Amtrain is celebrating its selection by Schweizer-Electronic UK as training partner for the Lookout Operated Warning Systems and Automatic Track Warning Systems. Amtrain will train railway personnel in the safe operation of LOWS and ATWS.
Says Andy Mckenna, managing director of Amtrain, ‘This is reassuring news for the rail industry. With the recent announcement by Network Rail of further strategies to improve safety in open line working, the ready availability of specialist training will enable greater utilisation of these excellent Schweizer products.’
Amtrain staff recently attended an intensive training programme at Schweizer Electronic’s headquarters in Reiden, Switzerland. Against the spectacular winter backdrop of Lucerne staff experienced at first hand the extensive range of products available for track worker protection.
Approved for use by Network Rail and other major European rail infrastructure companies, Schweizer Electronic manufactures equipment which warns track workers of approaching trains. The aim is to create the highest Safe System of
Work (SSOW) possible in a Red Zone environment.
With 50 years of experience, Schweizer Electronic’s Automatic Track Warning Systems (ATWS) and Lookout Operated Warning Systems (LOWS) provide safe access to running rail for maintenance and construction.
In addition, Schweizer Electronic’s FLEX Level Crossings offer reliability and attractive life cycle costs. With headquarters in Switzerland, the Group also has offices in Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, Spain, Italy and Austria. All operating processes are governed and certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and CENELEC EN 50 126.
Says Chris Foreman, general manager of Schweizer-Electronic UK, ‘Amtrain is a very experienced training provider, particularly in the area of Railway Safety. Amtrain showed real enthusiasm about the future of LOWS and ATWS in the UK and its benefits for Network Rail and its contractors. Being centrally located, Amtrain illustrated a fit with our organisation which will allow Schweizer to obtain the benefits and qualities of a good partner.’
It’s proving a busy spring for Amtrain staff and the team is being expanded. Amtrain’s relationship with Dutch- based Dual Inventive has enabled a number of Network Rail and contractor COSS’s to be trained on the ZKL Tcod – the track circuit operating device. The recent acceptance of the remote version will enable Amtrain to provide high quality training to protect staff either in open line or line blockage situations using the latest technologies.
‘We are of course still offering the majority of Sentinel-based competencies and a very wide range of machine and crane controller attachments,’ says Andy.
‘To make sure your call is handled efficiently and quickly we now have four dedicated members of staff, Nathan Moore, Richard Till, Lauren Roche and Jenny Tamplin to respond direct. Lauren is the newest member of our team. Recruited as an apprentice from school she has rapidly learned the very complex variety of course requirements and provision. Our complement of staff includes a majority with level 4 qualifications. Through our association with ARTP the learning development team is working to enhance the qualifications and development of all our staff.’
Amtrain is expanding and promoting its tightly focused training expertise in other areas. ‘We are now able to offer street works and associated highway based courses for those staff who work in other than the rail environment,’ says Andy.
‘Do you need security qualifications? Then why not call Amtrain. Do you operate commercial vehicles? Our CPC training and assessment may be just what you need. Whether they are machine controllers, slingers, or banksman we can ensure your staff are correctly trained and certificated.’
If you would like to find out more then give us a call 01283792633 or go to www.amtrain.co.uk
