The Hidden Regulations have stopped me in my tracks!

The regulations (named after Mr. Hidden) mean I cannot work more than 12 hours, which took me to 00:00.

So there's not enough dispatchers for this train! (Or is there?)

1/
#railwayfamily #RailwaysExplained #trains

We have a procedure called "Temporary Safe Method Of Working" which allows us to dispatch a train with 2 dispatchers instead of 3.

It is much slower than the normal method and it must be authorised by the station supervisor.

1Z68 is safely on it's way to Brighton.

2/ – bei Horsham Railway Station (HRH)

The normal method of dispatch for a 12 car train on platform 3 requires 3 people (red dots).

3/

If there are only two dispatchers, they can't see each other, due to the curve of our platforms.

4/

Temporary safe method of working:

The 2 dispatchers will walk to the position indicated by the blue dot, and one will give the close doors signal to the other.
They both walk back to the red dot and the dispatcher at the driver will give the close doors signal to the driver 5/

Once the doors are closed, they walk back to the blue dot again to show the safety check complete signal to the other, before walking back to the red dot. The dispatcher at the driver will give them they "right away" signal and the train departs.
6/

As you can see, this is a very long procedure so is not suitable regular use. It is only used when there is no alternative.

If you are not familiar with the normal method of dispatch, check back later for a full explanation about that.

Questions always welcome!
#railwayfamily