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A safety net when all else fails

50674 CCTV coverage ‘inadequate’ for 106 road at Neasden depot

July 2012 in London Underground

tagged Method of working Rolling stock South East

A reporter believes CCTV coverage for 106 road at Neasden depot is inadequate because the new S stock trains are only partially visible to staff monitoring them. This has been an issue for around a year.

Trains on 106 road have their wheel sets turned and are driverless, but are monitored remotely on CCTV by staff in the office. Cameras, track layout, signalling and points all need upgrading to accommodate the S stock trains which are eight carriages long. In practice, this means staff cannot monitor the full length of trains.

The reporter is concerned that someone could walk in front of a train without being seen at all. Full CCTV coverage would mean the emergency stop button could be pressed if someone strayed into the path of an oncoming train.

This particular issue is part of a wider problem associated with the general upgrade work required at the depot. The CCTV system and working practices at the depot were designed for use with trains four carriages long and have not been fully revised to accommodate the new rolling stock.

The reporter asks London Underground:

  • If method statements for shunting eight car S stock trains can be briefed out to all staff?
  • When will civil works to upgrade 106 road take place and full CCTV coverage be provided?
  • What procedures for safe working will be implemented until 106 road is upgraded?
  • If a wider review of depot procedures could be undertaken?

Response from London Underground

London Underground would like to thank the reporter for raising their concerns.

In answer to the reporter's concerns:

  • No method statement for shunting eight car S stock trains is required to be briefed out as only Depot Staff carry out S stock shunting duties. All Depot Staff have been fully trained and assessed as competent by our training department.
  • September 2013 is the date the Neasden depot upgrade project team have given for completion of the upgrade works to 106 road.
  • Whilst the facility is in its current state, wheel turning on an eight car S stock should only be done in a controlled manner in liaison with the Bombardier Transport UK Depot Manager. Although this is labour intensive, it remains the best way to control the process until all the works are completed.
  • S stock shunting to the underfloor wheel lathe building is no different from the normal S stock shunting process used in the depot, which all S stock Shunters are trained to do. Depot procedures are reviewed in line with LUL standards.

50674