Our ref: HSR/2/6
Head Office Circular: NP/227/22
18th October 2022
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague,
NETWORK RAIL - MOTORISED OPERATING SWITCH (MOS) FUSES
FOR THE ATTENTION OF NETWORK RAIL OHL EMPLOYEES
Further to Head Office Circular NP/210/22, dated 22nd September 2022, I have received the following report from your Lead Union Health and Safety Representative:
The National OHL Working Group have, on 05/10/22, met with the company to agree a way forward. We were shown a demonstration of a new outdoor mounted Isolator Switch (MS146) which would enable staff to operate the switches without the need to go inside the casing where the live working components are housed to remove fuses. This would eliminate any risk involved in the operation of the switches.
The company plans to introduce the isolator switches in Scotland as soon as possible. In the interim period Network Rail has assured us that our OHL members would not be asked to remove the fuses inside the casing as they are not competent to do so. The RMT H&S reps agreed with this approach.
I would like to thank John McNulty (RMT H&S Rep Cowlairs) for his work on highlighting and raising the concerns for our members in Scotland.
Your National Executive Committee, at its meeting on 13th October 2022, noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety Sub-committee:
We note the report from our lead union Health and Safety Representative for which he is thanked.
The General Secretary is instructed to inform members of the situation, noting the company’s position, and thank our rep Bro. McNulty for his work in this matter.
Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.
I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.
Yours sincerely
Michael Lynch
General Secretary