Zonegreen
Let’s Make Depots Safer Places to Work
This article first appeared in the Railway-News magazine, Issue 2 2023.
Almost a quarter of rail-related workforce fatalities have occurred in depots in the last five years, according to the Rail Safety and Standards Board.
Its latest Annual Health and Safety Report concluded there is no clear picture of risk in depots and more needs to be done to provide safe working conditions.
Whilst there remains an absence of industrywide directives, the onus falls on the operators of maintenance facilities to mitigate the unavoidable risks depot workers face, from high-speed vehicles, highvoltage electricity and powerful machinery that are part of their working environment.
The UK’s largest rail franchise, Govia Thameslink Rail (GTR), has recognised the need to review and update the safety provisions at its depots and has been undertaking a programme of improvements, with the help of leading industry expert, Zonegreen.
GTR contracted the Sheffield-based rail safety specialist to replace obsolete protection systems at a trio of facilities – Stewarts Lane in Battersea, Selhurst Inspection Shed and Brighton’s Lovers Walk depot.
Trust in Technology
Zonegreen has installed the latest version of its acclaimed Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS) at all three GTR facilities. It is the most advanced, thoroughly tested and proven technology on the market – a product of more than 20 years’ research and experience.
DPPS protects staff by controlling vehicle movements within rail depots, creating safe zones for workers through the installation of powered derailers, operated 20 by RFID-controlled road end panels. Christian Fletcher, Zonegreen’s Head of Engineering, is responsible for the conception and development of DPPS.
Uniquely, DPPS remains the only depot protection system that has been independently tested and verified to be EMC-compliant (electromagnetic compatibility). The RFID panel has been assessed by Eurofins to meet European radio emissions and railway standards, ensuring its radio frequency range will not interfere with telecommunication or electrical devices.
