OPS 003 Railway Incidents Flashcards
Safety Critical
What hazards are present when attending incidents on Railways?
- Moving rail stock
- Fire
- Limited experience/Lack of information
- High voltage electricity
- Slip, trips and falls
- Hazardous materials
- Working environment
- Hazardous materials (cargo, asbestos & PCB’s)
Safety Critical
What risks are present and who may be affected when attending railway incidents?
- High voltage electricity
- Moving trains
- Unstable dangerous carriages
- Unstable slippery surfaces
- Limited visibility
- Fire service personnel working within the hazardous zone
- First responders working within the hazardous zone
- Members of the public in risk area and bystanders
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
On arrival at the incident what information should the OIC gather before committing crews?
- Confirmed location
- Confirmed incident type
- Location and type of access routes
- Type of infrastructure/rail vehicles involved
- Confirmed use of rail vehicles i.e. passenger, freight etc.
- Identity of responsible persons already on scene
- Relevant local knowledge
- Required resources
- Risks and hazards present at the incident
- All personnel to wear High Viz (carry torches at night too).
This information should be passed to Fire Control in the first informative message.
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
OIC must inform Network Rail Control via Fire Control, the exact location using?
- Signal, bridge or OLE support ‘Number plate’
- Trackside quarter-mile marker post
- Substation name-plate
- Nearby station, road or level crossing names
- If possible – also give ‘carriage identification numbers’
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
With HIGH VOLTAGE electricity – NEVER ASSUME it is switched off or safe unless what?
It is confirmed by a Rail Incident Officer (RIO) with a ‘permit-to-work’.
(Only verbally from London Underground)
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
If power is still ON:-
-NEVER approach live electrical systems. No part of the body or equipment to come within 3m (10 feet) (Electricity can arc across a gap).
- NEVER touch or stand on a conductor rail or anything in contact with it
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
If power is confirmed as being OFF:-
- Approach with caution – but DO NOT TOUCH
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
If system is confirmed as being ISOLATED – (switched off and earthed)
- Safe to touch but only when absolutely necessary
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
What action should be taken if trains are still running?
- Maintain 3m safe distance and be aware of airflow.
- Minimum number of personnel ‘on or near the line’ (within 3m of tracks or Overhead Line Equipment (OLE).
- NEVER CROSS THE LINE IN FRONT OF A MOVING TRAIN
- Liaise with ‘Rail Incident Officer’ (RIO)
- Request via Fire Control for trains to be ‘Cautioned’ (will still run) or ‘Stopped’.
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
How should FRS personnel treat rail detonators?
- Establish a 30m safety zone around detonators (stored in trains and signal boxes)
- Request location of detonators if presented with a fire situation
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
How do personnel acknowledge a warning from a train driver?
- Acknowledge warning from a train by raising an arm above the head.
- To STOP a train (during the day) – raise both arms above head with
palms facing the driver. - During night – wave a torch vigorously at the driver.
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
What should OIC be wary of when the Electrical supply is Isolated?
- Isolation of electricity supply will not automatically stop the trains.
- Trains can coast long distances.
- Diesel trains are unaffected.
- Isolation is only a means to prevent electrocution.
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
What action should be taken if a train is fast approaching and unable to reach a place of safety?
Lie in the Six or Ten foot
NEVER in the Four Foot.
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
What is the most essential part of the OIC DRA?
Do not go on or near the line unless absolutely necessary.
Never assume- treat the rail network as Live at all times.
Safety Critical
CONTROL MEASURES & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
Bridge Strikes come within scope of railway incidents what action should be taken when attending?
- Observe necessary safety precautions.
- Notify Fire Control of bridge number immediately.
