7.1 Meetings of the IM/RU and the police and judicial entities

Description

What does this measure refer to and what is its objective?

These meetings enable the development of a mutual understanding of the roles, responsibilities and expectations of those involved and, importantly, mutual trust.

Recommendations

Best practice and lessons learned

  • An annual steering board is organized (e.g.: on 14 March 2013 the one was organized by DCF (Direction Circulation Ferroviaire) on “accidents involving individuals”. http://www.uic.org/com/article/restrail-coordinator-invited-by?page=thickbox_enews
  • It is clear that IMs and RUs have well established links at a senior level with external organisations, particularly with the police and fire services, who will be involved in the response to incidents. These links, which need to be clearly defined, provide an essential input to effective incident management. They also enable, at a strategic level, consideration of the issues that the organisations jointly face.
  • Regular formal meetings can address issues such as:
    • Policy;
    • Current operational problems;
    • Areas of responsibility and mutual support;
    • Lines and means of communication;
    • Procedures and change;
    • Equipment;
    • Making best use of resources (people, equipment, investment);
    • Information management;
    • Risk management (train operation, traction current, materials in rolling stock etc);
    • Use of equipment;
    • Health & safety needs.
  • High level meetings are also often supported by regional and local level meetings of these organisations. The mutually accepted arrangements, also importantly an understanding of each other needs and expectations, are then reflected in each organisations front line response and associated working interfaces.

Warning points

Expected difficulties and issues you should pay attention to

Observations

Other points that you should not forget

  • This is however an area which requires regular attention given the inevitable changes in personnel in the involved organisations as well as lessons arising from the response to incidents.
  • It will also be appreciated that these considerations apply not just to suicide and trespass incidents but also to any type of incident on the railway requiring an external response.

Study results

Data or other evidence supporting the measure's effectiveness

last update: 2014-09-17