Cranes offer superior lifting capabilities, making them a vital piece of equipment in the rail industry.
In particular, cranes are often essential to perform maintenance, construction or emergency recovery tasks.
Usage examples include working on track infrastructure, overhead line equipment work, station and depot construction, tunnelling, signalling or derailment recovery.
But as with all industries, crane safety is paramount within the rail industry. Due to the high risk environment and the complexity of lifting operations near or on rail infrastructure, it is essential that lifting tasks involving cranes are made as safe as possible.
Metreel is a leading supplier of industrial cranes, including for the rail industry.
While not intended as a substitute for a professional health and safety assessment, these are some top points to know when it comes to ensuring safe crane use within rail applications.
Pre-Planning and Risk Assessment
All lifting tasks should begin with an in-depth risk assessment, which outlines the potential risks to personnel.
Beyond general health and safety considerations, crane operations involving the UK rail industry must also comply with some more specific safety regulations. These include Network Rail standards (e.g. NR/L2/RMVP/0200 for lifting operations), Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).
Contractors or crane suppliers for the rail industry should also be RISQS-accredited.
With all of the above requirements in mind, a risk assessment involving a crane for the rail industry would look like so:
Site Assessment: There are over 20,000 miles of train tracks in the UK. Therefore, any risk assessments need to be site-specific. Conducting an assessment prior to any lifting tasks allows for the terrain stability to be carefully assessed.
Hazard Identification: The findings of the site assessment should allow for hazard identification. On a rail line, these can include site features such as overhead lines, adjacent train traffic and underground utilities.
Lift Plans: The final stage of the pre-planning is to create detailed lift plans. These should include information regarding the load weight, radius, crane capacity and contingency procedures.
Personnel Training And Competency
Anyone operating a crane within a rail application should be highly competent in their field. As part of their training, the crane operator should also be taught rail safety procedures, signalling and communication requirements.
During the lifting operation, rail personnel may be involved in the laying and repairing of tracks, sleepers and ballast. Or, maintaining tunnels, embankments, bridges and drainage. Throughout, they will be inspecting the track condition and may also need to clear obstacles following bad weather events.
Within the crane operation itself, is essential that both the requirements for crane and rail safety are equally respected to minimise risk. This can require adequate training and also supervision across both aspects.
Coordination With Rail Authorities
All engineering works must be carefully coordinated with the relevant authorities. However, there can be an added layer of permissions required for lifting tasks. Those carrying out the work must secure possession of tracks by obtaining the applicable work windows. Establishing clear communication with rail control centres not only prevents conflicts with active rail traffic but also helps set expectations in terms of the duration of the work.
Crane Positioning And Setup
Cranes must be carefully set up around the tracks. The crane must be on level ground to avoid tipping or instability. Outrigger pads or mats may be used to distribute the load if the ground is too soft or unstable. Throughout, it is important to maintain a buffer zone from live tracks to prevent accidental encroachment.
Weather And Environmental Conditions
Inclement weather such as rain, snow or wind, can create visibility or instability issues for cranes.
If weather conditions become unsuitable, any lifting operations should be ceased until it is safe to continue.
Also, during night operations or poor weather conditions where visibility is reduced, adequate lighting will need to be provided.
While UK rail workers also have stipulations about the safety clothing they must wear to enhance personnel visibility (i.e. RIS-3279-TOM), it is just as important for the movement of the crane to be highly visible. Special lighting or other adaptations may be required to ensure the correct visibility conditions are met.
Load Handling And Rigging
Adhering to the best practices relating to load handling and rigging is also essential for the safe operation of cranes within rail applications.
This outcome can be encouraged when certified lifting gear is used. Riggers should also be trained in safe rigging practices. Taglines or guide ropes can also be used to control load movement near sensitive rail assets.
During critical lifts, load test systems before operations begin.
Equipment Inspection And Maintenance
All cranes require frequent inspections to ensure they are fit to use. Perform checks on cranes and rigging equipment before each use. Any safety concerns should be logged and any equipment which does not meet the required standards should be removed from use.
Lifting equipment will also require regular maintenance and servicing in addition to pre-use checks. Adhere to manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals and keep a record of any inspections, maintenance and repairs that have taken place.
Emergency Preparedness
Even when all of the correct safety protocols have been meticulously followed, there is no such thing as a risk-free lifting operation.
That’s why it’s essential to also establish emergency evacuation routes and procedures. Ensure first aid kits and trained personnel are available on site.
There should also be a robust incident report system in place.
Metreel – Discover Our Cranes For The UK Rail Industry
Are you in search of a fixed or portable crane on behalf of the UK rail industry?
Metreel is a leading supplier of material handling equipment, including cranes. We offer fully customisable solutions that can be used for transport applications such as the UK rail network, including manufacturing sites.
Contact us today to learn more about our crane specifications and to let us know more about the needs of your organisation.
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