FirstClass Safety and Control have been working with the LNER Hitachi Craigentinny Depot, Edinburgh since October 2017. The contract to upgrade their current Depot Protection System (DPS) included a bespoke design, build, installation and commissioning of the System. Off the back of the successful commissioning by our Engineers they have been awarded a small contract, assisting with support by providing a GPS based remote monitoring system to enable remote support from their base to assist the site as part of a support contract.
Mark Meyrick Managing Director of FirstClass, said:Personnel and depot safety is always the focus of any new DPS build and LNER Hitachi was no exception. By upgrading their DPS and integrating the new system with original depot elements, we have improved the depot safety considerably in the most cost-effective way for our client.

Individual Depot Requirements
Every depot is different and has its individual requirements. In this case the existing Beacons and Sounders were integrated in the Cleaning and Repair Roads. Plus, the new system was designed with the depot’s existing security/access system Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology. As a result, operators only needed to hold 1 RFID tag. RFID logs operator’s location whilst working and then the DPS does not allow any train movements into that road or zone. This ensures the protection of both the workforce and the depot.
Extensive Knowledge and Experience
Due to the expertise and the knowledge of the FirstClass engineering team depot remained operational throughout the upgrade work. The new FirstClass Depot Protection System is performing brilliantly and FirstClass are proud that our product is contributing to the safe running of the depot. This project truly demonstrates that the FirstClass team’s experience, knowledge and expertise enables them to supply adaptable flexible systems that meet our individual client’s safety needs.