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More About Interlocking Solutions
What is an Interlocking System?
An interlocking is a safety-critical control arrangement that prevents conflicting or unsafe operations by ensuring defined conditions are satisfied before an action is permitted. Within a rail depot, this can include points, infrastructure, maintenance equipment, access arrangements and other systems.
Electronic Interlocking Systems
Electronic interlocking uses programmable safety logic, control equipment and field devices to monitor defined conditions and authorise operations only when the required safety sequence has been satisfied. Complex relationships between rail movements, depot equipment, access systems and infrastructure can be managed within a coordinated safety system. Status information and visualisation can provide operators with clear indication of equipment conditions and whether an operation is permitted or inhibited. FirstClass develops electronic interlocking around the requirements and operating procedures of each facility, including integration with existing and third-party equipment.
Trapped Key Interlocking
Trapped key interlocking provides a robust method of controlling access and equipment operation through a predetermined sequence of key release and transfer. Keys are released only when defined safety conditions have been established and are then used to enable the next permitted stage of an operating or access sequence. This provides a clear physical method of preventing conflicting or unsafe operations. FirstClass designs trapped key interlocking around the equipment, access requirements and Safe System of Work of the individual facility. Solutions can be provided for new installations or incorporated into upgrades and modifications of existing and legacy depot infrastructure.
Choosing the Appropriate Interlocking Solution
Electronic and trapped key interlocking can address different operational and safety requirements. FirstClass assesses the individual application and develops electronic, trapped key or integrated interlocking arrangements appropriate to the facility, infrastructure and required operating sequence.
Depot Equipment Interlocking
FirstClass can provide interlocking with equipment including depot doors, lifting jacks, turntables, wheel lathes, bogie drops, hoists and cranes, heaters, pit lighting, access gates, train washes, fuelling systems and shore supplies and other relevant depot equipment.
OLE/OHL Interlocking
Where a depot incorporates overhead line equipment, FirstClass can integrate OLE/OHL status with relevant access and maintenance equipment, including fixed and mobile access platforms, Mansafe equipment, hoists, cranes and lifting jacks.
Integration with Existing, Legacy & Third-Party Systems
FirstClass can assess existing and legacy infrastructure, equipment and interfaces to determine what can practically be retained, supported, modified or integrated. New safety functionality can be introduced and interfaced with existing or third-party systems where technically appropriate, helping avoid unnecessary replacement when extending or modifying operational depots.
