Level crossing safety project on track

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Experts from across the electricity and rail industries have joined forces in an effort to improve safety at unmanned level crossings.

The effort is being driven by UK Power Networks – which owns the electricity distribution networks in the East of England, South East and London – together with other organisations including the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). It aims to raise awareness among employers, employees, contractors and the self-employed of the risks associated with level crossings where the user’s safety depends on them fully obeying instructions.

UK Power Networks safety adviser John Haddon said: “Safety is of paramount importance to us as a company. Fortunately, incidents are rare but people have been injured as a result of driving high vehicles or plant across rail tracks. Such accidents can also damage the electricity networks which means customers have their power supplies interrupted. We want to ensure that people receive the proper training and awareness so that they can avoid hitting high voltage power lines.”

In its regular safety talks to local groups and employers, the public safety team from UK Power Networks uses a unique demonstration pole and mock power line, which emits pyrotechnics to simulate an electrical strike when an object such as a fishing rod is raised to touch it. Last year the team trebled its attendance at county shows and specialist events, working to spread the safety message.

Fellow electricity distribution company Central Networks recently built a fake 11kV overhead power line next to a gated rail crossing in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire. The crossing is fully equipped with working telephones, enabling training for a number of scenarios. It was first used in September during the Confederation of Forest Industries’ APF 2010 (a three-day international forestry exhibition) to teach people the importance of keeping machinery and vehicles well clear of overhead power lines.

Earlier this winter ORR inspectors attended Cannock Chase and, despite the difficult snowy conditions, they were able to participate in scenarios based on past rail and electricity network incidents.

John said: “The inspectors were very impressed with the amount of effort put into the scenarios in the very inclement conditions. One of them had recently investigated a collision between a diesel train and a bulk tanker, which occurred under an 11,000-volt overhead line. He remarked on the forethought of the project team and the benefits it presents to other interested parties. We are pleased to support such events and are obviously delighted with the positive feedback.”

At an emergency services show in November, local police, fire and ambulance organisations saw the potential to use the site to train officers in the prevention of metal theft, while also remaining safe from trackside hazards.

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