CPA Bulletin

56 CPA Bulletin > August 2018 www.cpa.uk.net RAIL PLANT ASSOCIATION: 2 workload starting in period CP6 (April 2019) insofar as this appears to be substantially reduced. There are concerns that a potential loss of machine operators and trainers will not be reversed if there is a future increase in workload in following periods. Investment decisions, whether in labour or plant, depend on a reasonably predictable forward workload. When it is clear that turnover will fall, it makes decision making much more complicated. Other issues have also been presented and these will be considered as part of the strategic review. INCIDENTS On a separate note there were 2 OTP collisions in June 2018 and they are currently under investigation. There have also been 3 RRV spads in the reporting quarter. Following a runaway of an OTP MEWP on 8th June 2018 we believe that the approach to brake testing of 9b (friction drive) vehicles is being reviewed. There is a credible argument to move away from the traditional annual dynamic brake test to a torque resistance test. This torque test is undertaken very easily and quickly and could be performed at a much greater frequency. The RPA recognise that any such move would require an initial investment in terms of machine modification, purchase of test equipment and machine downtime. However, this investment could bring long-term cost savings as the industry would no longer have to haul its 9b vehicles to locations with suitable track for performing the annual test. The RPA would support this move as it can only further improve safety within our market sector. Accordingly we will seek to work closely with the infrastructure managers to ensure that any mandatory investment is affordable to all members. I would remind OTP owners that torque testing is not currently an approved method for brake testing on type 9a (hydrostatically driven) vehicles. FUTURE The future looks busy for the committee members who give up a great deal of time to help the plant community. We have guest speakers at most meetings who give us their view of the direction of travel and we will give more information in future articles. At our last meeting Wayne Murphy, Technical Policy Manager of RRSB, gave an interesting presentation and Ian Morgan of Network Rail STE regularly informs our discussions. Finally, thank you to Graham Pirson for his help with these articles and also to Adam Godwin, your point of contact in the RPA office, who takes care of the administration with considerable efficiency. I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead and would be pleased to hear from any members regarding issues that you feel we should be dealing with. INNOVATIVE RENTAL MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE For solutions as unique as you are CALL US ON +44(0)1628 828000 Visit our website at www.mcs.co.uk to discover why you should choose MCS as your trusted software partner. WINNER - TVTA INTERNATIONAL TECH COMPANY FINALIST – HAE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR C M Y CM MY CY CMY K MCS CPA 178x126 v2.pdf 1 02/07/2018 15:32