Doors released early at St Neots (20/10)

[Bromley boy]

I don't think this incident involved either a Guard or a wrong side door release, though? But yes, it can happen anywhere. It is, however, far more common with DOO, for the reasons that Bromley boy mentions above.

Definitely no guard involved. GN is 100% DOO.

 

[Skimble19]

Yes indeed.

If platform monitors are used (and no passcom) it's conceivable the driver may not have been aware until being alerted later.

At some locations, where the camera angle is flush with the side of the train, it's impossible to see if any carriages are hanging out the back.

Platform staff wouldn't be involved in dispatch and may not have been anywhere near the cab in order to shout a warning.

At St Neots the platform staff only dispatch from platform 4 (Up Slow) so are unlikely to have been on platform 1 (down slow) at the time. Can't comment too much on this but the screenshot is accurate. As soon as passengers told station staff what had happened it was reported, unfortunately a train did come through on the Down Fast before this but no injuries (luckily!). Drivers swapped at Huntingdon and train continued to Peterborough where investigations then took place.

I'm amazed nobody pulled the passcom personally.

 

[Failed Unit]

I don't think this incident involved either a Guard or a wrong side door release, though? But yes, it can happen anywhere. It is, however, far more common with DOO, for the reasons that Bromley boy mentions above.

Didnt suggest a guard was involved. I know GN is DOO. Was just referring to the Facebook post saying this was a reason not to have DOO. Sorry this was not clear. But mistakes happen in any job any industry is my point. As long as people learn from them and no-one gets hurt is the best we can hope.

 

[Bromley boy]

Though, that does make one question the utility of having a DI present. I'm not in the industry but it seems to me that the DI should distance themselves from the direct operation of the train and provide oversight precisely so that things like stopping points don't get missed. E.g. On approach to the station they ask "What stopping point board are you looking for?" and when stopped "What do you need to check before you release the doors?"

That’s exactly what they should be doing, but inevitably during the course of a long shift DI and trainee can lapse into conversation and minds can wander.

My DI reckoned one of the hardest parts of the DI role was teaching experienced trainees who are doing everything competently by themselves.

The DI largely becomes a spare part at this point, but still has to remain focussed enough on what the trainee is doing to prevent a mistake.

I should add my comments above are purely speculation about what is quite an interesting general topic. Of course no one here knows what went on in the incident in question and, as someone else has stated above, that should be left to the internal investigation.

 

[SPADTrap]

Though, that does make one question the utility of having a DI present. I'm not in the industry but it seems to me that the DI should distance themselves from the direct operation of the train and provide oversight precisely so that things like stopping points don't get missed. E.g. On approach to the station they ask "What stopping point board are you looking for?" and when stopped "What do you need to check before you release the doors?"

Chances are the train was taken over at HIT thus it was their first stop with them mistakenly believing they had an 8, hence neither the DI or trainee noticing.

 

[Bromley boy]

At St Neots the platform staff only dispatch from platform 4 (Up Slow) so are unlikely to have been on platform 1 (down slow) at the time. Can't comment too much on this but the screenshot is accurate. As soon as passengers told station staff what had happened it was reported, unfortunately a train did come through on the Down Fast before this but no injuries (luckily!). Drivers swapped at Huntingdon and train continued to Peterborough where investigations then took place.

I'm amazed nobody pulled the passcom personally.

Interesting, makes sense in light of the above discussion.

As you say it could have been worse, I do feel for both the trainee and DI involved.

 

[najaB]

Chances are the train was taken over at HIT thus it was their first stop with them mistakenly believing they had an 8, hence neither the DI or trainee noticing.

Ah, that makes sense - following the correct procedure for the wrong length train.

 

[bramling]

That’s exactly what they should be doing, but inevitably during the course of a long shift DI and trainee can lapse into conversation and minds can wander.

My DI reckoned one of the hardest parts of the DI role was teaching experienced trainees who are doing everything competently by themselves.

The DI largely becomes a spare part at this point, but still has to remain focussed enough on what the trainee is doing to prevent a mistake.

And to add to the above, the DI needs to give some autonomy to the trainee in order to allow them to build up some confidence for when they will be doing the job alone. A good DI will keep an eye on the trainee’s every move whilst giving the impression to the trainee that they are being left alone to get on with it. Unfortunately, lapses in concentration can happen, and even a very good and competent trainee can still make a mistake.