Arriva Trains Wales - door edge tape?

[andypops]

Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere already - if so, sorry - but does anyone know why Arriva Trains Wales seem to be putting yellow and black triangular warning tape on the doors of many of their units? It is parallel and directly next to the door edge seals.

I had thought it was only on the “new” livery 150s, but I have recently seen some on the old version livery 150s, and today on a pair of 158s too.

I would guess it’s to do with the DDA requirements for contrasting door colours. Has their dark blue / light blue been criticised for not having enough contrast?

Any information would be appreciated. Also, if anyone could explain when it’s being applied - after minor servicing or after e.g. C exam?

 

[Jonfun]

It's known as "Sharks Teeth" and it's a visual cue to passengers that they need to keep well away from closing doors to avoid injury. It's surprisingly effective for a relatively low cost. Also to be found on Northern and Transpennine units, possibly some others too.

 

[andypops]

Oh, okay. I would have thought that the other warnings were sufficient? Before someone mentions “what about persons unable to hear the hustle warnings”, the door should be monitored by the guard and possibly dispatchers while in operation, so I can’t really understand the need.

Likewise, I can see it’s low cost. But then, it looks low cost and just looks a bit, well, pants.

I wonder what decision process dictated that it was necessary all of a sudden.

 

[Muzer]

It's more of a psychological thing, like the yellow hatch markings on platform ends in high suicide spots. It makes the doors "look" dangerous to people so they're less likely to stick their hand in and expect them to re-open if they're running for a train, for example. The warning messages and sounds work more on a conscious level, and for people who are well-behaved they're probably effective; this is more on a subconscious level to try to stop badly-behaved people from doing it.

 

[Jonfun]

Oh, okay. I would have thought that the other warnings were sufficient? Before someone mentions “what about persons unable to hear the hustle warnings”, the door should be monitored by the guard and possibly dispatchers while in operation, so I can’t really understand the need.

Likewise, I can see it’s low cost. But then, it looks low cost and just looks a bit, well, pants.

I wonder what decision process dictated that it was necessary all of a sudden.

The Guard and/or dispatch staff could be several coaches away though rendering any attempt at door supervision token at best.

There's nothing dictating it necessary, it's just a low cost, easy addition which brings the number of door related mishaps (of which there are many) down.