DB Cargo UK shines a light on the importance of thorough train preparation
New railhead lighting has been installed at 17 DB Cargo UK sites as part of a national programme of work to improve safety and efficiency.
Funding was sourced from Network Rail’s Freight Safety Improvement Programme (FSIP) to install the new, track-side technology at DB sites across the UK.
The initiative stemmed from DB Cargo UK’s involvement with the National Freight Safety Group’s Wagon Condition Programme, which aims to enhance the safety and maintenance practices of freight wagons, addressing issues related to wagon condition and performance.
A key workstream of the Wagon Condition Programme was a focus on train preparation and how it could be improved.
Regional Operations Manager Gareth Lewis said the technology was initially trialled for three months at Margam Knuckle Yard in South Wales to assist with roll by examinations.
Roll by examinations are carried out to spot defects in rolling stock which can only be detected during the movement of a train (such as, unusual sounds, loose fittings, dragging brakes and other safety-related issues).
“Thorough train preparation is the foundation of safe, reliable, and efficient railway operations. If a train isn’t properly prepared before departure, even small oversights can snowball into major safety risks, delays, or costly disruptions,” said Gareth.
“These new track-side lights ensure our groundstaff have maximum visibility of the underside of the train, significantly enhancing their ability to spot any defects or problems before it enters the network.
“This will not only improve safety, it has financial and environmental benefits too – it will reduce the risk of potential breakdowns and expensive recovery, will prevent damage escalation and ultimately extend the life of our assets by enabling us to make proactive interventions,” added Gareth.
The new technology has been provided by Doncaster-based Ninehundred Communications Group and installed by DB Cargo UK’s own Track Access Management Teams.
It is now in place at:
- Margam Knuckle Yard East and West End, Wales
- Newport AD, Wales
- Cardiff Tidal , Wales
- Doncaster Belmont
- Kingsbury
- Rotherham
- Scunthorpe Trent and Anchor Sidings
- Acton
- Tees
- Westbury
- Hoo Junction
- Toton
- Didcot
- Carlisle Kingmoor Yard
- Miller Hill, Scotland
“From start to finish, this has been a great example of collaboration between our teams in operations, engineering and safety,” said Gareth.
“We have delivered significant operational and safety improvements at minimal cost to the business, while improving the working environment for our groundstaff out on the frontline,” he added.