RSSB 2387- T1098 - 02 - Identifying mitigations for the risk of unplanned movement of wheelchairs and pushchairs on station platforms

A 2014 Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report reviewed two comparable incidents: I. Wheelchair rolling onto track at Southend Central station (28 August 2013); II. Pushchair rolling onto track at Whyteleafe station (18 September 2013).

In both incidents, RAIB identified the immediate cause by stating that 'the wheelchair and pushchair... were able to roll because the brakes were not applied and there were slopes present on both platforms'. The report identified 3 wheelchair and 12 pushchair incidents associated with roll-off type events on GB's main line railway since 2001. It also identified 4 publicised pushchair incidents abroad (since the publication of the RAIB report, there have been several pushchair incidents abroad involving fatalities). RAIB issued 4 recommendations to industry, of which the following recommendation (Recommendation 2) triggered this research proposal:

• 'Network Rail in consultation with the Association of Train Operating Companies, RSSB and the Department for Transport, should (as part of the national strategy for managing the platform train interface risk) arrange for work to be undertaken to determine when a slope towards the railway could become a significant hazard, and ways of mitigating the risk. The scope of the exercise should consider:

• All slopes on platforms including those that have been installed intentionally (for example to accommodate changes in level along the platform length);

• At what point a slope towards the railway makes it more likely than not that a wheelchair or pushchair without brakes applied could roll away, taking account of modern designs of such equipment; and

• Other factors such as how individuals perceive a slope hazard, the most appropriate way to highlight the hazard, appropriate methods to influence public behaviour, and other ways of mitigating the risk.

• Once the work is complete the industry should publish appropriate guidance, including consideration of standardisation in the contents of signage, announcements, etc...'

Recommendation 3 made by the RAIB was directed at ATOC (RDG) and required:

• 'As an interim measure, pending the outcome of the research identified in recommendation 2, and in consultation with passenger groups including those representing the interest of disabled passengers, to review the findings of the report and seek to understand the ways in which the risk of wheelchairs and pushchairs rolling onto the track can be more effectively managed by operators.

This review should include consideration of:

• Locations where passengers may need to remove both their hands from a pushchair or wheelchair because of the nature of another task to be performed (eg at a ticket machine or shop/kiosk);

• Reference to any existing good practice in this area; and

• Measures that could most effectively