Network Rail’s High Output Track Renewals team ‘Safe and efficient access’ project was crowned the winner of the Safety award 2016 at the National Rail awards, one of the industry’s highest accolades – a project made possible by the workforce safety system ZKL 3000 RC from the Dutch technology company Dual Inventive.

Network Rail is so satisfied with the pre-installed remotely operated Track Circuit Operating Device of Dual Inventive that she decided to compete at the National Rail Awards with this system.

“The award recognises the work and dedication shown by the Network Rail High Output team, in particular, Programme Manager Gordon Williams, in pushing the ZKL 3000 RC system through on this high-profile project – with great results”, says Lex van der Poel, director of Dual Inventive.

Upturn in productivity and safety

Before the introduction of the ZKL 3000 RC, the High Output Ballast Cleaner required 17 separate phone calls in order to move into position – along with plenty of high-risk worker time spent on track placing detonators and marker boards. The pre-installed ZKL 3000 RC can be switched remotely in a matter of seconds, without the need to place staff in the four-foot, vastly reducing the time taken to take the line blockage and allowing re-allocation of manpower.

The ‘Safe and efficient access’ project’ is designed to produce a Protection Zone, which allows the engineering train to progress through a worksite with minimal contact from track staff. The vehicle moves into position whilst the track is still operational, so teams don’t have to take and pass back access (via the remotely operated ZKL 3000 RC technology) until the last minute, providing up to 20 minutes more working time at each Protection Zone.

The team’s hard work and dedication have led to the successful use of Protection Zone working throughout Network Rail’s High Output, and a significant upturn in productivity and safety.

Dual Inventive is an exhibitor at RailTech Europe 2017