Operational Safety

Communications

OFG sponsors several communication channels with the aim of raising awareness of good practice in dealing with SPAD and operational safety issues and improving safety culture throughout the industry.

This new DVD combines 31 minutes of video and animation with interactive exercises, addressing topics such as managing shift work and fatigue, getting support for personal problems and maintaining concentration while driving. It is produced by the Rail Safety and Standards Board for Britain’s passenger and freight train drivers and On Track Machines (OTM) operators. To order copies, email: driver@lucidcommunications.co.uk Please state your delivery address and the number of copies required.

OPSWEB has been launched to build on the success of SPADWEB, which was originally developed to address the specific risks associated with Signals Passed At Danger (SPADs).

As SPADWEB evolved, it became clear that SPAD risk is interconnected with other operational risks intrinsic to the rail network, and that these risks could not be addressed in isolation.

To address this wider remit, The Operations Focus Group was formed, and as a result, a new web site, OPSWEB has been launched. The site is made available to the industry to communicate wider operational risk issues and provide a platform for the sharing of good practice.

To make the site of maximum value, it includes material from a wide range of organisations, from Train Operating Companies to Regulatory Bodies. Therefore, it is the contributions from these companies that will keep the site fresh and relevant.

Who is using Opsweb?

Through the registration process we are able to get a picture of who is using OPSWEB and can see which organisations are registering and the job roles of those that are using the site. This helps us identify what content is relevant and of value to our users on an on-going basis.

These users represent over 200 different organisations (including all the Network Rail Routes plus their HQ organisation), and companies in over 50 different countries across the world, making OPSWEB a truly international resource.

Those within the rail industry may register as an industry user at www.opsweb.co.uk.

For more information on Opsweb contact susan.cassidy@rssb.co.uk or catherine.gallagher@rssb.co.uk

"Red" is a series of programmes about operational safety initiatives,including SPADs, which are of interest to anyone operating and managing the railway: from drivers and signallers to managers and specialists at all levels.

By funding and facilitating this series, RSSB is hoping to assist OFG in promoting a more progressive and open safety culture in which there is respect for the contribution of all and recognition that there are still many systemic issues that must be addressed if improvements are to be delivered.

It is not a training tool - OFG hopes that it will help to shape the attitudes and perceptions of every viewer throughout the industry, by improving knowledge and understanding about SPADs and operational issues.

View briefers’ notes and the video section for programmes produced so far.

If would like to receive Red, or if you wish to alter the distribution arrangements for your organisation, please contact Susan Cassidy, Programme Manager, Operational Safety by e-mail: susan.cassidy@rssb.co.uk, or call 020 7904 7475.

ATOC Personal Track Safety (PTS) DVD

The DVD provides full training and assessment materials for a personal track safety course for operational staff.  The course has been produced specifically for the needs of the passenger and freight companies and infrastructure contractors and is therefore separate form the Network Rail Sentinel Scheme.

The package provide training materials for a two day track safety course, covering all aspects of personal track safety topics such as the railway infrastructure signage, safe systems of work and emergency actions.

It is produced by the Rail Safety and Standards Board with endorsement from the ATOC Driver Management Group, and has been validated by a team of operational experts.

The course package contains assessment papers and it is intended for use by individuals delivering training to their organisation.  If you are employed in a training role and wish to receive a free copy please visit the supporting website www.ptscourse.co.uk to complete an online application form.

Aimed at drivers, signallers and their managers, Red Alert provides an overview of the various SPAD and operational-related initiatives and developments both on the national rail network and overseas. Issued three times a year, it is the focal point for communicating new ideas and updating readers on the work of the many rail organisations that have a positive impact on SPAD risk. To receive copies of Red Alert please contact watersa@halcrow.com.

For further information please contact catherine.gallagher@rssb.co.uk or 020 7904 7726.