SPAD Risk Subgroup

Scope

The scope of the group covers:

• Monitoring and analysing of both risk and train performance impacts as a result of SPAD incidents
• Considering the effectiveness of measures to reduce the train accident risk as a result of SPADs
• Considering mitigations that will reduce the risk of fatalities and weighted injuries (FWI) to passengers, workforce and the public
• Gaining assurance from local train accident risk groups (eg SPAD RAMs or train accident sub groups) that Phase 1 of the Strategy has been considered across duty holders within that group and that they are monitoring the effectiveness
• Monitoring the SPAD risk and analyse the underlying causes to determine reasons for the increase in incidents
• Monitoring the type of events that are prevented by TPWS intervention
• Reviewing associated research and its potential applications.

SPAD Self-Evaluation Tool

To help evaluate SPAD management, the SPAD Risk Subgroup have created a self-evaluation tool that. It is based on the SPAD Good Practice Guide, and so it looks at SPAD management from several perspectives, not just the actions of the driver. The SPAD self-evaluation tool  aims to deliver continuous improvements by helping users consider how the potential for SPADs are managed by not only a driver, but also by the influence of driver managers, through competence management and during times of change, the impact of other operational roles and the actions of the driver, as well as tackling the causes of SPADs.

Message from the Chair

SPAD RSG promotes the RSSB SPAD Strategy, working closely with TARG and the national route groups (OPSRAMs/TOSG). We encourage operating companies to develop their own SPAD strategies, and to share good practice and lessons learnt from incidents. 

Membership

The group’s membership is made up of the following industry categories:

• passenger train operators
• freight and other non-passenger train operators
• infrastructure managers and owners
• RSSB
• Office of Rail and Road (observer).

Chair of committee: Trevor Parkin, Abellio East Midlands Limited
RSSB main representative: Philippa Murphy

Committee Members