RSSB CONSULTATION 22:017: REDUCING THE USE OF DETONATORS

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/117/25

22^nd July 2025

To: The Secretary

All branches

Regional councils

 

Dear Colleague

 

   RSSB CONSULTATION 22:017: REDUCING THE USE OF DETONATORS

 

I recently responded to RSSB consultation “Reducing the use of detonators” and subsequently the Lead Officer met with RSSB to discuss our response. RMT have made clear our concerns regarding the intention to remove the use of detonators in cases of single line working, movements to and from a point of obstruction and movements towards an isolated section.  I have explained that there is a requirement for a layered approach to emergency protection, which includes 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 letter to RSSB in response to their consultation 22-017 “Reducing the use of detonators”.  The decision to eliminate a long-standing and effective auditory warning system introduces new risks that may not be fully mitigated by the proposed alternatives. Therefore, an audio system must be in place and if this is not available then dets must be retained.

 

Given this we instruct the General Secretary to write to:  

• Network Rail, to explain that we oppose the reduction of detonators from degraded working procedure, particularly in relation to single line working, and to point out the need for an audible warning, to facilitate contact with the signaller in an emergency, whether this is via SPT/mobile phone or GSMR (if available). This auditory warning could include remote activated acoustic devices, low maintenance sound beacons, or integrated visual & audio systems
• ASLEF, requesting that they engage in a joint campaign to oppose the intention to remove use of dets in instances of degraded working. 
• 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