Good Practice Guide - Prevention of Bridge Strikes KNOW YOUR HEIGHT. KNOW YOUR ROUTE. Issue Prepared by Issue Date. Working Group

Transcription

1 Good Practice Guide - Prevention of Bridge Strikes KNOW YOUR HEIGHT. KNOW YOUR ROUTE. Issue Prepared by Issue Date RRSWG-GPG-001 Road Rail Safety Working Group 21/02/2011

2 The Road Rail Safety Working Group (RRSWG) The road rail safety working group is an advisory working group that focuses on safety at road rail interfaces. It seeks to establish a strategy for the collective management of this risk, and to identify actions that will improve safety levels. The group is chaired by the Railway Safety Commission (RSC) and membership is made up of railway undertakings, road authorities, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Road Haulage Association and the Department of Transport. Feedback The RRSWG meets every three months and is always looking for new ways to improve safety at road rail interfaces. If you have any concerns that you believe the group should be made aware of please contact us via the RSC (contact details given in Section 10). Page 2 of 19

3 Contents 1 Foreword Introduction The law Bridge strikes Reporting Signage Warning and Information signage Regulatory signage Information signage Additional warning equipment Risks to the railway Track Movement Obstructions to the railway Structure integrity Risks to the Road user or Haulage Company Safety of staff and other parties Financial impact Business impact What action to take in the event of a bridge strike Good practice Vehicle checks and driver information Route planning Haulage Permits Third parties LUAS infrastructure Contact information Contact information continued References Documents Legislation Useful forms Page 3 of 19

4 1 Foreword In 2009 over 100 road vehicles struck bridges either over or under the railway in Ireland. One of these strikes led to the collapse of a section of bridge on the Athenry to Tuam line, which is fortunately a closed section of railway. This incident illustrates the serious safety implications for the railway and road users. Large financial costs can also result from these incidents. This guide is aimed at vehicle drivers and transport managers to raise awareness of the dangers of bridge strikes. In addition to this, the booklet provides measures that are currently seen as good practice and will help reduce the risk of bridge strikes occurring. I trust that you will find this guidance informative and relevant to the day to day operations of your business. By taking the time to read this good practice guide you will be provided with the tools to improve safety for everyone. Gerald Beesley Commissioner for Railway Safety Railway Safety Commission Page 4 of 19

5 2 Introduction This document has been written to: Provide road users with clear instruction on what action to take in the event of a bridge strike Present guidance on planning processes which will significantly reduce the risk of one occurring. What is a bridge strike? A bridge strike has occurred if any part of a road user s load or vehicle has collided with a railway Structure. In Section 138 (1) of the Railway Safety Act 2005 a structure is defined as bridge, viaduct, subway, tunnel, underpass, overpass or flyover. Under-bridges allow a public highway to pass underneath railway lines. Unfortunately due to many bridges being built in the 19 th century and the increasing size of vehicles (particularly for the transportation of goods) the clearance between the two has continually become smaller. There are currently 426 under-bridges of restricted height in Ireland. Signage is displayed on and in advance of an under-bridge with limited clearance, showing the maximum height of a vehicle that can safely pass underneath (See Section 4). Under-bridge strikes have the potential to have a major impact on the safe operation of the railway and highway. The affects of an under-bridge strike can range from traffic disturbance to significant damage to railway infrastructure contributing to a serious accident. To ensure that the affects of a under-bridge strike are managed safely it is vital to inform the railway immediately and guidance on this is provided in Section 7. Over-bridge (road over railway) strikes often occur when a driver has made a misjudgement or lost control of their vehicle. This occurrence can have high risk consequences due to the often uncontrolled nature of the impact and danger posed by the vehicle and/or debris falling onto the railway. Over-bridge strikes are discussed in further detail in Section 5, but it should be noted that the immediate action taken by the road user is the same for both types of bridge strike. Therefore, it is vital to inform the railway immediately and guidance on this is provided in Section 7. The causes of bridge strikes can be wide ranging. However, they can be prevented with prior planning and adherence to warning or diversionary signage. Guidance on how to utilise the information available on under-bridges of restricted height and current good practice is provided in Section 8. Page 5 of 19

6 3 The law 3.1 Bridge strikes Where the height of a structure in a public place is indicated by means of a traffic sign (signage shown in Section 4) a person shall not drive or attempt to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle under the structure, where the height of the vehicle, including its load, if any, measured from the ground to its highest point is equal to or exceeds the height indicated in the traffic sign, so as to strike the structure. A person who has contravened this subsection may also be liable for a fine or imprisonment. Section 138 (2) and (3) Railway Safety Act 2005 Since 2009 this offence has been brought within the penalty point system, and 3 penalty points may be awarded on conviction. S.I No 149 of Reporting There is also a requirement for the reporting of a bridge strike. Section 138 (4) of the Railway Safety Act 2005 states: Where a person driving a mechanically propelled vehicle referred to in subsection [138 ] (2) strikes a structure where a traffic sign referred to in that subsection is provided and, whether or not any damage to the structure is apparent, where the person who owns or is in charge of or has use of the structure has provided in a conspicuous place a notice containing a telephone number to contact in the event of such a strike, he or she shall make such contact immediately after the occurrence of the strike. If the person is unable to make such contact immediately, he or she shall immediately notify a member of the Garda Síochána of the occurrence. Failing to comply with this subsection is an offence and on summary conviction a person is liable to a fine of up to 1,000. Page 6 of 19

7 4 Signage 4.1 Warning and Information signage On the approach to an under-bridge of limited clearance, you will see a warning sign (Picture A) showing the highest vehicle that will be able to pass underneath. The height is called the maximum headroom and is written first in feet and inches and then in metres. Additional information signage may be placed further in advance to alert traffic leaving major roads or motorways (Pictures B and C) If your vehicle, including any load being carried, is higher than the height shown on the warning sign, you will not fit under the bridge ahead. It is very important to know the height of your vehicle and of any load being carried before you start your journey. IMPORTANT NOTE: Signage erected in 2010 or later may not provide the height in imperial (feet and inches) dimensions. This is shown in Pictures A and D where only the metric values are displayed. Therefore it is important that you know your height in metres before planning or undertaking a journey. Picture A - Picture B - Picture C - Low bridge clearance ahead Advance information sign Advance information sign (Height restriction shown) (Height restriction shown) (Height restriction shown) 4.2 Regulatory signage The sign shown in Picture D is a regulatory height restriction sign, which may appear on a railway structure. Regulatory signs show the course a driver must follow and an action they are required to take or forbidden to take (RSA 2010). You must not pass a regulatory sign if your vehicle is higher than the height shown on the sign. In the case of arch bridges, the signposted height is available only over a certain width of the arch. This width is shown by goalposts (Picture E). Goalpost markings Picture D Height Restriction sign Picture E Arch bridge with goalpost markings Page 7 of 19

8 Additional limits may also apply to vehicles using a bridge, for example weight, width and number of axles (Signage for these restrictions is shown pictures F, G and H respectively). Picture F Picture G Picture H Warning sign for weight Warning sign for width Regulatory sign for Restriction Restriction Number of Axles Restriction 4.3 Information signage You must report all incidents of striking any railway structure whether or not damage is obvious. The information sign shown in Picture I will be displayed on a railway bridge. The sign gives the code for the bridge and the railways contact phone number. Picture I Iarnród Éireann bridge identification plate 4.4 Additional warning equipment Road users should also be aware of additional warning equipment and signage that may be displayed. Pictures J and K show two examples that are found on the road network in Ireland. Picture J Vehicle Measurement system (VMS) with electrical display Picture K Additional electrical display Page 8 of 19

9 5 Risks to the railway Bridge strikes can potentially have a significant impact on railway infrastructure and operations. This section gives illustrates the serious consequences of bridge strikes. 5.1 Track Movement Under-bridge strikes can move the track guiding trains and create a risk of derailment (Picture L). TRAIN DERAILMENT MISALIGNMENT CAUSED BY BRIDGE STRIKE Picture L Under-bridge strike leading to train derailment ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY 5.2 Obstructions to the railway Over bridge strikes can lead to debris obstructing the track (Picture M). The degree of obstruction may not be obvious from the road therefore as previously stated it is essential to ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY. OVER-BRIDGE STRIKE DANGEROUS OBSTRUCTION TO RAILWAY LINES Picture M Over-bridge strike resulting in obstruction of railway lines ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY Page 9 of 19

10 5.3 Structure integrity Every type of strike on a railway structure could affect its integrity. Minor damage can lead to much greater damage after the passage of trains. Therefore it is essential (and a legal requirement) to ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY. DAMAGE TO RAILWAY UNDER-BRIDGE ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY DAMAGE TO RAILWAY BRIDGE AND LOAD Picture N Damage caused to under-bridge Picture O Under-bridge collision due to oversize / abnormal load Page 10 of 19

11 6 Risks to the Road user or Haulage Company 6.1 Safety of staff and other parties In addition to the safety risks imposed onto the railway, the road vehicle driver, other road users and pedestrians are also put in danger. Risks include: Injury (physical and longer term psychological) Fatality Uncontrolled discharge or removal of load. This is particularly dangerous when transporting Hazardous goods. 6.2 Financial impact Bridge strikes can be financially damaging to the liable party as the railway may claim for costs resulting from the incident. This may include, inspections, rectification work to structures, trains or signage and possibly the cost of recovering the vehicle or load. 6.3 Business impact In addition to cost payable to the railway undertaking, there may also be other wide ranging impacts on your business, for example; Costs resulting from injuries to third parties Costs resulting from damage to your own and other vehicles Costs resulting from damage to load Further legal action The company insurance premium may rise Disruption to business due to vehicle being off the road Damage to company reputation Possible loss of haulage operator s licence Picture P Container dislodged from vehicle after under-bridge strike Picture Q Transportation of construction vehicle leading to under-bridge strike Page 11 of 19

12 7 What action to take in the event of a bridge strike When a vehicle hits any part of a bridge, the following action should be taken: 1) Ring the railway immediately (Iarnród Éireann - ( ) 2) Clearly state: "This is an emergency call" 3) Give the following details; The bridge number (Given on bridge identification plate attached to the bridge Picture I) The railway line and road (if known) Details of any dangerous goods Give your name and contact details in case further information is required. 4) Follow the directions of the railways member of staff It should be noted that it is an offence to fail to report an incident of vehicle impact with railway structures. If you are unable to make contact with the railway immediately you should inform An Garda Síochána of the occurrence. REMEMBER ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY Picture R Under-bridge strike Page 12 of 19

13 8 Good practice 8.1 Vehicle checks and driver information Make sure the driver is aware of the contents of this guidance Measure the maximum height of the vehicle and load (See picture S) Know your height in metres Be aware that the national height limit is 4.65m Repeat the measurement process after loading and unloading Advise the driver of the maximum vehicle height Display maximum vehicle height in driver cab Check your load is secure, refer to Safety of Loads on Vehicles (Third Edition) published by the UK Department for Transport, available at Drivers of wide vehicles or loads should be aware that if goal posts are shown on an arch bridge (Picture E) the clearances may be lower either side of these markings. Enter the number for Iarnród Éireann ( ) into drivers mobile phone 8.2 Route planning Use Iarnród Éireann bridge maps to check for bridges with restricted clearances on national or secondary routes, available from Iarnród Éireann (contact details available in Section 9). If you are travelling outside of these routes contact the appropriate County Council(s) for information on any bridge restrictions. Plan your route to eliminate the risk of bridge strikes Check for road diversions (details available from local councils) Ensure vehicle does not violate any restrictions on new route (Appendix 1 has an example check-sheet and planning form) REMEMBER Know your Height. Know your Route. Picture S Manual vehicle measuring equipment Page 13 of 19

14 8.3 Haulage Permits The following summary is given in Leaflet No. 1 - Guidelines on Maximum Weight and Dimensions of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles and Trailers published by the Roads Safety Authority. In exceptional circumstances, for example the carriage of abnormal and indivisible loads (AILs), the legal limits on weights and dimensions may be exceeded. Where it is proposed to carry a load which is such that the gross vehicle weight or axle weights are in excess of the legal limits or the dimensional or projecting limits are breached, a permit must be obtained from the relevant Local Authority or Authorities through whose functional area(s) the load will be carried. An Garda Síochána also operate a streamlined permit system. Further information on this subject is available from the Roads Safety Authority (contact details available in Section 9). 8.4 Third parties If you are arranging for the transfer of large goods ensure you hire a licensed haulier. Further information on this subject is available from the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA). The IHRA website address is and additional contact details are available in Section LUAS infrastructure This guidance is predominantly aimed at collisions with Iarnród Éireann infrastructure. However in Dublin City there is also LUAS light railway infrastructure. If a strike has occurred involving LUAS infrastructure in Dublin City then LUAS Central Control Room (CCR) should be contacted immediately ( ). Emergency SOS points are also available at all LUAS stops. Page 14 of 19

15 10 Contact information Railway Safety Commission General Trident House Blackrock County Dublin Ireland Tel: Iarnród Éireann Emergency Iarnród Éireann Central Traffic Control (24-hour Emergency Number for reporting an immediate danger) General Bridge Map requests Iarnród Éireann Track and Signals HQ Inchicore Dublin 8 Tel: LUAS Central Control Room 24-hour Emergency Number for reporting an immediate danger Telephone Website General Luascustomercare@veolia-transport.ie Tel: Emergency Services 999 on any fixed land line or 112 from mobile telephone. An Garda Síochána General An Garda Síochána, Headquarters Telephone Website Garda National Traffic Bureau Telephone traffic@garda.ie Page 15 of 19

16 Contact information continued Roads Safety Authority General Road Safety Authority Clonfert House Bride Street Loughrea Co. Galway Telephone: Fax: Website Irish Road Haulage Association General Irish Road Haulage Association Suite 6 Gowna Plaza Bracetown Business Park Clonee Co. Meath Telephone Fax Website jonathan@irha.ie. Page 16 of 19

17 11 References 11.1 Documents Rules of the road (Online), Road Safety Authority available at Bus and Truck operators Guide to managing road safety, Road Safety Authority, S&E - 1/09 available at Code of Practice Safety of Loads on Vehicles, Third edition, Department for transport (UK), 2002, Crown copyright, ISBN , available at Prevention of Strikes on Bridges over Highways: A Protocol for Highway Managers and Bridge Owners, compiled by County Surveyors Society (CSS) on behalf of the Department for Transport s (DfT s) Bridge Strike Prevention Group, available at Prevention of bridge strikes, A good practice guide for transport managers, Network rail, NR/CE/GPG/003, Issue 1, July 2004, available at Third Party Guidance on Railway Risk Volume 3 Crossing the Railway, RSC-G-012-A, Railway Safety Commission, 2008, available at Special Topics Report Railway Bridges in Ireland & Bridge Strike Trends, Railway Safety Commission, 2009, available at Legislation Statutory Instrument No. 190 of 1963,Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations S.I. No. 91/1976 Weights and Measures (Metric Equivalents) Order, 1976 Statutory Instrument No. 5 of 2003, Road traffic (Construction and use of Vehicles) Regulations Statutory Instrument No. 44 of 2004, Road Traffic Act 2004 Statutory Instrument No. 31 of 2005, Railway Safety Act 2005 Statutory Instrument No. 366 of 2008, Railway Safety Act 2005, Road Traffic Act (Construction and use of Vehicles) (AMENDMENT) Regulations 2008 Statutory Instrument No. 149 of 2009, Road Traffic Act 2002 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) (Penalty Points) Order 2009 Statutory Instrument No. 147 of 2009, Road Traffic (Specialised Vehicle Permits) Regulations 2009 All legislation available at Page 17 of 19

18 12 Useful forms Appendix 1 Route specific vehicle check sheet for height and width restricted bridges Part 1 Driver Name Vehicle Registration Date Route From To Via Counties on route 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Part 2 Description of vehicle and load Is load secure Yes No Part 3 Route and Vehicle A Have you identified your route? Yes No B Have you contacted county councils to check for diversions? Yes No C D E F Have you identified revised route (may not be applicable)? What is the height of the lowest bridge on your route? What is the maximum height of your vehicle (including load)? Is Height of your vehicle (E) less than the height of the lowest bridge (D) on your route? (Page two can be used to record details of restrictions) Yes No...m...m Yes No G Have you checked route for width restrictions? H What is the maximum width or your vehicle?...m I What is the minimum width on your route?...m J Is maximum width of your vehicle (H) less than the minimum restriction (I) on your route? Yes No (If the answer is no re-plan route and complete Part 3 for new route) (If the answer is no re-plan route and complete Part 3 for new route) Page 18 of 19

19 Journey and restriction details Journey Details From To Vehicle detail Height Width Structure location (or reference) Restrictions Height Width IMPORTANT NOTE: Appendix 1 is recommended as good practice to identify height and width restrictions. It does not satisfy haulage permit requirements or take into account other restrictions, for example weight. For more information on these requirements and restrictions please see Section 8.3 of this document or contact the Roads Safety Authority (contact details available in Section 10). Page 19 of 19