<p><a class="link-style-default link-page" href="#!/page/65e0928503ed1f3a8edad6ce/1" link-style="Default" data-link-target="New tab" target="_blank" data-link-type="page">Spotting wagon defects early for improved safety and maintenance</a> | <a class="link-style-default link-page" href="#!/page/65e0928503ed1f3a8edad6ce/3" link-style="Default" data-link-target="New tab" target="_blank" data-link-type="page">A new tool to assess station improvement schemes</a> | <a class="link-style-default link-page" href="#!/page/65e0928503ed1f3a8edad6ce/3" link-style="Default" data-link-target="New tab" target="_blank" data-link-type="page">Tackling work-related violence in rail</a> | <a class="link-style-default link-page" href="#!/page/65e0928503ed1f3a8edad6ce/5" link-style="Default" data-link-target="New tab" target="_blank" data-link-type="page">First steps toward a national Accessibility Benefits Framework</a></p>
A trial is providing monthly data reports to operators, helping them to identify defective wagons.
Freight wagons with defects are a potential derailment risk. A way to spot defective vehicles early would enable proactive management of fleets. It would improve safety and reduce safety unplanned interventions.
Previous research (COF-UOH-62 and COF-UOH-68) identified an opportunity to use the Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) to spot data patterns that could point to vehicle defects.
WILD systems are installed on Network Rail infrastructure. They routinely measure wheel loads from passing traffic. The research, was jointly pursued by RSSB and the University of Huddersfield. It found that statistical analysis of the data can highlight vehicles that could be at higher risk of derailment. Extending the use of the data in this new way comes at very little extra cost or effort to the industry. This is because the WILD systems are already up and running.
Following this promising initial finding, we produced a good practice guide on how to obtain and process WILD data to identify defective wagons. However, we found that more could be done to build confidence in this use of WILD and embed the practice into industry.
This research offers a unique opportunity to use readily available data to better understand the dynamic performance of fleets to manage the risk of unidentified faults and failures. This is a valuable project, and we are keen to play an active role in ensuring that this work is a success and help us all make the railways safer.
On a trial basis, backed by University Accelerator funding, we are generating operator-specific monthly reports for tagged vehicles that run over WILD sites. These reports provide valuable insights on potentially faulty wagons to these freight operators. In turn, the operators give valuable feedback to us, informing future ways of reporting insight from this data.
Stay up to date at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue (search for COF-UOH-78).
Would you like to receive WILD data reports for your organisation’s fleets? We are already working with Freightliner, VTG and Touax, and are looking for more partners to expand the scope of the trial.
To find out more, contact Andrew Gleeson, Senior Partnership and Research Grant Manager:
Andrew.Gleeson@rssb.co.uk
This standard way to evaluate initiatives will strengthen business cases and assessments.
Efficient station operations are important for punctuality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. However, there is no agreed way to assess the effects of station-level performance initiatives. Look at small-scale plans for improving station dwell times. They aren’t easy to assess using delay minute data.
The lack of an assessment method makes it difficult to evaluate business cases for new station-level schemes. It is also difficult to forecast long-term performance without a way of accounting for schemes that have been approved but not yet live.
This research developed a tool for assessing station-level performance improvements. It does this in a consistent and meaningful way. It combines a range of commonly available performance, safety, and financial metrics. The tool and methodology are based on extensive engagement with station operators to identify good practice.
The tool will let industry partners confidently compare and assess the relative performance benefits of different initiatives. This can be done before and after a project is delivered. It will support better investment decisions and help to improve customer satisfaction.
The performance impact tool will enable us to better understand the likely benefits that will result from specific schemes, helping to produce more accurate performance forecasts and make informed investment decisions.
The Station Performance Analysis tool and supporting information are available at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue (search for T1309).
To discuss the tool and how to put it to work in your organisation, contact Marcus Carmichael, Professional Lead, Operations and Performance:
Marcus.Carmichael@rssb.co.uk
RSSB worked with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and the industry’s Work-Related Violence Group to publish practical guidance. Rail organisations can use this to help protect staff.
The good practice guide helps managers develop, implement, and measure a work-related violence strategy. It covers topics related to work-related violence. It then provides a framework for rail organisations to adapt to their own needs.
The good practice guide includes planners and checklists to help identify priority areas and define actions. There is also a high-level briefing note for senior leaders.
Tools and examples of good practice are evidence-based. Research cited includes RSSB projects on preventing customer-on-staff violence (T1173) and on the risks of lone working in rail (T1213).
Download the resources from rssb.co.uk/safety-and-health/leading-health-and-safety-on-britains-railway/tackling-work-related-violence
Making the case for passenger accessibility schemes and demonstrating their value.
The Accessibility Benefits Framework will allow station managers to show benefits from accessibility focused schemes. It will cover infrastructure, operations, and passenger information. Tt will form part of the National Rail Accessibility Strategy (NRAS). The framework will support the industry in its long-term goal of providing a more inclusive and accessible railway.
As a first step, we developed a high-level approach to improving how we determine the value of accessibility interventions. This work was carried out by the Institute for Transport Studies, in partnership with Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT).
Following the research, we proposed an approach combining two key elements. They are multi-criteria assessment and cost-benefit analysis. This gives an indication of value for money. It also captures location-specific and strategic factors.
Further work on the Accessibility Benefits Framework will be done by GBRTT. The goal is to develop the theory into a practical tool that can be used more easily by industry.
If you are working on accessibility initiatives, you may find our approach to assessment useful. Read the research at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue (search for COF-ECO-14).
For more information, contact Andrew Gleeson, Senior Partnership and Research Grant Manager: