14.03.14
Network Rail enhances safety with Sentinel
Source: Rail Technology Magazine Feb/Mar 2014
Andy Littlejohns, Network Rail’s Sentinel Programme Implementation Manager, explains the changes that have recently come into force.
On 6 January 2014, new Sentinel smartcards completely replaced the previous cards, which are no longer valid for access to Network Rail infrastructure.
The new cards, more accessible database and enhanced sponsor duties in the scheme rules all underline that the change to Sentinel is about improving safety. Together, they ensure those working on the infrastructure are competent, medically fit and have the authority to do so.
With over 80,000 people actively working trackside on Britain’s railways, our commitment to significantly improve safety
has never been more important. The new system supports Network Rail’s 11 Life Saving Rules and in particular that of Taking Responsibility, which states:
‘Never undertake an activity unless you have been trained and assessed as competent and have the right equipment.’
Why the change?
Sentinel was introduced in 1999 after a BBC report highlighted the poor assurance control over the railway workforce. Originally, Sentinel covered just seven competences but it now grown to cover 376.
It also serves 1,300 organisations, a workforce of over 80,000 and more than 700 trainers and assessors. Adopting new technology, new Sentinel does all this through one card, one database and a common simple set of rules.
High-tech
With smart Quick Response (QR) codes or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, or a web-check directly into the database, new Sentinel provides near real-time validation of information on site. It improves integrity and efficiency from the dated competences printed on the old Sentinel cards and paper counterparts.
By authenticating every worker’s card every shift, new Sentinel ensures any invalid competences are detected before work starts. As part of this new approach, the familiar Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone hotline remains in place for authentication.
More rigour…
One of the great successes of the new Sentinel system is increased data integrity. Fourteen years of data was migrated to the new system and an intensive data-cleansing exercise was undertaken so that the new system started in as good a position as it could. The programme team has worked tirelessly since its launch to further improve the data and supporting rules.
Another benefit of new Sentinel is its capacity to reveal abuse of working practices. Cases of double-shifting, failure to authenticate
cards or assessor shortcomings can be identified and acted upon quickly. Breaches of the rules by individuals or companies can be investigated and action taken.
In the future: Site access
Sentinel can record key events such as attendance at safety briefings or competence usage, as well as reducing paperwork, underpinning the promise of being safer, smarter and simpler. These enhancements will be available from autumn 2014.
A number of working groups have been set up, in collaboration with the wider industry, to ensure the system remains fit-for-purpose.
What else is in the future?
Fatigue has the potential to kill. As an employer, Network Rail seeks to manage that risk among its workers, as well as assisting contractors to do the same. Fatigue risk management must embrace: hours worked, time of day or night worked, the number of consecutive shifts, travel time to the work site, the number of breaks during the day and the level of concentration needed for the work task. The fatigue risk element of Sentinel will build on the methodology behind site access. Sentinel will provide management information to help card checkers manage fatigue risk on site.
Sentinel now has huge potential to help the whole industry, so Network Rail is talking to representatives from trade unions, Transport for London (TfL) and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) about future collaboration.
Rail Technology Magazine will keep you updated on how Sentinel develops over the coming months.