How GRP can help to boost trackside safety

Trespassing is a big problem.

The latest shock figures have revealed there were 19,408 trespass incidents on the British rail network in the last financial year (2021/22) – the highest number recorded for five years! 

25% of all those incidents involved people under the age of 18.

With this worrying rise in youngsters treating the track as a ‘playground’, it’s no surprise Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a hard-hitting campaign ahead of the summer holidays.

YouVsTrain is aimed at warning of the dangers of straying onto the tracks. One of the toughest stories is that of 11-year-old Harrison Ballantyne. Harrison strayed into a rail freight depot to retrieve a football and was hit by 25,000 volts of electricity from overhead cables. 100 times stronger than a home’s electricity voltage, there was nothing anyone could do. Tragically he died at the scene.

But scarily, it’s not just children taking risks.

Further research from the BTP has exposed that a third of adults would step onto a railway line to retrieve personal belongings – phone, keys, purse etc – despite 98% being fully aware of the potential danger!

Regardless of the wisdom of age, education, increased CCTV use and even the threat of a potential £1000 fine for trespassing, it appears people are still willing to take their chances. Making it essential to do everything possible to minimise risk, restrict access, and maximise trackside safety.

One of the best ways to do this? By using GRP products.

How GRP products can be used to improve safety

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GPR) is widely favoured across the rail sector, recognised for its non-conductive, non-sparking, slip-resistant and non-corrosive qualities.

Highly durable, there are numerous ways this cost-effective material can increase station and trackside safety. These include:

–Restricting access – preventing access, GRP fencing can funnel footfall in the right direction and prevent unauthorised access to restricted or dangerous areas.

–Level crossings – one the most notorious areas for public danger, safety concerns around level crossings are of paramount concern.

Designed with full Network Rail acceptance (certificate PAO5/O6081), trespass panels from HR Kilns act as an excellent safety measure. By creating a ground-level barrier, they restrict access with a profiled surface that can’t be walked across, preventing people from being able to stray into the path of danger. 

–Handrails and walkways – where access is permitted, advance safety with increased underfoot grip and handrails.

GRP flooring, step covers and handrails, can all massively boost safety and help to prevent slips and falls onto the track. It’s also ideal for access platforms, driver walkways and embankment stairs.

–GRP wraps – not only can wraps hide high voltage cables, they are also an effective way to prevent trespassers from being able to climb overhead lines. And as a material with no scrap value, there’s no temptation for would-be thieves.

Enhance rail safety today with HR Kilns

Want to find out more about how GRP can be used trackside? Then why not talk to the experienced team here at HR Kilns?

As premier providers of GRP products, at HR Kilns, we have an impressive range of products designed to improve rail safety, including wraps, fencing, anti-trespass panels, walkways and platforms.

We can often also customise orders – so if you can’t find exactly what it is you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Call the team now on 01695 557 711 or email sales@hrkilns.com.