ATOC. Approved Code of Practice Train Driving Traction Knowledge. Contents. Withdrawn Document. Association of Train Operating Companies

Transcription

1 Uncontrolled When ATOC PrintedApproved Code of Practice ATOC Association of Train Operating Companies Approved Code of Practice Train Submitted by Signatures removed from electronic version Steve Bence Director, Production Support, ATOC Authorised by David Franks Chairman, ATOC Train Operations Scheme Council Contents Section Description Page

2 Page 2 of 13 Part A Issue Record 3 Responsibilities 3 Compliance 3 Health and Safety Responsibilities 3 Code of Practice Status 3 Supply 3 Part B 1 Purpose 4 2 Scope 4 3 Definitions 4 4 Introduction 4 5 Risk Assessments 4 6 Provision of Training 6 7 Competence assessment of traction knowledge 8 8 Traction retention and refreshing 9 9 Records 9 10 Traction Conducting 10 References 11 Appendices A Example traction knowlwdge notice for drivers 12 B Example traction knowledge retention form 13 ATOC 2

3 Part A Page 3 of 13 Issue Record This Approved Code of Practice will be updated when necessary by distribution of a complete replacement. Amended or additional parts of revised pages will be marked by a vertical black line in the adjacent margin. Issue Date Comments One October 2000 Original Document Responsibilities Copies of this Approved Code of Practice should be distributed by ATOC members to persons responsible for ensuring compliance with Railway Group Standards. Explanatory Note ATOC produces in consultation with rail professionals Codes of Practice to be disseminated within the railway industry. However, ATOC is not a regulatory body and ATOC Codes of Practice are not mandatory standards. By necessity every user is responsible for its own operation and carries full responsibility of ensuring safety of its own systems of work. Whilst ATOC Approved Codes of Practice are intended to disseminate best practice users must evaluate this Code against their own operational requirements in a structured and systematic way. Some parts of it may not be appropriate. It is recommended that the evaluation and decision to adopt (or not to adopt) this Code should be documented. Copies of this Code of Practice have been provided to HM Railway Inspector and to Railtrack Safety and Standards Directorate. Code of Practice Status This document is not intended to create legally binding obligations between train operating companies and that it shall be binding in honour only. Supply Controlled and uncontrolled copies of this Approved Code of Practice may be obtained from the Director, Production Support ATOC. ATOC 3

4 1. Purpose Withdrawn Document Part B Page 4 of 13 This Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) details the recommended arrangements for the training, assessment and retention of traction knowledge for train drivers. 2. Scope 3. Definitions This ACOP applies to all ATOC Members. Driver Any person competent and authorised to drive trains. For the purpose of this ACOP, this includes depot drivers and trainee drivers. Competence Assessor: As defined in Railway Group Standard GO/RT3260 and ATOC/ACOP004. Essential technical skills and competence necessary to operate a traction unit safely and efficiently. It includes a working knowledge of the traction unit, including the use of driving controls and relevant systems for the safe performance and recovery in the event of degraded performance/failure. For the purpose of this ACOP, traction knowledge also includes train-operating knowledge. 4. Requirements To ensure that a driver acquires and retains the competence necessary to operate traction and trains safely and efficiently, a driver should be provided with relevant training in the operating characteristics and instructions of the traction type, including relevant fault finding where this is a responsibility of the driver. 5. Risk assessments 5.1 Principle Systems for managing driver competence in traction knowledge should assess the complexity of traction type to establish the: content, methods and duration of training; methods of competence assessment; criteria for traction knowledge retention. ATOC 4

5 Page 5 of Scope of risk assessments Assessments to determine traction training duration, method and process of competence assessment should take account of the: a) complexity of the equipment and control layout, including fault analysis and rectification; b) provision of systems that automate or significantly reduce the need for driver competence in tasks associated with train preparation, diagnostic fault finding and fault reporting; c) experience and competence requirements of the individual this should take account of factors such as: learning capabilities; knowledge of similar traction types refer to clause 6 for further information on conversion training; actual driving experience. Special emphasis should be placed on drivers who are newly qualified who are converting from their basic form of traction; d) availability of learning aids and information such as driving and fault finding manuals, driving simulators, etc; e) need for the trainee to obtain hands on practical driving experience as part of traction training; f) data on accidents and incidents which indicate the traction or train type has been involved in a number of operating incidents, (for example the low speed characteristics of disc brake and the relationship to SPADs and low adhesion incidents; g) experience gained from other appropriate traction training conversion times; h) need for the competence assessments to include a practical assessment of train handling competence. 5.3 Traction knowledge retention assessment Each traction type should be assessed to identify factors which could affect the ability of a driver to retain traction knowledge. The assessment should take account of relevant factors from clause 5.2 including the frequency with which a driver is rostered to operate the traction. ATOC 5

6 Page 6 of Provision of training 6.1 Nature of training Before a driver operates any traction unit or train, adequate training should be given. The method and duration of training should be determined by a risk assessment. 6.2 Conversion training to a similar traction type Conversion training to a similar traction type should normally only require limited training. Account should be taken of the difference in equipment and control layout, operating characteristics and driving/braking technique. Examples of similar traction types would be: Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) to another similar type of DMU (for example Class 150 to 156); Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) to similar type of EMU (for example Class 313 to Class 317; Training methods for conversion to similar traction types may not always require the provision of training in practical train handling skills. 6.3 Conversion where there are significant differences in traction types Conversion training where there are significant differences in traction types such as a DMU or EMU multiple unit to a locomotive or vice versa will normally require more comprehensive training and assessment. The duration of training will vary depending upon the complexity and difference in traction types. Practical hands on driving experience should normally be provided refer to clause 6.5 for further details. 6.4 Training in new traction types When new traction is being introduced, training should additionally take account of the following: a) the need for Driver Trainers and Assessors to have adequate training and hands on driving experience of the new traction prior to undertaking the training of drivers; b) the arrangements for ensuring drivers retain competence if a period of time is likely to elapse between the provision of initial training and the working of an in service train. ATOC 6

7 Page 7 of Provision of practical train handling Training in practical train handling skills may be required where there are significant differences in: a) the layout of driving controls; b) driving and braking techniques compared to existing traction such as: braking performance of the traction type, for example: tread to disc brake (low speed characteristics of the brake); 3 step brake to EP and Auto; 3 step to air braked locomotive hauled train. higher speed operations and the interface of the driver with in-cab or lineside equipment; braking techniques for normal conditions and whether different braking points are required for higher speed operation; braking techniques for low adhesion conditions, including adhesion aids; braking in degraded situations such as failure conditions or assistance procedures; The use of simulators may be beneficial to assist with this process. 6.6 Scope of traction training Examples of key issues to be covered as part of traction training may include: location and function of equipment and controls; function of safety systems including procedures and instructions when isolated or defective; train preparation, mobilisation and disposal; fault identification and rectification; assistance procedures and out of course working; train handling skills; train evacuation procedures and emergency action. A focus should be placed on practical hands on training to allow the trainee to relate classroom theory to workplace reality. ATOC 7

8 Page 8 of Competence assessment of traction knowledge 7.1 Format of the Assessment Prior to a driver being certified to operate a particular type of traction, the person's competency should be assessed to establish the required standards have been achieved. The assessment should include: a) A test of underpinning knowledge: A test of underpinning knowledge against a set of pre-defined questions based on learning requirements. b) A practical assessment of the drivers competence: Where a significant difference in driving technique is evident, (for example, higher speeds or different procedures for braking or operating the driving controls), the assessment should include a practical assessment of the drivers competence in driving the traction/train. 7.2 Re-certification As a minimum, drivers competence in traction knowledge should be recertified as part of the two yearly driver s competence assessment cycle. When re-assessing driver s traction knowledge, similar types of traction should be grouped together, for example 3 step tread brake vehicles and 3 step disc braked vehicles. The assessment process should be focused on the application of tasks or emergency procedures rarely practised and emergencies that may require drivers to take charge of a difficult situation. Consideration should also be given to the driver s experience and how often the traction unit has been operated since the last assessment/training. Where there have been significant changes to the traction since the last assessment, the assessment may require a practical assessment of the driver s competence in driving the traction/train. 7.3 Competence Assessors Only "Competence Assessors" should conduct assessments of competence in traction knowledge. Such persons should have a combination of current: professional competence (related to their role as an assessor), and; occupational competence relating to the activity of train driving, including a comprehensive knowledge of the traction concerned. ATOC 8

9 Page 9 of Traction retention and refreshing 9. Records For all types of traction which a Train Operator works, systems should exist to ensure the competence of Drivers is maintained. This requires an assessment to be carried out (see clause 5.3) to determine: the criteria for planned traction and train operating knowledge retention; and the allowed period of time since operating a traction unit or train before refresher training is required. In determining this criteria, consideration should be given to the competence and underpinning knowledge that is required to be maintained. Particular attention is needed where there are significant differences in the techniques required for driving and braking of trains. Systems for traction knowledge retention should take account of factors that have the potential to impact on retention criteria such as: changes to link structures; exchanges in turns of duty; annual leave, sickness, absence or other duties such as instructing; the individual s learning capabilities and train driving experience. The preferred means of retaining traction knowledge is to drive traction regularly as part of normal work. If this is not practicable, other methods should be used such as the use of driving simulators. Train Drivers should also be made aware of their individual responsibilities to ensure they do not operate a traction type unless competent. Systems should exist to ensure that a driver who has not operated a type of traction within the specified period is provided with traction refresher training. Appendix A and B provide examples of a Drivers Notice and a Traction Refresher Request Form. If it is established that a Driver is no longer competent to operate a traction unit or train, the person should not be allowed to drive the traction unit or train until such time as refresher training is provided. Records should be maintained of all risk assessments carried out to determine the method and expected duration of traction training, the method of competence assessment and the criteria for traction knowledge retention. For each individual driver, records of traction knowledge should provide the following information: the different types of traction for which the driver has been certified competent; details of training. This should include: ATOC 9

10 Page 10 of Traction Conducting the duration of training; the method of training, for example, static and practical handling; details of training aids provided such fault books, simulators, if provided, the amount of driving experience achieved during the training period; details of the assessments undertaken. This should include: method and format of the assessment; summary of questions asked to underpin competence performance; deficiencies identified and actions taken; details of practical handling assessment, if carried out; the name and signature of the person who assessed the driver for competence, and the actual date of the assessment; details of any traction refresher training and re-certification Requirements Traction conductors are required when a driver has the requisite route knowledge but is not certified competent in the traction or train type being operated. For example: when introducing new traction units; driver competent on the traction but is not conversant with train type or vice versa (e.g. Driver competent on Class 86 locomotives air braked trains but not vacuum braked trains); 10.2 Arrangements With the exception of training, in all cases when a traction conductor is provided, the traction conductor will normally drive the train. To minimise risk of operational incidents, the process for appointing traction conductors should be aimed at ensuring the traction conductor is also competent in route knowledge. If the traction conductor does not have the requisite route knowledge, the principles of route conducting apply - refer to Rules Book, GO/RT3251 and ACTOC ACOP007 for further information Fitness and Competence In all cases where a traction or route conductor is provided, the person who drives the train must meet the fitness and competence requirements for train driving as detailed in Railway Group Standard GO/RT3251. The inclusion of this clause within this ACOP is specifically aimed at reducing the risk of trains being driven on Railtrack Infrastructure by persons not meeting Legislation and Railway Group Standards applicable to train driving. For example, persons involved in the movement of private operators trains, preserved traction, movement of new or imported traction or on-track machines etc. ATOC 10

11 Page 11 of 13 References Railway Group Standards GO/RT3251 GO/RC3551 GO/RT3260 GO/RT3000 GO/RT3560 Train Competence Management for Safety Critical Work Rule Book (GO/RT3004 contains rules applicable to train drivers) Competence Assessments Other References Railways Act 1993 Section 82 defines a train Railway Safety Principles and Guidance Draft Guidance on Competence Management and Assurance ATOC 11

12 Appendix A - Example Notice and Traction Refresher Form Page 12 of 13 TRACTION KNOWLEDGE - DRIVERS You are not permitted to work any form of traction unless a valid certificate of competence for the traction type is held, or a competent conductor is provided. If at any time you do not feel that you are fully competent in traction knowledge and wish to cancel or amend your traction knowledge record, you must inform your Manager submitting details in writing on a traction knowledge refresher form (example attached as Appendix B). The traction refresher form must be submitted in sufficient time (normally at least 14 days) to ensure, that before competence in a traction type is cancelled you are given the opportunity (if deemed necessary) to undergo refresher training. Your Manager will review all submissions and if appropriate, arrangements will be made to provide for refresher training to be provided, or an amendment to your traction knowledge record. If refresher training is to be provided, your manager will evaluate the most suitable option available, depending on the request and the knowledge lacking. ATOC 12

13 Page 13 of 13 Appendix B - Example Notice and Traction Refresher Form To: Driver Manager Reference No (Office Use only) TRACTION REQUEST Form Depot From: Driver Link Date: In accordance with the instructions detailed within Permanent Notice of Drivers (no ), I wish to provide (at least 14 days) notice that I require a traction refresher for the following (Office use only) Date Competence will lapse Class of traction Date lasted worked traction Reason for request. Details need to be indicated below: In addition, please indicate by a tick ( ) exactly where and what it is you may require an update on, since this will assist your Driver Manager in evaluating the best method for you to refresh the knowledge. Equipment and control layout Preparation and fault finding Fault finding and assistance procedures and braking characteristics Other Tick Comments Signed: Pay Number: Acknowledgement TRACTION TRAINING REFRESHER REQUEST To: Driver Depot I acknowledge receipt of your request for a traction refresher (dated / Ref... ) and have forwarded it on to your Standards Inspector for his evaluation. Signed:... Title... Date:... ATOC 13