41178 Electric shocks onboard Voyager trains

February 2011 in Train Operations

Equipment Work environment Not Specified

Concerns have been raised about Train Crew receiving electric shocks from catering trolleys onboard Voyager trains.

The reporter is aware of a number of incidents in the past six months where Train Crew have suffered electric shocks whilst the catering trolley and hot water urn have been plugged into the 'home base'. The problem doesn't seem to be isolated to only one train, with incidents happening on different trains across the CrossCountry network. Although investigations have been conducted after the incidents by Bombardier, the reporter feels that these have not been adequate enough, with the results suggesting there is nothing wrong with the equipment.

With incidents still occurring the reporter would like to see:

• a briefing issued to Train Crew to raise awareness and the importance of reporting the problem internally; and
• a more thorough investigation carried out by CrossCountry and Bombardier before someone receives a more serious shock.

Response from CrossCountry

In all of the cases equipment was taken out of service and subjected to rigorous testing that is fully documented. We initiated testing with an electrical engineering consultancy who carried out tests on several trains/routes/vehicles. They have concluded that all of the evidence (and test results) point to a static electricity build up with the shocks staff have received causing discomfort and "shock" but with no medical or physical harm. CrossCountry are looking at a range of solutions suggested by the independent consultants and will seek to reduce this static build up. Going forward all incidents will be fully investigated.

Awaiting response from Bombardier