Network Rail MOS Fuses

Our ref: HSR/2/6
Head Office Circular: NP/210/22
22nd September 2022
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

NETWORK RAIL - MOS FUSES

FOR THE ATTENTION OF NETWORK RAIL OHL EMPLOYEES

Head Office Circular NP/164/22, dated 2nd August 2022, stated as follows:


It has been brought to my attention that RMT OHL members in Scotland are being asked to remove MOS fuses which are located within motorised switches.

Our OHL members are not trained and competent to undertake this particular task therefore they are putting themselves at increased risk and also breaking one of the Life Saving Rules.

Members have already been advised by RMT’s Lead Union Health and Safety representative to invoke the work safe procedure/close call should they be asked to undertake this task.

Network Rail management is claiming that this task will be carried out under local agreement; however, it would still constitute a Life Saving Rule breach and import unnecessary risk to our members.


By way of an update, I can report that RMT’s OHL reps will be meeting with the company in early October to agree a way forward, but in the interim our members are still to invoke the Worksafe Procedure should they be asked to conduct this task.

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

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch
General Secretary