Download a CIRAS report form
  • Freephone: 0800 4 101 101
  • Text us on: 07507 285 887
  • Freepost: Freepost CIRAS
  • Call me back
A safety net when all else fails

50733 Sunlight affecting Driver’s vision on Class 380 units

August 2012 in Train Operations

tagged Rolling stock Work environment Scotland

Concerns have been raised about the poor design of in-cab sunblinds on Class 380 units.

The reporter states that the sun shines through the blind material instead of blocking it out. This is causing the Driver's vision of signals and in-cab CCTV to be obscured. The Driver's seat on these units cannot be raised or lowered to avoid Drivers sitting in direct sunlight.

In Class 318 and 314 units, pull-down blinds are fitted with dark canvasses which effectively block out the sun. The reporter suggests that the Class 380s should be fitted with similar blinds.

Could First ScotRail:

  • Assess the design of the in-cab sunblinds on the Class 380s units?
  • Consider design changes to reduce the amount of sunlight entering the Driver's cab?

Response from First ScotRail

ScotRail has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness of the in-cab sunblind on the Class 380 Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) and considers that the sunblind is effective in protecting the Driver from direct sunlight.

The Driver's seat on the Class 380 EMU can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally and this, combined with the positioning of the sun blind, is adequate to control the effects of sunlight.

Drivers are also issued with sunglasses to use as required.

50733