Lookout Operated Warning System - (LOWS)

Our Ref: HSR/2/6
Head Office Circular: NP/101/14
5th June 2014

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

LOOKOUT OPERATED WARNING SYSTEM – (LOWS)

Further to Head Office Circular NP/097/14, 22nd May 2014 I am pleased to report further progress with this matter. Further to our meetings with Network Rail a further joint meeting was held between RMT representatives and management from AmeyColas. We have agreed the following:

•    Where High Output systems are not present LOWS may be used as the form of protection for staff from approaching trains provided that all other means of protection such as line blockage, barriers or site wardens have been assessed as impractical at that location.
•    Where High Output systems are present the prohibition on using LOWS in conjunction with a line blockage will remain in place until further work can be done to ensure a Safe System of Work for staff engaged in this activity.

We will continue to work with the company to establish adequate protection for our members and other staff where the High Output systems are operating.

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

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
Acting General Secretary