he investment into large-scale rail projects such as Crossrail and HS2 highlights the high level of construction work that is taking place in order to maintain, update and expand the rail network within the UK. This has created a number of challenges for main and sub- contractors operating within the sector, as well as organisations such as Network Rail, London Underground and Crossrail, about how best to procure the necessary materials in terms of health and safety, supply chain, risk management and sustainability.
Health and safety
The rail sector operates some of the most demanding health and safety regulations within the UK, creating added demands for building merchants operating within this industry. The transport requirements for Crossrail, Europe’s largest construction project, are recognised as being particularly stringent with all vehicles needing to be fitted with reversing cameras, white noise alarms and cyclist mirrors, as well as drivers needing to have completed Crossrail’s dedicated one-day training course. Furthermore, these measures have since been followed by a series of new requirements that came into effect during
Supply and demand T
Successful completion of major projects means planning early for everything from supply chain management to health and safety and sustainability. Richard Wade explains
February this year. As a result, any vehicle used to deliver building materials to a Crossrail site will need to be retrofitted with additional safety devices, including close proximity mirrors to remove any blind spots from the drivers’ vision and side sensors that will warn of any vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist that is alongside. With the lead contractor and rail organisation having ultimate responsibility at each rail location, it is important for them to work closely with and effectively manage their sub-contractors and suppliers to avoid any incidents of non- compliance.
Supply chain For any construction project, receiving the right products to the right place, at the right time is essential. Missed deliveries can cause massive disruption leading to loss of business and additional overheads or fines, so contractors and rail businesses need to overcome any costly supply issues. For operational rail networks, such as the London
Underground and Network Rail, there is only limited access for any engineering or construction work. With contractors
Contractors welding the new footbridge at King’s Cross station PAGE 26 MAY/JUNE 2012
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