS Rail Srl | Hall 11 | Stand N84

Elkem Silicon Materials | Hall 11 | Stand R41

MJ Sections Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P81

Viewtec Signs Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand N61

ENAG | Hall 12 | Stand B34

Morris Line Engineering | Hall 12 | Stand E01

Visul Systems Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G30

enGauged Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand K51

Motor Scrubber UK | Hall 12 | Stand F30

Vivarail Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P72

Ensafe Consultants | Hall 12 | Stand K56

MPI Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D61

VVB Engineering (UK) ltd | Hall 11 | Stand Q71

ETAP Automation Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand R11

Murphy Geospatial | Hall 12 | Stand K71

Washington Metalworks Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B02

E-Tech Components | Hall 12 | Stand C30

Neokon Baltija UAB | Hall 11 | Stand P78

Wec Group | Hall 11 | Stand P31

European Railway Cluster Initiative - ERCI | Hall 12 | Stand E10

Network Certification Body (NCB) | Hall 12 | Stand H51

Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B16

Exception PCB Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B58

Network Rail (Technical Services) | Hall 11 | Stand R61

Weighbridge Services Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand D11

Federal-Mogul Friction Products Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand H02

NextSense GmbH | Hall 12 | Stand D31

WISKA UK Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand Q80

Findlay Irvine Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand B48

NILES-SIMMONS-HEGENSCHEIDT GmbH | Hall 12 | Stand F56

Worldsensing | Hall 12 | Stand D34

FirstClass Safety and Control Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G14

Nomad Digital Ltd | Hall 11 | Stand P69

Zep UK | Hall 11 | Stand P46

FISA Fabbrica Italiana Sedili Autoferroviari Srl | Hall 12 | Stand E31

Nubold Group | Hall 12 | Stand H51

Zöllner UK Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G40

Flexicon Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand C36

Omicron Electronics UK Ltd | Hall 12 | Stand G48

Zonegreen | Hall 11 | Stand N02

Airquick Ltd

| Hall 12 | Stand E62

RAILTEX / INFRARAIL EXHIBITOR LIST

(subject to last minute changes)

RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

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RAILSTAFF JULY-AUGUST 2021

Jason joins 3Squared as principal consultant

MacRail appoints operations director

3Squared have appointed Jason Durk as Principal Consultant.

MacRail Systems are expanding the board of directors, appointing Adam Crago as Operations Director. Adam has been with the company for over 11 years and has been at the forefront of the company’s operations development for much of that time.

Jason brings with him a wealth of experience from across the rail sector, having worked in the industry for close to 27 years at the Rail Delivery Group and several train operating companies, including Govia Thameslink Railway and CACI Ltd. At 3Squared, Jason will work closely with the sales and engagement team to develop and cultivate new relationships with passenger rail companies.

This role is vital in enabling 3Squared to expand even further and given the complexities of the industry, Jason’s appointment is a real boost for the business.

Tim Jones, Managing Director and Co-Founder of 3Squared, commented: “We are excited for Jason to join the team at a truly exciting point in our journey. It has been an exciting year for the business, from our work with HS2 to developing new and exciting products, and now with Jason’s extensive knowledge we look forward to seeing what’s in store for the future at 3Squared.”

MacRail Systems Ltd, Managing Director, Tim Westwood, said of the appointment “Adam has been an invaluable member of the team throughout his career with us but has taken on an even more significant role since the business was purchased from the previous owners” “Adam’s experience and knowledge of both our company and the rail industry brings a great strength to our business and I am delighted to see him joining the board and driving the company forward. His input from an operational perspective will be hugely significant as we plan the next phase of the business’ growth and expansion”

Adam said of his appointment, “I am delighted to have joined the Board of Directors and look forward to further assisting the business on a strategic level as well as pushing the company forward on an operational front. With the services and technologies, we have available as well as our rapidly developing software packages, this is an exciting time for the company in terms of development and growth.”

TfWM appoints interim managing director Anne Shaw has today been announced as the interim managing director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

Previously director of network resilience at TfWM for almost four years, Anne is highly experienced at managing large scale and complex transport projects. During this time Anne has been responsible for ensuring residents, businesses and visitors are informed of transport disruption and helping them plan journeys to keep the region moving.

Prior to joining TfWM, Anne worked at Birmingham City Council, joining as a junior technician and then working her way up to assistant director of transportation responsible for policy, strategy and delivery.

Speaking about her appointment, Anne said: “Our region’s transport network is truly connecting communities both across and outside the West Midlands. It brings our

people together and ensures we can share out the benefits brought into the region by improving access to jobs, training courses and the region’s cultural hotspots.

“My focus as I take on this exciting new opportunity will be to ensure our transport networks run smoothly for residents and commuters; and that we are prepared for the Commonwealth Games in 2022, a time when we expect thousands of visitors to flock to the region and to see the very best of the West Midlands.”

As managing director, Anne will be responsible for delivering a £4 billion transport investment package for the region. She will also lead in delivering connectivity to HS2 including the build and operation of the West Midlands Metro.

Anne takes on the role as the previous role holder, Laura Shoaf, was appointed interim chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) last month.

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49

New managing director at Vivarail Steve McBride has been appointed Managing Director of UK operations at Vivarail, whilst Adrian Shooter continues as Chairman.

Vivarail was set up by Adrian 7 years ago and in that time has developed from rolling stock manufacturer to become a rail technology company, specialising in emission-free battery traction. Vivarail has supplied fleets of trains to London Northwestern Railway, Transport for Wales, South Western Railway and Railroad Development Corporation, and has designed and built the UK’s only battery and battery hybrid trains fully approved for

passenger service.

Steve joined Vivarail 3 years ago as Production Director, having previously worked at Angel Trains as their Operations Director. Steve has overseen the build and delivery of trains as well as introducing new systems and internal procedures to drive forward quality and customer service across the company.

Adrian Shooter said, “Running Vivarail has been both one of the most challenging and yet one of the most enjoyable roles of my whole career.

From a small start-up we have become firmly entrenched in delivering new technologies to help decarbonise the rail network. Our specialisation in

Neil McNicholas appointed Unipart Rail Managing Director

With over 35 years of rail experience and senior executive roles, previously Managing Director at both Freightliner and DRS and, having been a customer of Unipart Rail, Neil fully understands the value Unipart brings to the rail industry and also the challenges faced.

Neil McNicholas, Unipart Rail Managing Director, said: “Unipart Rail is a great business and I am extremely delighted to have joined the team at a time I see as being really key in taking the business forward.

“The rail industry has been

affected as a result of the pandemic yet, what we have seen is collaboration, resilience and capabilities which are a solid base to build back better, yes there are lots of challenges – but out of adversity comes opportunity. I look forward to steering Unipart Rail over the coming years to achieve its true potential and help the industry become great again.”

Unipart Rail addresses the challenges of the rail industry across the asset lifecycle by working collaboratively with its partners to deliver technology and supply chain solutions that improve performance, reduce risk and optimise cost.

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battery technology, including new traction systems and our patented Fast Charge means we are now in a position to deliver trains able to travel circa 80 miles and recharge in 10 minutes. I am convinced this is a gamechanger for the industry as we have proved it is possible to re-traction existing stock – saving embedded carbon and providing a new way to electrify the network at minimal time and cost.

“I have worked with Steve for many years and was delighted when he agreed to join Vivarail, his hard work has driven us forward, I am sure that will continue and he will have my full support as I continue in my role as Chairman.

Steve McBride said, “Adrian’s contribution to the rail industry is unparalleled. From Chairman of Chiltern Railways to setting up the ROSCOs to his work on rail safety standards, his dedication to continuous improvement and legacy of excellence will last for many years.

“Vivarail is, without doubt, set to become an ever more important player in the rail decarbonisation agenda – not just in the UK but across the globe. We have already exported the UK’s first ever battery train to the US, and working as part of the RDC family offers us many more opportunities for growth and success in the coming years.”

Ganymede bolster team Ganymede have appointed two key sector experts to bolster its already thriving rail industry team.

Dave Carter joins Ganymede as Head of P-Way Technical and Signalling, bringing with him 20 years’ experience within contingent labour and recruitment in the rail industry. “I am delighted to be joining a company of Ganymede’s stature and reputation in the industry. My remit is growing the P-Way technical and S&T divisions and I look forward to engaging with existing and new clients in the coming weeks.”

In his new role in the recruitment division of Ganymede, Tom Cleverley will be using his five

years of experience in Engineering and Project Management recruitment across the UK rail market to help grow Ganymede’s interim / freelance division.

Tom states: “Ganymede really do give a true quality recruitment service and after meeting the team and discussing their growth plans and values, I felt they aligned with my own vision and ambition.

Whilst the rail industry continues to recover from the significant impact of Covid-19 to journey and passenger numbers, these two key appointments to Ganymede’s rail team reflect Ganymede’s confidence of the critical role the sector will play in the UK’s post Brexit, post Covid drive towards its Net Zero targets.

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ALSTOM AND ADVANCE TRS RECRUITING IN THE RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR ACROSS THE UK Advance TRS are currently recruiting on behalf of Alstom for projects across the UK with key areas of focus in York, Derby, Birmingham, London and Bristol. If you are looking for your next opportunity and are interested in working on major rail infrastructure upgrades for Alstom with the latest technologies contact our team today.

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Values you can trust, a team you can rely on Rail Careers XEIAD As the largest UK provider of Network Rail Structures examinations, we pride ourselves on supporting the end to end management of a range of Civil engineering assets across the rail network with our dedicated team of Engineers, Examiners, Planners and Project Managers.

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