The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has unveiled a groundbreaking new tool designed to significantly enhance rail safety by identifying and mitigating the risks associated with runaway rail vehicles.
The innovative Runaway Risk Tool will allow rail operators to pinpoint locations where gradient or track conditions could lead to vehicles moving unexpectedly from worksites, and to determine which sections of track would be most vulnerable in such an event.
Developed in response to industry demand for data-driven research into runaway on-track machinery, the tool utilises high-resolution track imagery and gradient data from Network Rail’s national databases to simulate potential runaway scenarios.
A user-friendly interface allows users to input worksite locations and vehicle weights, enabling precise calculations of potential runaway routes and facilitating proactive risk management measures. This will allow for more accurate and site specific risk assessments.
Previously, protection arrangements were often implemented even in lower-risk areas, potentially leading to excessive precautions. The new tool will support the creation of appropriately tailored and safe protection arrangements, improving both efficiency and safety.
A rigorous validation process, including workshops and comparisons with real-world incidents, has been conducted to ensure the tool’s accuracy and reliability.
Chris Knowles, Director of System Safety and Health at RSSB, said: “When on-track vehicles or machinery runaway in a railway work site they pose a serious safety risk.
Our new Runaway Risk Tool will enable the rail industry to develop site specific risk assessments, helping manage the risk in a practicable and evidence-based way.
When planning worksites, users will be able to take targeted action to prevent a runaway, improving both efficiency and safety management.”
The Runaway Risk Tool is set to be piloted by Network Rail in the coming months, marking a significant step forward in enhancing safety on the UK’s rail network.
