Driver hydration in hot weather (?)

[Shaw S Hunter]

I understand the sentiment, but it's perfectly possible for a non aircon train to have cab aircon, quite a lot do!

Yes, but Pacers?! They were cheap and nasty when new, no chance they were ever going to be considered for any sort of cab upgrade. It was enough trouble to get drivers' seats fitted that actually didn't cause back pain. They deserve their place in railway history but they will not be missed by passengers or staff.

 

[Bromley boy]

Point of order: North West England and North Wales have had the highest temperatures in the country a couple of times recently. And I believe the local drought is on a par with what has become normal in parts of Kent complete with rivers failing to flow. Not only is a hosepipe ban imminent, we even have our own wild fires: I have been able to see the smoke plumes from both Saddleworth and Winter Hill fires this week.

Fair point - I should say I’m on a bit of a wind up with the “grim oop north” comments, being descended from good Yorkshire stock myself. The railway is far better up there in terms of heritage traction, guards etc.

Down here it’s all 12 car DOO, soulless 700s, high house prices and w*nker signs* when you pull into a platform 4 mins late

*I managed to leave that particular pr*ck behind the other day - I watched in the monitors as he ran back along the train and locked the doors at the crucial moment - 60 mins until the next train as the three trains behind me were cancelled.

He was still there when I went back through on my way back up. Whose the w*nker now mateyboy, plus you live in Swanscombe (which explained the cheap tattoos and lack of front teeth).

It’s pretty grim down south at times - but that moment was utterly priceless.

 

[mmh]

I understand the sentiment, but it's perfectly possible for a non aircon train to have cab aircon, quite a lot do!

Already regretting saying that. Before people start frothing, lots also don't! As an aside, today I finally learned what the strange big box in a class 66 cab is, after years of seeing them on the London approach lines while they were being rebuilt. Turns out, nothing, it's just a strangely primative way of arranging a cab for a supposedly modern loco.

 

[mmh]

*I managed to leave that particular pr*ck behind the other day - I watched in the monitors as he ran back along the train and locked the doors at the crucial moment - 60 mins until the next train as the three trains behind me were cancelled.

He was still there when I went back through on my way back up. Whose the w*nker now mateyboy, plus you live in Swanscombe (which explained the cheap tattoos and lack of front teeth).

It’s pretty grim down south at times - but that moment was utterly priceless.

Brilliant!

 

[HLE]

A 153 cab is like a sauna in this weather, always warmer than the outside temperature somehow!

 

[jamesst]

Sadly In quite a few of the units I've driven recently (I won't say what class but it's in the north!) the air con has given up and started pumping out warm air! Can't say I'm looking forward too much to work today!!

 

[Panupreset]

I always spend a penny if I feel the need when changing ends. In the hot weather my TOC is pretty good at stocking fridges in mess rooms with bottled water.

If the worse comes to the worse a quick call to the signaller at a station stop 'driver needs emergency pnb!'

My PB for changing ends on a 12 car with a pit stop is 5 mins.

 

[Kneedown]

I gave up in the end and made do with both windows open.

Having both cab windows open would be lovely, but unfortunately not an option on our Sprinters as to do so invariably results in the cab door blowing open and slamming with considerable force.

 

[E_Reeves]

Having both cab windows open would be lovely, but unfortunately not an option on our Sprinters as to do so invariably results in the cab door blowing open and slamming with considerable force.

I noticed that on a 153 the other day. The guard was faffing for at least 5 minutes trying to lock it shut, but in the end the driver just wedged his bag behind the door and it stayed closed. Sort of.

 

[Economist]

Swanscombe, or "Swanscum" as I've often heard it called, can be a bit grim, as can most places on the North Kent, except Blackheath.

As for air con, I took one over the other week quite late at night, the DI and trainee who'd been driving ot previously had the air-con off because it had been "too noisy" but did had both windows open. The cab was like an oven to be honest.

Wouldn't want to leave my bag next to the door where I drive, especially on a Thursday/Friday/Saturday night, the other drivers reckon it could end up a bit wet.

 

[father_jack]

Guard was taken ill at Gloucester yesterday due to the heat after being embroiled (or should that be emboiled) in the near 3 hour delay concerned with the breakdown of a 158 at Dilton Marsh.

 

[Railguy1]

Certain medication may make you feel drowsy and obviously you shouldn't drive a car let alone a train under such conditions. Do companies provide a list to drivers regarding which medication cannot be taken before driving, or do drivers use the instructions that are supplied with the medication?

 

[TEW]

GTR's 455s only had cab aircon fitted when the cab ends were rebuilt about, guessing here, about 10 years ago, when the end gangway doors were removed. The southwest ones didn't have the front rebuilt and the doors (which I don't think have ever been used) stayed - don't know if they got aircon, but they weren't built with it

SWR 455s do have cab air cooling fitted. The gangway doors are in daily use, just only for staff and not passengers.

 

[Kneedown]

Certain medication may make you feel drowsy and obviously you shouldn't drive a car let alone a train under such conditions. Do companies provide a list to drivers regarding which medication cannot be taken before driving, or do drivers use the instructions that are supplied with the medication?

On EMT you are required to notify a Driver Manager or Supervisor immediately if prescribed medication, who will check it against a list of approved medications or contact Occupational Health for further advice if required. Sometimes it's fine, sometimes it no safety critical duties for a few days (to ensure no side effects become apparent) Sometimes it no safety crit duties throughout the course of the medication.

 

[Johncleesefan]

A 153 cab is like a sauna in this weather, always warmer than the outside temperature somehow!

Just open the gangway door. It will be fine probably

 

[muz379]

Guard was taken ill at Gloucester due to the heat after being embroiled (or should that be emboiled) in the near 3 hour delay concerned with the breakdown of a 158 at Dilton Marsh.

That is one of the things I am somewhat apprehensive about during warm weather , especially 30deg plus every day like last week . the stock without air con usually has half decent air circulation throughout the passenger saloon through the hopper windows whilst the train is moving . Its still warm on board but the air circulating makes it more bearable . Once the train stops moving that air circulation stops and it quickly becomes unbearable . Even getting on a unit that has been stabled in a station for 10-15 minutes is unpleasant . Dread to imagine being stranded for 3 hours . Id be seriously concerned about the welfare of passengers in that situation because there would not be much I could do to get air circulating .

 

[Tractor37]

I was quite surprised to see a Northern guard wearing shorts the other day! Are they a uniform option or did he just decide to stick his own on? (Actually I couldn't quite tell if he had just rolled up his trousers!)

During the current spell of hot weather managers have decided we can wear shorts, either blue or black, but must be tailored.

 

[DarloRich]

Actually even less risky to drink or eat when driving a train since, as we hopefully all know, you don’t actually have to steer .

The comments above about doing it at the right time are accurate, though. SPADding or hitting buffer stops, and telling your manager you were distracted by brewing your tea/eating a sarnie, would be a career limiting move for sure.

you don't have to steer?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! FFS robbing a living. It is all lever pushing and button pulling.

I get they point but ( hopefully) one wouldn't crash at a junction becasue you were having a drink or speed through a red light because you were unwrapping a butty while you were driving.

 

[theageofthetra]

What would happen on the new type of units -700/707, Crossrail etc of it failed or power had to be switched off. I can't see any hopper windows that can be opened. How long will the a/c or ventilation operate on battery power?

If there was no external ventilation on a crush loaded 700 for example how would any fresh air get into the unit to replace the co2 etc from those on board?

 

[causton]

What would happen on the new type of units -700/707, Crossrail etc of it failed or power had to be switched off. I can't see any hopper windows that can be opened. How long will the a/c or ventilation operate on battery power?

If there was no external ventilation on a crush loaded 700 for example how would any fresh air get into the unit to replace the co2 etc from those on board?

Sure people have mentioned this before but this happened outside Crewe the other day on a 350...

One of the doors was opened using the emergency egress handle as it was known the train would not be moving for a while with a 'door guard' (passing member of staff - don't ask what happens if there are no staff conveniently available) to stop people jumping out of the door onto the track!

 

[Bromley boy]

you don't have to steer?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! FFS robbing a living. It is all lever pushing and button pulling.

Absolutely. And when we aren’t twirling levers and pushing buttons, or scratching our a*ses, we are on strike. It’s money for old rope, really .

I get they point but ( hopefully) one wouldn't crash at a junction becasue you were having a drink or speed through a red light because you were unwrapping a butty while you were driving.

Indeed, one would hope! Although it’s interesting to note that if the police see you eating or drinking at the wheel you can be done for it.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/791005/eating-drinking-while-driving-law-fine-coffee-UK

As it stands, eating and drinking while driving is not illegal, but should the food or beverage causes a distraction to the driver, then it can be categorised as "careless driving".

 

[TractiveEffort]

Has there ever been a case of a sipllage and some electrical short-circuit resulting?

Yes, I’ve seen it on a HST.

 

[ComUtoR]

EDIT: Or is it there, but doesn’t work without a key on? That’s an issue in our units, also.

Switch it round to 'Vent' and it will work with the key off in my TOCs units.

 

[dk1]

Considering the amount of rainwater that has leaked into the cabs of class 86 & 90s over the years, driver drink spilages pale into insignificance. Even the newer 170s can produce a waterfall in heavy rainfall all over the desk & older classes often have gaps with visible wiring.

I tend to eat my grub whilst driving too & know of several who even have a full blown Chinese meal spread out. As long as you always have one hand free ready to punch the AWS it's not really an issue.

 

[Crossover]

No restriction on eating either, other than to use your judgement when to get stuck into something. Negotiating somewhere like New St isn't the smartest place to chow down, nor eating whilst encountering a number of yellow aspects, that kind of thing. As for drinking, the main problem is not so much what you can drink, more when you need to get rid of it! Probably the main disadvantage of being on Long Distance work, as opposed to short or freight work .

As has been alluded, I have heard (probably read here in the dim and distant past) of drivers having full Chinese meals laid out on the desk (of a HST in that case I think)

Teabags can be either slung out while on the move or neatly dropped onto the ever growing tea bag mounds which can be found at frequently red signals, and country end of terminal platforms.

I had a new one the other day, sat behind the cab if the train I was travelling on, a stream of chips appeared down the side of the train (polystyrene tray went in the saloon bin at a later stop) - clearly not such a good chippy!

Is there no cab aircon?

I am reminded of the railway programme the other year where some new recruits were being acquainted with a Pacer cab at Canton depot. "Air con on" *opens cab window*

 

[PennineSuperb]

Due to the lack of opening saloon windows the Class 185's/350's have 'Emergency Door Barriers' fitted in the Equipment Cupboard for such cases where a train may be stranded and there is a lack of AC.

Standard Practice is that all internal saloon doors are are locked in the open position as well as the cab doors with the windows dropped. It is the Guards responsibility to identify vulnerable people (elderly/pregnant etc.) and let them utilise the cab space to gain some airflow. There is a set period of time when EDB's can be deployed (dependant on AC integrity, Passenger numbers etc.) and this is mandated by the 'Defective on Train Equipment' document held by our Control.

The Duty Control Manager is the only person who can initially authorise the use, and this is then escalated to Network Rail Control & the Controlling Signal Box. If a line blockage is required this would be completed by the Train Crew, however the Cess Side is always preferable.

The Guard is then responsible for installing the EDB's and should appoint a suitable adult (if available) to stand near the open doors. Attached is a drawing of how they look when installed (sorry, not used them in anger for a long time!)

Key points to remember are that you want to avoid a Uncontrolled Evacuation (Passenger free for all) so the Train Crew providing information is always a good place to start.

 

[6Gman]

There was, of course, a time when one member of staff had to engage in manual labour while standing in front of a roaring fire.

Whatever the weather!

(But at least he could lean out for air.)

 

[Dougal2345]

Do any current locomotives offer toilet facilities? I recall reading a series of articles on diesel prototypes in Railway Magazine and I think there was a mention that one of them had a urinal...

 

[MrHopefull]

Do any current locomotives offer toilet facilities? I recall reading a series of articles on diesel prototypes in Railway Magazine and I think there was a mention that one of them had a urinal...

this was a question I always wondered, what happens if you need to do the toilet whilst driving ?

 

[theageofthetra]

this was a question I always wondered, what happens if you need to do the toilet whilst driving ?

Contact the signaller and advise that you require an emergency personal needs break.