RSSB CONSULTATION 19-005: REVIEW OF EMERGENCY PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/118/25

22^nd July 2025

To: The Secretary

All branches 

Regional Councils 

 

Dear Colleague

 

RSSB CONSULTATION 19-005: REVIEW OF EMERGENCY PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS 

 

I recently responded to RSSB consultation “Review of Emergency Protection Arrangements”, explaining my concern as to RSBBs intention to remove the use of detonators for emergency protection. I made it clear that a layered approach to emergency protection is required - and given this there remains a requirement for an audible warning. 

 

                In relation to this, at its meeting on 15^th July 2025, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its H&S subcommittee from when it met to consider RMTs response to the RSSB consultation:

                

We note the paperwork provided on this matter and the General Secretaries response to RSSB consultation 19-005: Review of Emergency protection arrangements. 

 

At June meeting of TOM SC, RSSB officers explained that as a result of an objection received from RMT they will not be able to go for rule change in September, instead talks with RMT will be ongoing - and they are now looking at March 2026 for publication.  

 

In connection with the above we instruct the General Secretary to:

• Write to ASLEF requesting that they engage in a joint campaign to oppose the intention to remove dets/audio protection from emergency working scenarios
• Review research which relates to the removal of detonator effectiveness
• Notify RSSB that there must remain an audible alert to warn drivers they are approaching safety critical section of line. If such audible alert arrangement does not exist, then dets must remain in use. 

Branches and Regional Councils to be informed accordingly. 

.

                I am acting in line with these instructions. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

Eddie Dempsey

General Secretary