Network Rail - Secondary Protection

Our Ref: HSR/2/1
Head Office Circular: NP/216/13
15th August 2013

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

NETWORK RAIL – SECONDARY PROTECTION

Our Lancaster Branch submitted a resolution for consideration by the General Grades Committee:

The Lancaster Branch welcomed the draft report from Network Rail. And that Network Rail recognises that overall the Vortok Rearguard is considered a good and necessary device.

But the Branch are far from happy with the length of time it has taken to get to the trials which is 9 years.

In 9 years there have been over 73 runaways of different types of machinery in which there could have been 73 Tebay accidents.

The Lancaster Branch send in a resolution of the upmost urgency now that Network Rail recognise the need for Secondary Protection and that it is now dealt with more quickly and that it will be mandatory for it to work successfully.


On giving consideration to the resolution General Grades Committee carried the following resolution:

That we note the resolution and agree with the sentiments expressed within from our Lancaster Branch.

Whilst noting and welcoming the fact that Network Rail have finally agreed that the need for a secondary protection warning device is warranted.

The lapse in timescale of over 9 years from the Tebay tragedy where four RMT members lost their lives is not acceptable.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to express in the strongest possible terms that we need the necessary modifications of the Vortok system to be done in a timely manner that will not delay the roll out of the system.

Further that the roll out and use of will be mandatory where the agreed need for use exists.

The General Secretary is instructed to merge this file with the Tebay and Network Rail – Tebay 10th Anniversary files.

The General Secretary is also instructed to place before the General Grades Committee any progress updates on this matter, and in any case to be placed before us no later than 2nd December 2013.


Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you informed of developments with this case.

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

Yours sincerely


Bob Crow
General Secretary