Our monthly risk prevention series explores how geofencing technology can help reduce risk and prevent specific safety incidents in the railway industry, offering practical insights and strategies for creating safer and more efficient work environments. In this edition, we cover how geofencing can help reduce the risk of points run-throughs.
Points run-through incidents remain a significant challenge in railway operations, leading to costly damage, service disruptions, and safety risks. According to the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), each incident costs approximately £250,000* due to infrastructure repairs, train delays, and engineering work disruptions. The ripple effect of these incidents can result in reduced or cancelled services, operational inefficiencies, and extensive downtime.
Despite existing safeguards, points run-throughs continue to occur during railway projects, often due to human error. Fatigue, miscommunication, distractions, and loss of situational awareness can all contribute to a vehicle mistakenly travelling through a set of points. To help reduce these risks, geofencing technology is emerging as a proactive solution, providing real-time alerts and visibility to help prevent incidents before they happen.
How geofencing helps reduce the risk of points run-throughs
Traditional safety protocols can help reduce the risk of points, but human factors cannot always be eliminated. That’s where geofencing technology can help, offering real-time alerts to both the Machine Controllers (MC) and the Engineering Supervisor (ES).
To help reduce the risk of points being run through by vehicles, geofences can be plotted around a worksite on an online Dashboard, creating boundaries at the set of points. A geofencing device attached to vehicles then allows the ES and machine operator to be notified of close proximity to the points and action can be taken before any damage is incurred.
Alerts for the MC
- If a vehicle leaves the geofence and approaches the points, the machine controller receives an alert notifying them of their proximity. They can take immediate action to stop the vehicle and can walk the route to ensure the points are set correctly for the movement.
- Using a tablet, MCs can view their live position relative to the worksite points via the Dashboard, ensuring they maintain a safe distance and avoid accidental crossings.
Alerts for the ES
- The ES can monitor all vehicle movements in real-time via the Dashboard, identifying if a vehicle is travelling toward the points and proactively alerting the controller.
- An alert notifies the ES if a vehicle crosses its designated geofence boundary and is approaching the points, allowing immediate intervention.
- The ES can monitor specific vehicles, such as RRVs (Road-Rail Vehicles) or MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms), ensuring they maintain a safe distance from the points.
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Enhancing worksite safety and efficiency
By implementing geofencing, railway organisations can significantly help to reduce the risk of points run-throughs, avoid costly damages, and enhance worksite efficiency. With clear real-time visibility, automated alerts, and remote monitoring, geofencing provides an added layer of security that complements traditional safety measures.
As railway operations continue to evolve, adopting geofencing technology as a standard practice can drive a safer, more efficient rail network, helping to put an end to preventable incidents like points run-throughs.
*The 2023 Independent Review of Geofencing is available from the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB)
