Staff at Bletchley train maintenance depot near Milton Keynes are benefiting from safer working conditions, thanks to Zonegreen rail safety solution
The facility, which opened in the autumn after an £80 million redevelopment, is now using Zonegreen Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS) to automate safety procedures.
www.zonegreen.co.uk
DPPS has been installed on four single-ended roads within the extended maintenance shed to control vehicle movements and provide physical protection to staff working in areas of risk. It has also been interlocked with the depot doors, retractable and mobile gantries, turntable and hoist to prevent unauthorised vehicle and equipment movement, as well as access to dangerous areas.
DPPS uses Network Rail-approved derailers, along with audible and visual warnings, to protect personnel working on maintenance roads. Staff have personalised RFID cards to activate the system and its status is monitored by the Zonegreen Depot Manager software, which provides a full overview of operations and a record of all activity for complete traceability.
Bletchley is now home to a new fleet of 36 electric trains that have been introduced on the West Coast Mainline, running from Euston to Crewe and Northampton. Working with depot operator, London Northwestern Railway (LNR) and main contractor, Taylor Woodrow, the three-month project was completed on schedule, with no major disruptions to depot operations.
Zonegreen head of engineering, Christian Fletcher, said:
"It is fantastic to see the all-new Bletchley facility in use again after a three-year hiatus, and we are proud to be playing an integral part in its renaissance. The upgraded facilities are working at full capacity and we are pleased to be giving depot staff peace of mind that they can fulfil their roles without risk of injury."
Bletchley’s £80 million redevelopment has seen the main shed extended and modernised to accommodate five-car trains, including new carriage servicing sidings, upgraded inspection facilities, replacement of the overhead electrification and new train lifting equipment. It was reopened officially in September by rail minister, Lord Peter Hendy.
John Doughty, engineering director at LNR, added:
"We’ve invested £80 million into futureproofing Bletchley depot for decades to come, following the rollout of our newest train fleet. Safety is always our number one priority, so we were pleased to work with Zonegreen to establish a modern system, which will ensure the wellbeing of our staff."
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