July 2019
Sheffield-based rail safety specialist, Zonegreen, is working with Siemens to overhaul the personnel protection systems installed at its UK maintenance depots.
Kings Heath Traincare Facility in Northampton is the first to receive an updated version of the firm’s Depot Personnel Protection System (DDPS™), which was installed originally in 2006.
DPPSTM provides physical protection for staff working in maintenance depots through the use of powered derailers. The system is controlled by intuitive road end panels which are operated with electronic datakeys that allow staff to create safe zones in which to work, and incorporates visual and audible warnings which indicate when a vehicle movement has been authorised.
At Kings Heath, the six road main shed and eight sidings roads have had their protection systems upgraded to the New Generation DPPSTM, which was launched to the market following six years of research and development. Zonegreen’s latest system was designed to reflect many years of customer feedback resulting in it being more dynamic and intuitive than its predecessor. The New Generation DPPSTM utilises modern electronic which future proof the system and includes new remote diagnostic features which make the system easier to maintain, expanding the lifetime of the product. The new innovative software reduces the cabling and electrical component requirements making the system more resilient, and has been designed to make future modifications or expansions simple.
The Depot Manager PC system has also been updated as part of the midlife overhaul. The new Depot Manager software offers advanced traceability, logging all actions on the DPPSTM, and provides easy to interpret data with increased analytical options. The upgrade also makes it possible to enable train movements remotely.
Christian Fletcher, Zonegreen’s technical director, said: “We have enjoyed a long and happy relationship with Siemens spanning almost 20 years, during which time DPPS™ has been specified in most of its traincare facilities. The midlife overhaul at Kings Heath, and the imminent upgrade at Northam TMD, in Southampton, reflects Siemens commitment to improving safety and reflects the technological advancements we have made, after listening to clients and responding to this ever-evolving industry.”