E. COLI IN TANKING WATER AT SKIPTON

Our ref: HSR

10^th July 2024

 

To: All Northern Trains Ltd members

 

Dear Colleague

 

E. COLI IN TANKING WATER AT SKIPTON

 

It has been brought to my attention that at the Skipton outstation, E. Coli has been found in the water tank used for tanking trains –which is refilling the toilet/sink water on trains. 

 

46 trains are affected and on those which are being used in service, the toilets have been locked out and closed to passengers and workers.

 

The company advises that those trains known to have have been affected –25 Class 333 and Class 331 trains used in the East Region only – will have the water system treated and back into service again within 24 hours. 

 

For those trains which could have also been affected –21 Class 158s –this will be done as soon as possible and before the end of the week.

 

E. Coli tests at all other locations are negative so this is an isolated issue.

 

In its advice for colleagues working at Skipton, the company advises that the water in the tanking systems passes from the tank, through the hose and into the train without leaving that closed system, and that gloves should be worn as a protective precaution. 

 

However, if you feel you could be in serious or imminent danger, and this will include a danger to your health if, for example, you have an illness such as Crohn’s disease or colitis, for example, and may need a toilet more frequently, you should advise your manager of your concerns and not place yourself in a vulnerable position, and, if necessary, advise management/ control that you are invoking the work safe procedure.

 

For further advice regarding such matters please see RMT “Serious and Imminent Danger” booklet: https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/publications/serious-and-imminent-danger-booklet/

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary 

www.rmt.org.uk/healthandsafety