Recruitment
“The Problem - A cable could not be installed across the tracks due to access restrictions. This cable was to be used for switching on/off a new junction lighting installation and the project was in danger of coming to a halt.
The Innovation - William James came up with an idea of using mobile phone technology to switch on/off rather than using a hard-wired light switch; using standard SMS text messages. Through discussions with the Scheme Project Manager (Tom Stewart) it was agreed that this should be investigated further to come up with a workable solution. William engaged & led the design team (Gordon Hinsley) and key suppliers (Abelco & Murphy's) and together they came up with a design which was acceptable and would do the job.
The system was built and tested in the factory and worked well. It was subsequently installed on site and demonstrated to the user (track maintenance engineer) who was delighted with the system.
This has been so successful that it is being used at other proposed sites and retro-fitted to sites where not installed.
The benefits are far more than just reducing cables crossing track crossings. It:
• Improves safety
• Reduces the need for light switches and associated cabling
• Has potential to be used for other applications
• Less time spent on installation, reducing man hours trackside
• The lights can be switched on before going on site. There is no longer a need to go on site in the dark looking for the light switch.
• A SMS text message is sent when the lights are switched on/off so any misuse can be detected.
• Secure – only a message sent with the correct prefix code can turn on/off
• Costs are significantly reduced with savings up to the order of £20k per site
• Is less to go wrong and it’s one less item at risk of vandalism.
The motivation of each team member was the driving force behind the solution. The end result is relatively simple, but the benefits to the company are huge and the team should be given recognition for their innovation and cooperation.“
“The Lifesaver award seeks to recognise those individuals who have intervened to potentially save the life of a vulnerable person on the rail network, and to demonstrate that talking and listening to someone in need can make a huge difference. Samaritans’ aims of breaking down barriers to intervening and the myths about suicide are now imbedded in rail culture with over 10,500 staff trained, while the number of interventions are up by 34% from April 2015. Empowering staff to support vulnerable members of the public, colleagues, friends or family remains a core part of the relationship between the rail industry and Samaritans and The Lifesaver award is an opportunity to highlight this crucial on-going work as well as encouraging rail staff to be champions for our service.”
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