SAFETY ALERT – WORKING UNDER OVERHEAD LINE EQUIPMENT (OLE)
Recently a Story Plant RRV involved in the removal of redundant materials from the infrastructure contacted and damaged the OLE. This incident is still undergoing investigation.
Both the Plant operator and the Machine controller involved were drugs and alcohol tested immediately following the contact.
Their Sentinel competencies are also suspended pending investigation outcome and are both unable to work on Network rail infrastructure.
The damage to the OLE was responsible for an overrun of the planned possession and lines were closed for 3 days. Leading to cancellations and delays to train services on the lines affected. In total this incident affected 321 trains over the 3 day period. So far, the incident has attracted 2400 minutes of train delays at a cost of £500k. This figure does not include train cancellation costs and the cost of repairing the OLE and returning the line to service.
We want to bring these facts to your attention so as to make clear the impact of OLE damage to individuals, the travelling public, an organisations reputation and client relationships. If you are engaged in working under OLE, always ensure the following:
- Use your height limiter whenever practicable to do so. If you cannot use your height limiter please discuss with the client representative on site so they understand why and they are happy for you to operate with it turned off.
- Ensure your Machine controller is positioned correctly to best observe the clearances between your boom and the OLE. Ensure your MC is providing constant and detailed information to you via the Duplex comms of the position of your boom in relation to the OLE. Agree with the MC how this information is going to be provided, what phrases will be used and how the clearance to the wires is to be described, for example the provision of a clearance count down of the space available between boom and wires.
- If duplex communications between you and the MC cease or are of a poor standard, Stop all activities. Do not persevere. Raise your concerns with the MC. If required raise concerns with the POS Rep and/or the clients representative.
- Discuss with client representative on site the direction of as much lighting as possible up into the vicinity of OLE wires to provide you with the best visibility possible.
- Be aware that MCs can be dazzled by machine lights and may move to prevent this ensure you and your MC discuss this and ensure the optimum position for the MC is agreed upon to provide you with the required second pair of eyes and information to help you perform the task safely.
- If unsure about anything, if not satisfied the assistance you need is not being provided stop, raise your concerns. Make required changes. Remember how much harm this sort of incident can cause to the public to our client to us. Its not worth taking any chances.
