Kent-based support company Victa Railfreight has run the first of a series of Rail Freight Familiarisation Training courses for Network Rail Mobile Operations Managers (MOMs) and Mobile Incident Officers (MIOs).
The company developed the training in conjunction with Network Rail, and explains that it is aimed mainly at people carrying out operational roles with responsibility for the safe, efficient and punctual service delivery of UK rail operations.
The course includes both theoretical and practical learning, and covers topics including:
- coupling and uncoupling rail freight vehicles
- introduction to the rail freight vehicle braking system
- procedures and arrangements for completing a brake continuity test
- key component parts of a rail freight vehicle
- specific arrangements for controlling freight train movements.
Kenneth Yarham, Senior Route Freight Manager on the Southern Region, arranged a pilot course last November.
As a result of feedback from the pilot, the course was adjusted to increase the practical content.
Other Network Rail routes are now taking up the offer and arranging for the course to be run.
In January and February, Victa delivered one-day courses at Network Rail’s Thames Valley Signalling Centre and DB Cargo’s Didcot Yard.
Freight Operating Companies are supporting the initiative by providing equipment to be used for the practical elements of the training.
Victa Railfreight, which was formed in 1995, provides a range of support services provided to the rail industry. It has delivered Rail Safety Awareness courses for almost ten years, and also runs other safety and operations training.
The company recently introduced ‘Rail Freight Terminal Management’ compliance evaluations of freight facilities, which several freight companies are taking up.
Victa’s Rail Services division also provides services to support train operators, terminal operations and industrial uses of the railway.
Network Rail’s Operations Director for the Western route, who was appointed to the post last year, highlighted the course’s relevance for operational staff transitioning from passenger operations.
“‘Freight plays such an important part of our railway, and I am pleased the Western route is leading the way and building closer working relationships and understanding. I am incredibly impressed by the standard of the course which is enabling our MOMs and MIOs to have a greater understanding of their workplace and how we can work together to connect people and goods with where they need to be.”
Sophie Bancroft, Operations Director, Network Rail Western route
“We are delighted with the early successes and excellent feedback we have received for this new training course. So far, we have delivered training to 42 Network Rail candidates with the intention to deliver a deeper understanding of rail freight operations and ultimately to enhance the safety and performance of the rail network.”
Neil Sime, Managing Director of Victa Railfreight
Responses
I agree with the previous comment. A manager without real world experience is of no use at all, so it is good to see them getting the experience.
The next group to send out are the people writing safety work packs who have never been on track and in some cases no idea of the work site apart from a picture taken from space in daylight.
I wonder whether lifting and securing a buckeye coupler is covered in the course. Now that IS fun.
It makes a change from all those diversity and inclusion ones we are always told about, though!