Legionella contamination, Class 700 units- Siemens Thameslink Project Siemens and GTR Thameslink

Our Ref: HSR/1/3
Head Office Circular: NP/302/21
13th August 2021
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

LEGIONELLA CONTAMINATION, CLASS 700 UNITS – SIEMENS THAMESLINK PROJECT (SIEMANS & GTR THAMESLINK)

I write to inform you that your National Executive Committee met on 12th August 2021 to consider a report from the Lead Officer on Legionella contamination on Class 700 units on Siemens Thameslink project, when they adopted the following resolution:


That we note the report on file from the Lead Officer and the report from our Health and Safety department. We note that so far 7 toilets, on 4 trains have had identified actionable traces of legionella. The fourth unit was discovered on August 9th and the company advise they are removing from traffic where ‘reasonably practicable’ and where if in traffic, relevant toilets will be isolated. This Union finds this course of action unacceptable.

Accordingly, the General Secretary is instructed to:
• Write to the company advising that a dispute situation now exists between our organisations.
• Demand an urgent Joint Safety Committee meeting be arranged to discuss the legionella contamination, the company response and its responsibilities under procedure agreement 2 and the associated codes of practice and regulations.
• Demand full disclosure, including live updates of the unit numbers of any units found to contain Legionella.
• Distribute the report from our Health and Safety Department to our Health and Safety Reps.

Members to be informed by text and email.
Relevant Branches, Regional Councils and Reps to be advised.

I am acting in accordance with this instruction and will keep you advised of developments.

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

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch
General Secretary