Integrated Depot Protection and Equipment Interlocking
As part of the enhancement of Great Western Railway’s Exeter St David’s maintenance facilities, FirstClass Safety & Control delivered a new Depot Protection System designed to protect personnel while integrating with a range of critical depot equipment.
The project was delivered as a full turnkey package encompassing hardware and software design, build, installation, commissioning and training.
The Requirement
The expansion and enhancement of the Exeter depot created a requirement for an adaptable Depot Protection System capable of operating across the maintenance environment while controlling the interaction between personnel, vehicle movements and depot equipment.
A key requirement was the ability to integrate the protection system with equipment and access systems throughout the depot rather than treating them as standalone assets.
The FirstClass Solution
FirstClass designed and delivered an RFID-based Depot Protection System that enables operatives to log on and off individual roads and working zones.
Once personnel are logged into a protected area, the system prevents vehicle movements into that road or zone, providing controlled protection for people working within the depot.
Audible and visual movement warnings were also incorporated using beacons and sounders within the main depot building.
Integration & Technical Capability
A major element of the project was integration between the Depot Protection System and other equipment within the maintenance facility.
FirstClass interlocked the system with lifting jacks, the bogie turntable, overhead crane and high-level access gantries.
Vehicle movements are prevented unless the relevant equipment is confirmed to be in a safe state. This integrated approach enables personnel protection, equipment status and vehicle movements to form part of a coordinated depot safety environment.
Project Delivery
The project was delivered over a two-year period and included design, manufacture, installation and commissioning by FirstClass.
Delivery also continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the project team to work within the operational and site restrictions in place at the time.
Despite these additional challenges, the project was completed on time and within budget.
The Outcome
The Exeter solution provides GWR with an integrated Depot Protection System combining RFID operative protection, movement warnings and equipment interlocking.
The project demonstrates how FirstClass can design protection around the particular operational requirements of a depot, integrating with existing and new equipment to help protect people, assets and infrastructure.