Case Study – Network Rail

Personal Trackside Safety – EREWASH PROJECT

Senator Security gained the contract to protect cable for the Erewash re-signaling project phases 2a and 2b after tendering to a scope of works. After the initial period it soon became apparent that it did not meet the needs of the operation required to achieve the service aim. After 2 weeks, Senator expressed their concerns and was requested to review the security needs thus achieving a safer, more efficient and cost effective operation. This was achieved by a proposal to reduce the presence of track side staff, redeploying this cost into more effective mobile PTS units. The setting up of a local control centre manned by safety critical staff based in a compound allowing contactors a secure area to store materials and equipment. The setting up of a new patrol program and having the ability to use mobile units working ahead of the project, thus preventing theft before handover, thereby not slowing the project down. The plan was presented and approved by the Customer and implemented on the 1st August 2009.

At the start of the contract in June 2009, Network Rail were reviewing the use of PTS security officers track side and came to the conclusion that they would not allow projects to deploy security staff track side. The Erewash project team opposed this decision fervently, up to the point that the Director of Security for Network Rail visited the project to see and hear their concerns. After a full briefing on the operation and a tour of site he realised the requirement for PTS security staff in this environment and other similar projects, leading him to change the policy decision. He instructed that the Senator operation be used as a template for all future deployment of track side security staff. This decision reflected extremely well on the project team and on Senator Security.

Phase 2a of the project ran through an area with a very high crime rate, a history of cable theft and a long established meeting area for Gypsies. During Phase 2a, Senator Security dealt with actual trespass, people carrying illegal fire arms, arson and assisted the British Transport Police outside of the operational area when one of their staff was assaulted whilst working track side. Despite the situations faced, Senator Security handed over phase 2a with no cable loss. Senator Security staff have also been thanked by the Customer on a number of occasions for their public relations in assisting the local people, and having an understanding approach on subjects such as noise and disregard for people’s property by contractors working on the project.

Phase 2b is running up to 8 weeks behind the hand over date to Network Rail. The project team is aware of the commissioning date and how this affects further programs and has requested Senator Security to provide a security presence in the whole area to prevent cable theft, putting the hand over date even further behind. Phase 2b is a large, mainly rural area with 4 different lines in different directions. Deployment to cover the whole area has meant a complete review from the original security plan involving new patrol routes, new patrol plans, new RIMINI planning and the geographical training of staff. Due to the large geographical area now being managed, the local control room team now has a computerized system allowing them to manage directly the tracking system on the mobiles units rather than going through the national control room. Phase 2b is ongoing, but our main aim is to once more hand over at the end of the project with no cable loss.

For further information on PTS related projects please contact Bill Searle on 01543 411811

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