Sheffield-based Zonegreen has implemented new safety measures at Derby’s busy Etches Park rail depot, enhancing operations and safety for staff.
- The upgraded protection includes a Train Movement Warning System controlling the arrival and departure of vehicles on four fuel roads.
- Warning beacons have been installed, using different colours to indicate active roads and ensure worker safety.
- Treadles have been added to detect and alert staff if a vehicle passes a signal in error, preventing accidents.
- An overview screen monitors all four fuel roads from the shunter’s office, part of a collaboration with East Midlands Railway.
Sheffield-based Zonegreen has brought new safety measures to one of Derby’s busiest rail depots by upgrading existing protection and installing a Train Movement Warning System at Etches Park. These enhancements aim to improve the working environment and ensure the safe arrival and departure of vehicles on four fuel roads. Workers activate the system via an operator panel, which manages two shunt signals on each road, controlling both inbound and outbound vehicle movements.
Warning beacons, using different colours to distinguish active roads, alert staff to approaching vehicles. This is particularly important as the roads are close to each other and on a curve, creating potential hazards. Additionally, treadles have been installed to detect vehicles passing signals in error, triggering flashing warning beacons to immediately alert workers. The system is interlocked to avoid conflict, ensuring only one movement per road at any given time.
Zonegreen has collaborated with main contractor Keir and depot operator East Midlands Railway (EMR) to develop an overview screen installed in the shunter’s office. This screen monitors activity on all four fuel roads, providing a comprehensive view of operations. Christian Fletcher, Zonegreen’s head of engineering, noted, “Fuel roads are very busy, particularly at night, when vehicles are being prepared for service the next day. This means workers face a number of dangers in these areas of a depot and we’re really pleased to see EMR taking positive steps to reduce the risks to its staff.”
The warning system is the latest Zonegreen innovation adopted by Etches Park. The firm’s flagship Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS), which has controlled activity on one fuel road, six maintenance roads, and a wheel lathe since 2010, was recently upgraded and expanded to another single-ended road. This effort is part of a major programme designed to provide capacity for a growing fleet of trains. Christian added, “We have an excellent working relationship with the team at Etches Park and it has been a pleasure to design a new warning system that will significantly improve working conditions in the depot.
Zonegreen’s new safety measures demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to worker safety and operational efficiency at Etches Park.
