PNB & 12 Hour Shift

[Rutland23]

I am a Crossing Keeper, and very happy in the job, except.....

Back in January, the entire line switched to a 12 Hour shift basis from 8 hour shifts.

Until mid May, when there was a gap in the rail traffic, the signaller could 'give' the gates to the Crossing Keepers, allowing the Signaller, and the Crossing Keepers a short respite, time to eat or cook a hot meal, or to go to the toilet in peace and quiet, particularly for a 'Number 2'

There was an incident, which led to Management insisting that the crossings should only be opened to road traffic sufficient for a vehicle to cross, and then closed against road traffic and the signaller informed that the crossing was cear.

My question is....

How do we stand with reference to working a 12 hour shift without any time at all allocated for a PNB.

In recent days, due to block instrument failure, one signaller had to deal with 300 phone calls over a 12 hour day shift.

Also, in recent days, just going to the loo has been interrupted, let alone cooking and eating a hot meal

So what is the answer?

Go back to the old way,

Insist on break relief.

How does it work on other lines (I am not naming my crossing to avoid incriminating anyone).

Regards

 

[66701GBRF]

What was the incident that led to the change in operation? Seems like that change is the root problem.

 

[Rutland23]

The incident was that a crossing keeper returned the gates to the signaller, by telling him that the crossing was clear, a train entered section, and fortunately came to a halt before hitting the gates which were still across the line.

the crossing keeper concerned was suspended, resigned and has left the rest of us to work a 12 hour shift without a break.

If you do take a break, you might get away with it, but chances are, that you will be interrupted in some way, and have to abandon a meal, or a bodily function.

Sometimes, I swear, that drivers wait around the corner for one car to clear the crossing, giving just enough time for the Crossing keeper to return the gates, resume meal or other, then driving up to the gates to cross.

Regards

 

[The Puddock]

So what is the answer?

The answer is to raise your concerns with your LLC and H&S reps. They will initially deal with it at local level with your LOM/OM. If they do not get a satisfactory answer they will ‘fail to agree’ and raise it to Area Council level. Ultimately if it isn’t sorted there the union will go into formal dispute with the company over it.

Of course that’s all supposing you’re a member of the RMT. If you’re not, then I suggest you join as a matter of urgency.

 

[Llanigraham]

Quite simple, first you tell the other Box that you are going to the loo and aren't going to be available for a couple of minutes, and then you make the public wait, just like they would if there was a train in the section.

 

[Rutland23]

Yes, I am a member, and have raised it with both my LOM, Union Rep, and OM.

Whether I tell the box or not, I still cannot take and keep the gates for longer than it takes a vehicle(s) to cross, so am at the beck and call of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists cattle drovers, horse riders, or even the local hunt exercising the hounds.

No peace to eat, or anything else.

Bed now, 04.20 alarm in the morning, I'll respond later

Regards

 

[TheVicLine]

CIRUS?

 

[Rutland23]

CIRUS

??

Regards

 

[TTD31]

??

Regards

I believe they mean CIRAS

CIRAS home page

www.ciras.org.uk