Working with Safety during work on or near railway tracks

Transcription

1 ... Think safety! Working with Safety during work on or near railway tracks HSE in general Environment Health Safety 1

2 Working with Safety during work on or near railway tracks Gasunie is one of the biggest gas infrastructure companies in Europe. Within the company, we give safety the highest priority; it forms the basis of our license to operate. We abide by the strictest safety, health and environmental standards, both for our own employees and for our external contractors. Gasunie s safety policy is thus characterised by a proactive approach which is designed to prevent accidents, incidents and hazardous situations. Safety when working on or near railways Working alongside railway lines is one of the most dangerous forms of work there is: the risk of a fatal accident is three times greater than in the construction industry. Crossing railway lines accounts for 20 deaths in the Netherlands each year. Incidents and accidents that occur during work on railway lines can be prevented through the right approach to risk, as agreed with ProRail. Remain alert while carrying out your work at all times. In the event of doubt, always ask of suspend the work if necessary. 2

3 ... Think safety! Risks associated with the crossing of railway lines Unmanned railway crossing Sightline obstructions (such as undergrowth) Specific train traffic with very low and irregular frequency (such as steam trains and freight trains) Risks of crossing lines at non-designated places A train travelling at 130 km/h covers 36 metres per second If you have a sightline of 100 m (e.g. in fog, mist or round a corner), the train will reach you within 3 seconds of your first seeing it! Some of the new trains are also difficult to hear Permitted length of work stay Work must always take place at least 5 metres away from the centre of the track. 5,0 metres outside centre of track 3

4 Working with Safety during work on or near railway tracks Zone B must contain the inspection paths Zone D must contain the working area When is it permitted to cross the track? During inspection/measurements to KB During inspection/surveillance of pipelines During inspection/maintenance of switching groups During surveying work When connecting a pipeline detector When is it not permitted to cross the track? During new construction work During other large-scale projects These activities are governed by specific agreements which must be made in consultation with ProRail. 4

5 ... Think safety! Procedure for crossing the track Always wear a yellow safety vest (red or orange clothing may never be visible!) Adequate line of sight Do not carry heavy tools and/or measuring equipment while crossing Cross no more than 3 tracks in one go How it works in practice Compile a safe work on or near railway lines test ( Print out the certificate The certificate is valid for three years and does not have to be carried on one s person. Submit a copy to the instructor t (Gasunie or a third party) 5

6 Working with Safety during work on or near railway tracks Instructor will hand out an annual Authorisation of access to railway sites and an Instruction for independent access. Both are valid for 1 year and must be carried at all times The certificates are centrally registered Please be aware of the following points: Always tread on the ballast, not on the track itself Never step on a rail or railway sleeper. These are often slippery after rain, frost or oil Never walk on cable ducts Never walk across railway points. These are controlled remotely and can suddenly switch 6

7 7... Think safety!

8 Working with Safety during work on or near railway tracks Published by: N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie HSE Department P.O. Box MA Groningen April