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A priority for track safety

THE risks involved with working on the Underground are numerous, especially on the track where there are threats from the live rail, moving trains, uneven surfaces and reduced visibility.

To minimise these risks, there is a need for adherence to strict safety regulations which is where the Compliance and Licensing Office (CLO) comes in. Established in 1994 following several fatal incidents on the track, the CLO team is responsible for ensuring that track safety standards are met by staff and contractors.

On duty: Protection Master Gregory Sanziri of Morson's ensures that track is safe for work to proceed

George Prokopowicz, Compliance and Licensing Manager, explains: “We are tasked with assisting the Infracos and contractors in working on the track safely. For example, we monitor the Protection Masters who take occupation of the track once the current has been switched off to allow the engineers to work safely on improving our infrastructure."

Within its tasks, Compliance and Licensing carries out a programme of inspections of the Protection Masters who are employed by the Infracos, contractors and sometimes by LUL.

Since 1995, the team has made over 1,000 site inspections and filed over 300 adverse reports where safety has been compromised.
“If there is an adverse report, it is sent to the appropriate Infraco or contractor for review of the necessary action to be taken,” says George. “If it is a serious breach of safety, the Protection Master may be suspended either immediately or later by the company. We have, in the past, excluded companies from providing Protection Masters because of their lack of commitment to safety."

However there has been a big improvement in site compliance over the last four years since the inspections began. In 1995/96, 61 per cent of reports were adverse while in 1998/99 that dropped to 19 per cent.

“While there has been a significant improvement," says George, “we can't forget the fatalities. Eight people were killed on the track in the 1990s. So we must continue to work towards improving safety compliance."

For its part, Compliance and Licensing offers assistance to the Infracos and contractors in licensing and supporting their Protection Masters. Using safety guides laid out by LUL, the team can help companies organise appropriate competency assessments in order for them to issue safety critical ID cards to their staff.

Published by Engineering, London Underground Limited,
30 The South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EU, in association with
Financial & Business Publications, Regent House, 24-25 Nutford Place, London W1H 5YN
© London Underground Limited, 2000

For further information,
T: +44 (0)20-7569 3040  F: +44(0)20-7569 3041