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A safety net when all else fails

50337 Tripcocks isolated on approach to Gunnersbury junction

May 2012 in Train Operations

tagged Method of working Rules and procedures Rolling stock South East

A reporter is concerned that some LOROL Drivers are isolating the tripcocks on trains and then not resetting them.
 
High ballast levels at certain points between Richmond and Stratford are setting off the tripcocks unnecessarily, resulting in Drivers isolating them.  Drivers should reset the tripcocks before approaching the section of track between Gunnersbury junction and Richmond. 

This section of line does not have a Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) fitted because it interlinks with London Underground infrastructure and train stops have been fitted to the track instead.  Network Rail did not fit TPWS on this section of the track because both the LUL and LOROL trains are fitted with tripocks.  If the LOROL trains do not have their tripcock reset when they travel over this route they have no protection to prevent a Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) occurring. 

The reporter is concerned that there is nothing to remind the Drivers to reset the tripcock on their train if it has been isolated, as there are no tripcock testers on this route. 

 For Network Rail:

  • Could tripcock testers be fitted to the section of track between Richmond and Stratford, with at least one fitted to the Down section of track before Gunnersbury junction?

 For LOROL:

  • Could LOROL Managers issue regular reminders to their Drivers stating tripcocks should be working at both ends of the train at all times when travelling between Gunnersbury junction and Richmond?
  • Could LOROL detail what procedures are in place to ensure that their trains have their tripcocks operational, especially before they enter the section of track where they interwork with London Underground trains?

 Response from London Overground

LOROL would like to thank the reporter for raising their concerns.

Tripcocks are one of many train safety systems.  Training and instruction in the use of tripcocks, forms a part of the overall ongoing train driving competency regime adopted by LOROL.  The company does not agree that additional reminders are required for tripcocks and other safety systems on board its trains.

Procedures are in place, during a train's 'prep', for the checking that tripcocks, and other safety systems, are in full operational order. If these systems are not in full operational order, the company'sDefective On Train Equipment Standarddefines whether a train can be brought into service or not.  It is the responsibility of the Driver to report defects with any train safety related system whilst in operation to LOROL Control who in conjunction with the company standard will determine if a train remains in service.

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