scope:

General

Due to an incident at Osterley in 2001 the following recommendation was made: -

To undertake a review of the need to implement a Working/Reference Manual procedure informing Duty Managers (Trains) and depot Duty Managers to instruct trains on open sections of line to proceed at speed appropriate to the level of visibility after the issue of a Severe Weather warning from the NCC.

With immediate effect 1.

If a severe weather warning involving high winds in excess of 40 mph is issued by the NOC, Train Operators of first trains must be advised to exercise increased vigilance in checking for debris on the track which may affect train operation. This applies especially where particular hazards could be expected to arise such as where trees or scaffolding are near the line.

2. Service Control Managers must be aware of the possibility of wind damage and actively seek information from Train Operators during traffic hours when a severe weather warning is in operation.