Network Rail Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) – use of Duff/ Simplex Jacks:

Our ref: HSR/2/6

Head Office Circular: NP/214/23

13^th December 2023

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

 

Dear Colleague,

 

NETWORK RAIL SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK (SSOW) – USE OF DUFF/SIMPLEX JACKS – FOR THE ATTENTION OF MEMBERS BASED IN THE NORTH AND EAST 

 

I have received concerns from RMT reps around the method of protection employed whilst using Duff/Simplex Jacks. They are of the opinion that using these jacks would affect the safety of the line and a line blockage with additional protection must be employed as a minimum protection arrangement.

 

I therefore advise that members invoke the Work Safe Procedure should their SSOW not be as a minimum of line blockage with additional protection. 

 

I express my thanks to RMT Health and Safety reps Jack Rawcliffe and Aidan Gibson for raising the concern on behalf of members.

 

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

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary