Aspect p3
19/3/12
14:21
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Driver’s quick thinking crucial
in limiting crash impact F
RONT LINE employees and back-up teams have been praised for their outstanding response to an incident near Whitland when a train collided with a hay lorry. Four passengers, the conductor and catering stewardess were taken to hospital with minor injuries when a Class 175 collided with the lorry and trailer at Llanboidy level crossing near Whitland, Carmarthenshire. Quick thinking by the Driver ensured that the collision, which is under investigation, was far less serious than it could have been. Carmarthen Driver Manager Jim Bence was one of the first on scene. This ensured effective liaison with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), British Transport Police and Network Rail. To ensure customer care Bethan Jelfs, Head of the Incident Care Team, accompanied those
being taken to hospital, arranged transport when they were discharged and sent flowers later. “The driver did remarkably well,” said Chris Didio, Head of Safety.“He approached the level crossing around a curve and his sight was limited. Nevertheless he immediately put the brake into emergency mode and therefore reduced the impact speed. “He also went back through the doors into the train, knowing the impact was imminent and made sure the Catering Steward lay on the floor of the vestibule.” While Jim Bence assumed the role of Train Operating Liaison Officer at the scene, Cardiff Driver Manager Keith Tibbs, who was First Line On Call, arrived to take charge of downloading the On-Train Monitoring Recorder. Chris Didio worked with Jim to assist the RAIB and Police to preserve the evidence at the scene.
A specialist re-railing engineer cuts through the tangled wreckage of the hay lorry. Also present were Ian Reiffer, Operations Assurance Manager, Dean Katchi, Operations Standards Manager and Cliff Barr, Carmarthen Conductor Manager, who went on to help with customer care at the hospital. Mark Searle, Fleet Delivery Manager, attended to assess damage and organise recovery of the unit.
Managing Director Tim Bell has written to all concerned to convey his thanks for the sterling efforts of the Arriva Trains Wales team. ● The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) have been thanked for providing much needed refreshments to those on site during the incident.
Premier Service scoops top hygiene award THE catering crew that serves up mouth-watering dishes on board the North-South Wales Premier Service has received a prestigious Five Star hygiene rating. It is the second accolade within a few months for the team who, in December 2011, won an Arriva Train Wales Exceptional Contribution Award . The First Class restaurant car now sports a certificate displaying the award under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme run by the Food Standards Agency in partnership with local authorities. The kitchens and food preparation facilities on the Holyhead-Cardiff train were given an in-depth inspection by an environmental health officer from Cardiff Council and they received top marks. “To be awarded Five Stars is recognition that we are operating at the highest possible level of excellence,” said Mike Brown, At Seat Catering General Manager. ● Pictured with the Exceptional Contribution Award trophy are team members, left to right, Steward Catherine Williams, Chef Manager Anthony Eveleigh, Chef Scott Manley and Steward Emma Parry. ASPECT Spring 2012
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