Trap and drag incidents: tips for TOCs
Seven things every train operating company can do to stop passengers getting trapped in train doors.
Tony Ellis, Head of Public Safety Portfolio, RSSBMichael Woods, Principal Operations Specialist, RSSB
Managing risk at the platform-train interface (PTI) continues to be a key area of focus for our industry.
Over the past 20 years, we have seen the majority of ‘slam-door’ carriages withdrawn from the network. This has reduced the associated risks of falling from train doors, being hit by them, and leaning out of droplight windows. However, trains with power-operated doors pose their own risks, most significantly that of ‘trap and drag’ incidents.
The number of trap and drag incidents are small in comparison to the number of times passengers get on and off trains (PTI crossings) each year. This is a testament to the diligence and competence of staff involved in managing risk at the PTI. Nevertheless, trap and drag accidents can be serious, life-changing or even fatal. And every one of these is a tragedy and causes harm and stress to passengers and rail staff.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has investigated recent incidents. There have also been serious cases on the London Underground, two of which are currently under investigation. We suspect that many minor incidents will have gone unrecorded.
2023
2022
2018
Passenger’s coat, Archway
Passenger’s coat, Chalk Farm
Passenger’s hand, Crouch Hill
Walking stick, Wembley Central
Umbrella, Seven Sisters
Passenger, Wood Street
Dog lead, Elstree & Borehamwood
Passenger’s arm, Bushey
RAIB made the following recommendations to train operating companies (TOCs) following its investigation into three of the accidents in North London during 2022:
Ensure drivers are supported in the task of train dispatch through suitable training, briefings and maintenance of equipment.
Drivers should rely on their final visual safety check rather than the door interlock when deciding to dispatch a train. This is due to the limitations of such systems in detecting small objects trapped in the doors.
Continue to raise passenger awareness of the hazards that train doors can present when closing.
This last point has been studied by the industry and in RSSB research. The findings show that many rail customers believe that, like lift doors, train doors will reopen if a hand or object is inserted between them.
Some might wonder why train doors can’t operate like lift doors. It’s because trains run to a timetable and redesigning them to be like lifts is not practical. But investigations into door closing systems have taken place. An RSSB research project aims to review existing practices to identify safe and efficient door operations.
Other research has concluded that TOCs should progress with four workstreams:
Continue to raise passenger awareness by integrating with PTI awareness campaigns. Incorporate key messages to help passengers understand the risk of closing doors and to reduce misunderstandings concerning door closure.
Enhance initiatives involving station staff, guards and drivers with key messages. Refer to RSSB project ‘Optimising door closure arrangements to improve boarding and alighting’.
Work with train manufacturers and ROSCOs to develop and trial enhanced auditory and visual warnings. Examples may include speech messages and ‘mood lighting’.
Consider using slower door closing speed for auto-closure. Also consider inhibiting the auto-closure function ahead of departure, which should be trialled.
Some of these workstreams are long-term. The most pressing workstream involves supporting train drivers, guards, and dispatch staff to promote messages to passengers. This will inform passengers that getting on a train or obstructing train doors once they have started to close is unsafe.
Episode 45 of our RED safety video series shows some of the risks they should be aware of and how to manage them. Share the trailer.
We must address PTI risk as an industry, as sadly people continue to get hurt, and it remains one of our biggest risks.
It is vital that traincrew and train dispatchers are continually made aware that a visual check is essential to ensure it is safe to start the train. Only relying on bodyside lights or illuminating lights extinguishing to confirm train doors are not obstructed causes risks. Trainers, instructors and assessors of safety critical staff are key in supporting traincrew and train dispatchers in developing robust and effective personal protection strategies. This helps them to identify and effectively manage risk at the PTI.
