Background
Level crossings account for approximately half of the train accident risk on the railway in the UK. Sotera has worked in the UK, Europe and Australia, with regulators, industry bodies, research organisations and operators to devise methods to assess risk and develop strategies to manage it.
Managing level crossing risk is particularly complex due to the interfaces that require controlling, including the behaviour of the pedestrians and road users, train operation, level crossing equipment, level crossing keepers and railway signalling. There are also the competing objectives of keeping the crossing open to the road to minimise delays and the preference to close the crossing well in advance of the arrival of a train to ensure that the crossing is clear of users and obstructions before the train can traverse the crossing.
Sotera’s in-depth knowledge of level crossing operation, safety and performance mean that Team Sotera’ is well placed to assist with all level crossing safety issues.
Suitable and sufficient risk assessment
Sotera has worked with Network Rail to undertaking ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessments for well over 800 level crossings. The risk assessment reports determine the most appropriate crossing types for installation and the specific control measures required. The reports have gained acceptance from the regulator and involve a thorough examination of a wide range of data sources to assess the risk at each specific location. This includes:
- Site survey and completion of bespoke site visit protocols
- Discussions with users and crossing keepers
- Photographic record of the crossing and approaches
- Identification of local hazards
- Quantified risk assessment
- A traffic census
- Analysis of incident data
- Workshop with stakeholders
- Assessment of options
- Cost benefit analysis
- Reporting.