OFG Communications Sub Group

Keith Shepherd

3rd October 2012

Looking back

ABC of communication Accuracy Brevity Clarity

‘This is an Emergency Call’ Do not use the phrase ‘line not clear’ use ‘line

blocked’. Means of communication with signaller mainly

‘SPT’ only.

Present Day

Phonetic Alphabet Repeat Back ‘This is an Emergency Call’ ‘This is a Rail Dangerous Goods Emergency’. Do not use the phrase ‘line not clear’ use ‘line

blocked’. Means of communication with signaller:

SPT, NRN, CSR, Mobile Phone, GSM-R etc. RSSB Guidance

Present Day 2

Still not many standard terms and phrases Traction current, Juice Rail, 3rd Rail,

Overhead, Power etc. A lot of good work done in SAF6 on Safety

Critical Communications. CRG’s appear to be working in isolation.

Is voice communications getting better?

The Way Forward?

Proposed work of Communications Sub Group Move industry forward following success of SAF6

training. Review research project T700 carried out by Human

Engineering. Review role of CRG’s and improve feedback to

identify National trends. Consider a communications manual similar to CAA. Review key operational scenarios for critical

communications. Consider and provide clarity between safety critical

communications and safety communications.