Project number: 2022-SSH-032

Improving the tool for managing signals passed at danger

This project updated the SPAD Self Evaluation Tool to a 2.0 version with improved usability, functionality, and data analysis capabilities to improve SPAD management.

'The tool makes the process of completing the questionnaire and reviewing the findings much easier.'

James Pettitt
Head of Operational Safety, Freightliner Limited, Chair of SPAD Risk Sub-group

The challenge

Originally created in 2021, the SPAD Self-Evaluation Toolkit is based on the SPAD Good Practice Guide and provides managers with a useful framework for managing signals passed at danger (SPADs), but the toolkit was based on the use of Excel. This limited its abilities to track data dynamically and visualise and effectively monitor yearly progress.

In addition, advanced cloud-based solutions have more collaborative features.

This meant that, even though SPADs are the second highest risk on the Train Accident Risk Group risk profile and continue to be a cause of concern across industry, the SPAD Self Evaluation Toolkit was not as useful as it could be. Improvements to the toolkit were necessary to help reduce the incidence of SPADs to below their current level of around 30% of train accident risk.

What we did

RSSB transformed the SPAD Self-Evaluation Tool from its Excel format into an easy-to-use digital form. The redesigned form guides users through seven categories of self-evaluation questions, uses the inputs to generate the overall result via a PowerBI radar chart.

The improved tool has improved usability, functionality, and data analysis capabilities and provides industry with a durable tool to improve understanding of SPAD-related performance.

The new tool facilitates more effective and robust collection and management of SPAD management data.

Benefits delivered

The SPAD Self Evaluation Tool delivers benefits to both RSSB and its members. For members, the tool provides a simpler way to measure year-on-year progress in their SPAD management and help them to identify where to direct their efforts.

The improved tool also has an action planning function in the ‘Focus Area’ to suggest areas where proactive improvements can be made.

For RSSB, the Power BI function in the improve tool means that RSSB can better understand how ‘well’ the industry is doing in SPAD management. This enables RSSB to provide a benchmarking facility and proactively support industry in areas where additional SPAD resources are needed.