CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > November 2020 41 RAIL PLANT ASSOCIATION: 2 For example, Kings Cross is especially challenging due to the high number and complexity of tracks with OLE structures. Combine that with the tunnels approaching the station which force the OLE to be at the lowest permissible setting, and we have a high-risk OTP working environment. An unconscious bias It is very easy to blame the operator when OLE has been touched (no damage) or struck (damaged). But it is vital to appreciate the operator is often the last line of defence against an OLE contact event. In many cases, the RCI height limit cannot be set because the work usually requires the arm of the excavator or crane to be above and/or in between the OLE. In this environment we are relying 100% on the skill of the operator. Despite the requirement for a machine/crane controller (MC/CC) to be present with duplex radios, etc., there is little hope of the MC/CC stopping the operator in time during routine movement situations. Members of the RPA carried out a survey where an OTP operator was monitored over a 12-hour shift on a track renewals site with OLE present. The site was a typical 2-line set up, straight and level. It was recorded one operator manoeuvred his excavator up in between wires to transfer spoil to and from a train wagon over 2000 times in that 12-hour period. Now consider that number multiplied by several excavators on site, and you begin to see how skilled the operators are to avoid contact. In risk assessment, we could follow a ‘hierarchy of control’ which may look like: 1. Slew the wires aside before working excavators, or 2. have a contingent MEWP and components on site to rectify damages if a strike occurs, or 3. implement an engineering solution that will help prevent the strikes (no solution has been found yet) So, for any bright engineers reading this, consider designing a solution which is a game-changing opportunity. Rail Plant Association – Fitter Competency update It has been a privilege to have the Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (M&EE) Networking Group endorse the RPA Fitter Assessment document. Long may this continue. It is time, however, to carry out a deep dive review of that material. That work began last year with stakeholder reviews frommember companies to look at content and relevance for the new breed of on-track plant available today. In our next article, we will bring you up to date with the significant changes that are happening in this document. Darren Matthews RPA Management Committee - Acting Chairman