18.11.16
Using technology to reduce platform edge accident risk
Source: RTM Oct/Nov 16
RSSB’s safety management systems specialist Kevin Thompson explains how a new tool can help reduce safety risks at the platform edge.
There are about 5,000 platforms on the British mainline train network. While our railway is one of the safest in Europe, nearly 1,500 incidents took place at the edges of those platforms last year alone. Platform risk assessments should be carried out regularly but, traditionally, those risk assessments have been carried out as a paper-based exercise with no commonality and little sharing of information.
To help provide a common, transparent approach to understanding platform edge risk, RSSB has just launched a web-based risk assessment tool. It is hoped that widespread use of the tool will lead to better sharing of information and prioritising of stations requiring attention.
The tool has been developed with input from staff who undertake train dispatch and platform risk assessments. As well as the web-based tool, an app has also been created (for Apple or Android tablet devices) which can be used when no internet or wi-fi connection is available. Any data added whilst offline can be uploaded to the tool by synchronising the mobile device when there is a wi-fi connection. The assessment questions can also be printed, filled in by hand, and inputted manually into the web tool after.
Single database
A single database sits behind the tool that will capture the data, helping each company to review their risk assessments and consider platform risks across their entire operation. The information can also be collated nationally by RSSB to understand trends across the rail network and help to inform the approaches set out in the industry’s Platform Train Interface (PTI) strategy.
Users are able to input key information about particular stations and platforms to the tool in preparation for an assessment, including a breakdown of any previously recorded incidents at the station and the types of rolling stock which use the platform.
To complete the assessment, users give a score against each measure and add comments. Recommendations are then made, which might be proposed station improvements or information that needs to be relayed to station staff.
Another part of the tool presents the risk control percentage score for the station and breaks it down into the areas covered during the risk assessment: station, platform, passenger and rolling stock. It also shows a risk control percentage score for each platform. Finally, the top 20 measures which could result in the biggest change in the risk control percentage score are listed.
The tool has been tested and piloted with a limited number of TOCs and Network Rail. Staff at Network Rail who took part in the trial said they found the tool very easy to use, data input was good and they liked the user guidance in regard to the scoring system.
Allan Spence, chairman of the PTI Strategy Implementation Group, said: “The new tool has been developed to streamline the way risk to passengers as they board trains is assessed.
“Preventing injuries relies on the industry’s ability to better understand what causes them. Companies managing mainline stations will now be able to share a common, transparent approach to sharing information and prioritising work to make stations and platforms even safer.”
Anyone responsible for carrying out platform risk assessments and wishes to use the web tool needs to email:
[email protected] to obtain a login and password to the system. Once they have access the app can be downloaded and used in conjunction with the web tool.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
W: www.rssb.co.uk
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