01.01.07
ATWS Autoprowa®
Within the last years the methodology of safety measures for on track work sites as well as the corresponding technology have changed. Track worker safety is a vital aspect when planning work sites.
The railway industry therefore demanded a standard that ensures track work sites be as safe as possible. Consequently, Network Rail established RT/LS/S/019 (RIMINI) - a risk minimisation standard for the protection of people working on or near the line that came into force on 6th December 2002. According to RIMINI, it is compulsory to adhere to a set list of preferences with safeguarded green zones being the first choice and lookouts the system of last resort. The same standard defines ATWS as the preferred method to protect red zone areas.
For years, ZÖLLNER has been developing and manufacturing the ATWS Autoprowa® system and selling it to customers in Germany, the United Kingdom and many other European countries. After the Autoprowa? system was approved by Network Rail, the company has opened a subsidiary in the United Kingdom: ZÖLLNER UK Ltd. to offer competent support to UK customers.
The overall safety risk for on track work sites caused by human failure can be widely excluded by using ATWS, and the Zöllner system Autoprowa® has proven its reliability in countless installations. The system's modular concept is the key for flexible application. The system offers tailored solutions for all possible work sites, including long term and short duration sites as well as larger sites several kilometres in length and short or mobile worksites.
Fig.1-Worksite
Fig.2-WGH-WGL
One of the most important advantages of the Autoprowa® is the Autoprowa® effect which features a safely audible signal level from 110 to 127 dB(A) for each Autoprowa® horn. The signal level is automatically adjusted relative to the ambient noise to generate a safe warning signal. The Autoprowa® effect guarantees a safe warning and avoids unnecessary high signal levels. This feature also eliminates the need for horns with different noise levels which results in reduced expenditure and simplified logistics.
Another advantage of Autoprowa® is a very modular system, that means all components can be combined with each other.
The system handling is very good due to the modular concept and the reduced number of cables. An intense training programme and a 24 hour UK based service hotline guarantees competent operators, installers and planners.
Radio modules
Complementing the hard-wired system is the ZÖLLNER radio equipment ZFA that operates at a frequency of 448,35625 MHz which is made unique to ATWS by the Radio Agency. The radio equipment mainly consists of the stationary transmitter ZFS, the hand-held transmitter ZFH as well as the receiver ZFE. These components replace the cable between the treadles and the control unit, and has the effect of reducing installation time.
The radio based ZAL - ZÖLLNER Autoprowa® Light – is an easy and uncomplicated addition to the hard-wired Autoprowa?
As a system for the collective warning of all staff on track work sites, the ZAL finds its optimum use for short term work sites of up to 30 m, or on construction machinery due to its integrated warning devices and failsafe working principle.
The Autoprowa® Light can be automatically activated by treadles or manually operated by a lookout using a handswitch. The application using the handswitch is known as LOWS (Lookout Operated Warning System).
The ZÖLLNER Personal Warning device ZPW is the latest development and affords maximum system mobility. The radio controlled warning device ZPW is an advanced version of the ZAL. The warning unit can be used on a tripod for static worksites or it can be carried in a bag for patrolling jobs. As with the ZAL the ZPW can be used in automatic mode – activated by treadles, or as a Lookout operated warning system – LOWS.
The ZAL and ZPW both feature the Autoprowa® effect to secure an audible warning which can be safely heard under all conditions.
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