CPA Bulletin

44 CPA Bulletin > May 2021 www.cpa.uk.net RAIL PLANT ASSOCIATION: 2 pay waiting for that weekend shift. The point of mentioning OTP operators is relevant. RPA members having to manage the fatigue of their staff, when they frequently only work 1-2 shifts per week for them, is going to become very difficult. What is different then? The latest standard states clearly that the HSE Fatigue Risk Calculator has to be used. You can apply in writing to Network Rail for a variation to use something similar or better, and some companies have already opted for software solutions. Either way, a fatigue risk management system must be used. (Interestingly, the HSE fatigue risk calculator has been in the standard since 2007, but not fully utilised by some businesses). This is how to be compliant: Each limit below is a trigger point. When creating your worker rosters, look out for these trigger points, and whichever comes first will determine an action . An exceedance is reached when a person: • exceeds 60 hours of working in a rolling seven-day period. This shall be classed as a level 1 exceedance • exceeds 72 hours of working in a rolling seven-day period. This shall be classed as a level 2 exceedance • receives less than 12 hours break between booking off from their shift / period of duty and booking on for their next shift / period of duty • works more than 12 hours in one shift or period of duty • works more than 13 consecutive turns of duty in 14 rolling days • works when they are expected to exceed a Fatigue Risk Index (FRI) fatigue score of 35 during daytime or 45 during night- time hours • works when they are expected to exceed a FRI risk score of 1.6 (day or night time working) • exceeds 14 hours door to door Level 1 exceedance requires intervention of a risk assessment and additional control measures. Level 2 exceedances may prevent any further work for that worker until 24 hours rest is taken. Remember, ‘whichever comes first will determine an action’. You may find 4-5 night shifts in a week is not achievable because the night shift will increase the FRI fatigue score above 45. You must also keep the worker’s FRI risk score at 1.6 or below. That number, you will discover, applies to both day or night shift working and can be exceeded by the first shift back after 24 hours rest. As we said, a culture change is coming. The RPA would like to thank Colas Rail for their contribution to this article.