41000 Cab doors isolated out of use

August 2010 in Train Operations

Equipment Rolling stock North East

A reporter is concerned about Hull Trains keeping a Class 180 unit in service with both of the cab doors isolated out of use.

This means that Drivers are unable to leave the cab quickly or easily.

Staff have been advised that if they need to leave the cab they can either walk through the five cars and use the doors at the other end of the train, or use the emergency hatch in the driving cab. This would create a delay in a Driver's ability to carry out normal working operations, such as using the signal post telephone, changing points or assisting in an emergency situation.

• Are there any plans to repair the doors?

Response from First Hull Trains

The reporter concerned has highlighted an issue regarding cab doors on a Class 180 unit. At no time have any cab doors of a Class 180 units been isolated as this would prevent train Drivers entering cabs to carry out their normal duties.

However, there was a recent issue regarding crew doors leading from the luggage
compartment directly behind the cab at one end of the train only. The doors were locked out of use due to a fault that causes an electrical circuit breaker to trip and thus applying an emergency brake application when the train accelerated above three mph.

First Hull Trains implemented the Work Safe Procedure to enable the train to stay in service. The procedure put in place was as per Rule Book instruction as covered by Section TW2. When the train was brought to a stand then the electrical circuit breaker could be reinstated allowing full use of the crew doors, which would then require to be isolated again to carry on in service. This would also allow the Driver to carry out emergency operations if required. Plans were put in place immediately to repair the fault.