CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > February 2022 45 RAIL PLANT ASSOCIATION: 2 Historically, this process was managed and resourced within Network Rail, but in 2016, the level of backlog for applications was not only causing levels of frustration for OTP owners, converters and Network Rail, but also exposing the industry to a level of risk that was deemed intolerable. The Plant Acceptance Body (PAB) pilot was introduced to allow the populations and drafting of engineering reports to be completed by PABs, thus reducing the demand on the diminishing Plant Team at Network Rail. Following a very successful 12-month trial period that actually smoothed the process and reduced the application backlog, the process was adopted full term, and is what you see today. As an industry, we fully support the need to make sure all equipment used on the infrastructure is safe and fit for purpose. But this process needs to be effective and usable for all, and through all the improvements made over the recent years, there is a concern that lead times on completion of the process for applications is starting to stretch. This brings concerns from the industry around commercial impacts of not being able to bring new products to market, the fear of stifling innovation, and potential damage to reputation of both suppliers and Network Rail. As there are a number of work streams within the industry looking at Plant Safety, it is hoped that the PA process is captured within those and is given the focus, attention and resource it needs to deliver what we all know to be a great output. A Closing Note Well the journey once again comes to an end. We hope you found our article interesting and informative. Before we get off, a quick update on our ‘OTP Maintainer Competence’ training and assessment material. We are revising the existing ‘Fitter Assessment’ material and converting it from an 11 module assessment to a 3 level competence management tool. It is planned that this work will be completed by March 2022. We thank you for your patience, I know it has been a long time under review, but it is nearly ready. Our newly revised RPA documents can be found on the CPA website as normal. Please take time to have a look and download as you see fit. Until next time, stay safe. FENWICK ENGINEERING LIMITED Mobile screening machines for all applications BASED IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE Fenwick Engineering Limited Tel: 01724 852 900 Mobile: 07799 334 998 Email: service@crfenwick.co.uk • Competitive rates on long term and short term hire • CPA registered