Exhaust Fumes and Alarms – Hounslow Tunnels

Our Ref: HSR/1/3
Head Office Circular: NP/114/16
11th April 2016

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

Exhaust Fumes and Alarms – Hounslow Tunnels

A report and correspondence came in from the Relief Regional Organiser and from RMT members working on track tamping machines in tunnels around the Hounslow area. The concern appears to be the use of additional diesel powered generators being used in tunnel sections and/or shut and cut areas. There was also a concern over an alarm sounding to give notice of excess fumes in the area and a person from the contracting company attempted to remove them by placing them up his jumper and under his PPE jacket.

The National Executive has taken the following decision:

    “That we note the report on file.

This NEC is extremely concerned with the content of this report, where an individual’s disregard to safety equipment could potentially have had serious implications on our members Health & Safety.
Accordingly, we instruct the General Secretary to immediately follow this issue up through the effected Health & Safety representatives and a report to be placed back in front of this NEC within 14 days. All further developments to be placed before us.

Branches and regional councils to be advised”    

I am in the process of carrying out those instructions.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary