Safety Bulletin NRB24-07 – Near miss between Road Rail Vehicle and Rail Delivery Train Operative
OVERVIEW
At 02:45 on 29/05/2024, a Road Rail Vehicle (RRV) transited through a possession on an adjacent line to a rail delivery train (RDT) being set up to.
An RDT operative had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the RRV.
At the time, it was reported that:
- Works in a neighbouring worksite, involving the RRV, had been curtailed.
- The RRV movement took place without prior notification to the RDT team.
- No warning by the RRV operator.
- No Machine Controller accompanying the movement, they followed several minutes later.
- The RRV allegedly travelled at a greater than 5mph.
This event is currently under investigation by Wessex Route.
NR Standard NR/L2/SCO/315 “Controls for the management of long welded rail delivery and recovery” prohibits the operation or stabling of any rail mounted vehicle on the line the rail delivery train is operating or any adjacent line(s) within 4 metres.
This requirement has been in place since two RDT operatives were struck and killed by an RRV at Hednesford in 2004.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Planners
- Rail deliveries needs to be planned and executed in accordance with: Standard NR/L2/SCO/315 and Task Risk Control Sheet NR/L3/MTC/RCS0216/MAT04.
- Are all staff who are expected to oversee activities in worksites and possessions, involved in the planning of the works? This is an ideal opportunity to communicate the requirements of RDT worksites.
- Do deconfliction activities identify how neighbouring worksites might impact on each other eg if there is a late change? In this case the RRV egress point was through the RDT worksite.
- How is the communication of change led, controlled and understanding checked?
Safety Critical Staff
- Do briefings prior to starting work outline the risks or restrictions within the possession?
- How do teams in neighbouring worksites, collaborate to manage risks to each other from late changes?
