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- Freephone: 0800 4 101 101
- Text us on: 07507 285 887
- Freepost: Freepost CIRAS
- Call me back
May 2011 in Train Operations
A reporter is concerned about overgrown vegetation, inadequate lighting and maintenance practices occurring at Hull sidings.
Overgrown vegetation
The reporter highlights overgrown foliage in the sidings that has not yet been cut back. This presents a Slip, Trip and Fall (STF) hazard to Train Drivers when they disembark from trains, as well as to those carrying out maintenance work in the sidings.
Train maintenance and lighting
Hull sidings are primarily used as a stabling area for trains - units are stored here and the lighting provided for this purpose is adequate. However, external mechanical maintenance of the trains is also carried out here by Bombardier. The work involves general maintenance and replacement of train components as necessary. Maintainers usually carry out this work, which can involve heavy lifting whilst walking on ballast, during the night.
The overgrown foliage together with inadequate lighting for maintenance work means that maintenance cannot be conducted safely - walking on ballast is not appropriate for this type of work. The current conditions are felt to be unsafe and the reporter believes that this type of work should be conducted in a well-lit, indoor space, with a non-slip walkway, that allows maintenance work to be carried out in all weather conditions.
Bombardier Transportation has now completed its contract with Hull Trains. As a result we no longer have any need for our staff to visit Hull. Our policy is that only in emergency situations would staff work on trains away from the normal depots. In such instances work should only be carried out so that the train concerned can be recovered to the depot for repairs. All staff working outside depots should be suitably trained and competent.
