- Freephone: 0800 4 101 101
- Text us on: 07507 285 887
- Freepost: Freepost CIRAS
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- Freephone: 0800 4 101 101
- Text us on: 07507 285 887
- Freepost: Freepost CIRAS
- Call me back
November 2010 in Train Operations
Rules and procedures
Training and briefing
Supervision and Management
North East
North West
A reporter has contacted CIRAS with concerns about Conductors being trained during their booking on time.
Recently, a new credit card authorisation system has been introduced across the First TransPennine Express network. Conductors were informed that they would be trained on this new system in their 20 minute booking on time. However, it is felt that this time period is safety critical as it is the only opportunity for staff to read the notice cases and check any emergency restrictions or changes that have occurred overnight.
The concern is that safety critical information could be missed if booking on time is used for other purposes.
First TransPennine Express thanks the reporter for raising a safety concern. We take safety extremely seriously and are keen to remove any actual or perceived risk that may exist. All our Conductors receive signing-on time to undertake mandatory activities before train working. This includes familiarisation with notices. We do not compromise this activity.
It was agreed in advance through the appropriate channels that this was a like-for-like equipment change and as such would be covered by briefing rather than training. Suitable, safe opportunities for briefing were sought with individual Conductors as appropriate.
The briefings were all undertaken by members of staff who are conversant with the safety critical nature of the Conductor's role.
