In brief: short platform
22 September 2020
Here’s a real-life example of how CIRAS works.
The concern
A reporter called CIRAS because they believed a platform was not suitable for routine use as it was too short.
When drivers stationed a certain class of train with a six-foot clearance from the buffer stops (as in the Rule Book), they would not be able to see the signal at the opposite end of the platform when it was needed for services leaving the station.
As a result, drivers were having to station this class of train with only a two-foot clearance so they could see the signal.
The person who contacted CIRAS was concerned that the attention needed to stable the train meant that if a driver was distracted, then the train could hit the buffers.
They were also concerned that if drivers positioned the train as in the Rule Book, it could result in a SPAD and potentially a derailment.
They asked for reassurances that train services would only be routed into this platform in emergency situations, and not on a routine basis.
The response – what happened after the CIRAS report?
The company explained the limited space within the station, and the methods used to alert drivers to the buffer stops.
They re-measured the platform lengths and assessed whether trains could be re-planned into different platforms. Where possible, a limited number of services were then planned into different platforms.
The company also highlighted an upgrade programme that was being considered for funding to develop the station capacity.
We pass your concerns in confidence to the company that your concern is about. This could be your employer or a company whose site you are working on.
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Phone: 0800 4 101 101
Text: 07507 285 887
Freepost: CIRAS
More short case studies
*The image used is a stock photograph and not associated with the report.
Tags
- Infrastructure Issue