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#1
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Why can't LU cope with a signal failure?
In article .com,
Boltar writes Just how hard is it to cope with a light stuck on red? Firstly you need to determine why the signal is red - stuck train, broken track, or failure of the signal system. Secondly, if the signal protects something like points, you need to get them secured before allowing trains to run over them. Thirdly, the service is intensive enough that the delays in "tripping by" can completely screw up timings, leaving trains and train crews in the wrong place. Fourthly, if the problem is trackside then someone needs to go and fix it before the service will get back to normal. This requires stopping trains while they're working on the particular bits of equipment. -- Clive D.W. Feather | Home: Tel: +44 20 8495 6138 (work) | Web: http://www.davros.org Fax: +44 870 051 9937 | Work: Please reply to the Reply-To address, which is: |
#2
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Why can't LU cope with a signal failure?
If the failure occurs in a 'controlled area', it's likely points will
need securing by hand ('remote securing' is generally confined to the tube lines). Response times are not helped by: Stations that are unstaffed. Stations with staff that are medically-restricted from going on the track. Stations with staff that are quite competant but whose authorising licence is out of date. Stations with staff that simply claim they don't feel competant to carry out the task (this is apparently acceptable under the Health n-Safety culture/scam of today). Stations with staff that want traction current turned off first, extending the delay and plunging trains into near darkness (this is mandatory in a few restricted areas, but not at all locations). Stations with staff unfamiliar with the area - i.e. unable to find points concerned or who secure the wrong set, or in the wrong direction. Apart from that, it's all plain-sailing! |
#3
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Why can't LU cope with a signal failure?
wrote in message oups.com... If the failure occurs in a 'controlled area', it's likely points will need securing by hand ('remote securing' is generally confined to the tube lines). Is it??? Response times are not helped by: Stations that are unstaffed. Never come across that one as a reason for a delay regarding signal failure. You must remember that not all signals are located next to stations. If securing points is required a long walk can be needed.....it takes time. Stations with staff that are medically-restricted from going on the track. Cant leave a station with no one competent to go on the track.....never had this as a reason, like above. Stations with staff that are quite competant but whose authorising licence is out of date. Same as above, If the licence is out of date they cant be in safety critical areas. It does happen for various reasons, mainly being sick when Annual Test Of Rules, (ATOR) is due. Its your responsibility to keep licence up to date and if not done you could be stood down...no pay. Its never happened in my experience that this has been a reason for an extended delay. Stations with staff that simply claim they don't feel competant to carry out the task (this is apparently acceptable under the Health n-Safety culture/scam of today). If anyone said that to me i'd want to know why they signed in stating they were fit for duty. Sure, as in all workforces people do get sick on duty and Murphy said its bound to happen as soon as this happens. You aren't competent??? Re-training and or redeployment. BUT, would you want to go down next to 630v with someone who says "i'm not sure about what i'm doing" Stations with staff that want traction current turned off first, extending the delay and plunging trains into near darkness (this is mandatory in a few restricted areas, but not at all locations). Turning off traction current takes seconds as does restoring it. Will not extend a delay by more than a minute. Trains do not go into "near darkness" as they all have battery lights in each car AND tunnel lighting comes on automatically. If someone wants power off....thats fine with me, its the actions after that count. You cant frighten people into working in an area they consider dangerous to themselves. Stations with staff unfamiliar with the area - i.e. unable to find points concerned or who secure the wrong set, or in the wrong direction. Station staff must be familiarised with the area they work every 6 months. The people involved in going on the track would be Supervisor or Duty Manager. These people know the area more than say barrier staff would (but not always - but generally these are newer staff members)- Finding a set of points is actually pretty simple - just follow the 2 silver things on the floor. Before going on the track a briefing is held to ensure all concerned know where they go, which points and which way. (Could save time with no briefing but false economy and dangerous - wont happen and nor should it). Problems start when you get to the points and they are set the wrong way - after all thats why you are there in the first place - a failure. Apart from that, it's all plain-sailing! No its not. Each thing takes only minutes - but add them together and it all adds up. And the Supervisor may be above ground on a deep tube so it all takes time and he has a station full of people all asking questions as well. As someone said above, then its slow speed for 2 signals and the trains back up behind real quick. Mal |
#4
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Why can't LU cope with a signal failure?
OK - let's see. Dag East unstaffed one time when points needed
securing, Upminster LU-side left in charge of a medically-restricted DMT who could only do the "desk", emergency lights in cars can be just two tubes (like how dark it sometimes gets over rail gaps) - there are no tunnel lights at night in the open of course, the supervisor ar Rayners whom I met recently who admitted he's never been familiarised at that location in over 2 years!!! (his fault or his DSMs? Result same in any case!). |
#5
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Why can't LU cope with a signal failure?
wrote in message oups.com... OK - let's see. Dag East unstaffed one time when points needed securing, Upminster LU-side left in charge of a medically-restricted DMT who could only do the "desk", emergency lights in cars can be just two tubes (like how dark it sometimes gets over rail gaps) - there are no tunnel lights at night in the open of course, the supervisor ar Rayners whom I met recently who admitted he's never been familiarised at that location in over 2 years!!! (his fault or his DSMs? Result same in any case!). Ok so you have some incidents. Can you supply dates? Was it recently or a long time ago? Is it still the same now? If it is and you are an LU employee, by your knowledge of these things you become complicit if you dont report them on. So who to you ask? CIRUS is still operating albeit not quite the same. And Im sure HMRI would be interested. If your not LUL- get onto HMRI. With regard to Dag East with med restricted DMT. I dont know that area at all so i only make general comments. The 'desk' is quite capable of being run by a med restricted person. Its not a safety critical position and surely you must agree that the desk man can't leave - who would be available to co-ordinate the T/Ops if he did. The last person you would want to leave there position is the 'desk' person. Like i say - i dont know that area or working practices, they may be different to places i am familiar with. I dont doubt you bit perhaps we see it from different perspectives. The Rayners SS, its his fault in the first instance, then his DSM should also be responsible - but he cant be with them 24/7. However at the money the SS is on surely he has the intelect to realise he needs it. Everybody must take responsibility for there actions. He could easily be familiarised when he takes the shift over, it does not need a manager to do it. I can only hope you expressed your concern/disgust to him/her at the time. After all, it could be your life in his/her hands one day. What stock have only 2 tubes on batteries? Educate me. Again stock i know has more than that. You got me on the no tunnel lights in the open........been underground for too long i think...time for a change! Lets sort it..... Mal |
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