Vital Rail have installed Asset Management systems for a number of clients in the Rail Industry, both Overground and Underground. The asset-management system for the first time gives a single view of trains running on track and of track assets owned by the client.
Implementation of the system is integral to our clients achieving their vision for the future.
Vital Rail’s ATWS division owns and operates several fully certified Automatic Track Warning Systems and supplies these complete with operators to projects across the UK. From the outset, and in conjunction with our client’s works programme, we plan a safe system of work to include ATWS operation, obtain all the necessary approvals, set up on site, test and operate the system for the duration of the works with removal following completion.
ATWS systems increase the available safe access period for limited or restricted access areas and provide an affordable solution to many otherwise difficult or higher risk track operations. We also supply and operate mobile lookout warning systems (LOWS) for small workgroups, short projects, or frequently relocating work groups.
Our ATWS systems have been installed on the Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland for some 3 years where our client, Balfour Beatty, has benefitted from the increased production access for their Network Rail maintenance contract.
Vital Rail undertakes route work projects for Network Rail and the major contractors working on the railway infrastructure. Typical works include: clearance of cable routes, removal and replacement of concrete troughing and lids, installation of sub-ducts and securing with duck bill anchors, delivery of cable drums, pulling of cables, sealing and shrink wrapping of joints, fibre optic splicing, construction of lineside bases, installation of steel cable route supports and the construction of under track crossings.
The rail infrastructure is a high profile target for thieves intending to steal cable, plant and equipment. This is a nationwide problem but with hot spots in certain areas of the country. In addition to the inherent danger arising from cable theft from the infrastructure are the delays to work programmes, threat to commissioning dates and subsequent train delays. Fly tipping, vandalism and trespass only add to the problem.
The Solution
Vital Rail provides high visibility track patrols, supported by perimeter fence patrols, to deter would-be cable thieves. Hot spots are identified for intensive surveillance with risk assessments determining the most appropriate form of security for day and night patrols. Patrol teams are supported by strategically located rapid response teams.
Our Strategy
We work closely with British Transport Police and Network Rail to ensure a coordinated approach to site security with clear lines of communication. Vital Rail incorporates the BTP suggested protocol for Security Team Deployment and all security staff are supervised by qualified, professional security managers who are in turn responsible for delivery of the service.
Training
Track patrol staff are PTS/COSS/IWA accredited and are continually assessed by our SQE department. Management and perimeter security staff are SIA Licensed and are briefed regularly on BTP Best Practice, Weapons Awareness, Emergency First Aid and Observation and Intelligence Gathering.
In addition to the highly visible track and perimeter patrols, we can deploy further security measures when required:
• Sentry cones to alert Rapid Response teams
• Mobile Wireless CCTV to monitor hot spots, linked to Security Manager’s laptop computer
• Deployment of BTP helicopters
• Deployment of dog patrol teams
• Trembler alarms on cable ducts.
We offer a fully-flexible professional service dedicated to providing Clients with best-practice, speedy and cost-effective solutions. All types of work are covered, including geotechnical investigations, interpretive reports, building construction, earthworks, piling operations, drainage layouts, under-track crossings, and other civil engineering activities.
Assistance is offered in connection with Network Rail’s Group and Company Standards, CDM Regulations, and Safety Assessments, including Rimini and Possession Planning to enable rapid progression of technical items and Basic Asset Protection back-up documentation. We can also provide highly-experienced, PTS–certified Project staff to complete the process wherever required.
Vital Rail supply renewal, enhancement and maintenance services covering all operating functions of the facilities associated with train repair and maintenance depots.
A recent example of this was the undertaking of a fixed price supply and install contract for Alstom at thier Polmadie Depot in Glasgow for this type of work.
Vital were recently awarded a fixed price supply and install contract by Alstom for a large number of sleeper replacements, removal of redundant turnouts, re-railing and installation of one half set of switches. Vital planned, executed and supervised the works with the client’s operations team to minimise disruption, with all work completed ahead of programme and within budget.
Alstom expressed their complete satisfaction with the services that were delivered and the open approach taken by Vital’s project management team.
Apart from rail-specialist consultation, we are also able to offer a bespoke ‘fixed price’ design-and-build service for all types of under-track crossings, whether for gas, power supplies, communication cables, potable water, drainage or sewage. Our regular day-to-day involvement with service providers on a national basis has already created a second-to-none working relationship with such Clients, which is continuing to grow, year after year.
Our grinding and weld inspection services are available nationally and we provide a comprehensive package of fully traceable procedures and certification for Alignment, Visual and Ultrasonic testing and reporting. Our capability extends to specialist laser inspection and reporting of joint alignment for grinding work to comply with high specification rail tolerances.
The leading provider of contingent labour in the UK, Vital has framework contracts in place with all four Network Rail Renewal Contractors. Additionally we enjoy long term supply contracts with many leading rail contractors and are Network Rail’s largest supplier of rail labour, supporting 34 of contingent their 40 maintenance delivery units.
All rail disciplines can be supplied to worksites across the length and breadth of the country, blue collar to white collar, overground to underground, with each operative's Sentinel registrations assessed and maintained internally by our group training company, Vital Skills Training.
Vital Skills Training have responsibility for the continuous development of our workforce.
We ensure that our people get to work and home again safely by operating a fleet of over 200 commercial vehicles, many specifically customised for rail contracting.
With more than 2000 currently sponsored operatives Vital Rail has the depth of resource to support any project
Over recent years Vital Rail has built an enviable portfolio of projects associated with Light Rail systems. We have played a key part in the Manchester Metrolink expansion and renewal, the construction of the Nottingham Express Transit and the Blackpool Tram track replacement project. We were recently appointed as sub-contractor to Bam Rail for the Thermit Welding and Ultrasonic Testing services for the Edinburgh Tram project and the Dublin Citywest Luas Extension. We have developed a substantial reputation for our expertise in the joining of "Grooved Rail" track.
Construction, Renewal and Maintenance of Tram, Rapid Transit and Urban Transportation Systems has become a prized addition to our core offering as authorities and commuters demand solutions in their efforts to combat traffic congestion
Vital is extensivley experienced in all aspects of renewals and maintenance on London Underground Infrastructure including, but not limited to: Deep Tube reconditioning, Deep Tube pit block renewal, Ballasted track renewal, P&C renewal and maintenance (tube and open section), Re-railing, Re-sleepering, Rail defect removal, Stressing, Conductor rail maintenance and renewal (including composite conductor rail), Scrap removal, Wet bed rectification, Track alignment, Track welding, Conductor rail welding, P&C repair welding and Track Handback Services.
Vital Rail has provided a skilled workforce, including safety critical staff and welding resources, to the two Infracos (Tubelines and LUL BCV & SSL) for many years.
Vital Rail has a wealth of experience in the delivery of minor civils works across the rail infrastructure. Work includes:
Access Points, cable joint and loop bays, cable route works, concrete bases for line side equipment, driver’s walkways, excavation, fencing, FTN cable installation (Copper and fibre optic), ground & rock anchors, handrailing, minor structural repairs, platform extensions and modifications, reinforced concrete foundations, RRAPs, safe access walkways, vegetation clearance.
Whether initially involved in the design stage or otherwise, our team of structural, civil and geo-technical engineers are well-placed to quickly assimilate a Client’s needs and obtain Network Rail approvals for Forms A, B and C, Method Statements, Risk Assessments, Work Plans, and Asset Management documentation.
Vital design, supply, install, test and commission overhead line, conductor rail and power systems. Our highly trained and experienced safety conscious staff have a proven track record of delivering projects across the UK on all rail infrastructures.
Our services include:
AC and DC Isolation Services
Bonding
Height and Stagger Survey Analysis and Adjustments
HV Cabling & Jointing
HV Distribution
Maintenance of Electrical Equipment
OLE Foundations and Steelwork Erection
Overhead Line Renewal
Power Transformers
SCADA Systems
Switchgear
The rail infrastructure is a high profile target for thieves intending to steal cable, plant and equipment. This is a nationwide problem but with “Hot Spots” in certain areas of the country. In addition to the inherent danger arising from cable theft from the infrastructure are the delays to work programmes, threat to commissioning dates and subsequent train delays. Fly tipping, vandalism and trespass only add to the problem.
We work closely with BTP and Network Rail to ensure a coordinated approach to site security with clear lines of communication. Vital Rail incorporates the BTP suggested protocol for Security Team Deployment and all security staff are supervised by qualified, professional security managers who are in turn responsible for delivery of the service.
Track patrol staff are PTS/COSS/IWA accredited and are continually assessed by our SQE department. Management and perimeter security staff are SIA Licensed and are briefed regularly on BTP Best Practice, Weapons Awareness, Emergency First Aid and Observation and Intelligence Gathering.
In addition to the highly visible track and perimeter patrols, we can deploy further security measures:
• Sentry cones to alert Rapid Response teams
• Mobile Wireless CCTV to monitor hot spots, linked to Security Manager’s laptop computer
• Deployment of BTP helicopters
• Deployment of dog patrol teams
• Trembler alarms on cable ducts.
For more than a decade Vital has been planning and implementing “Safe Systems of Work” for worksites operated by major rail contractors and Network Rail.
Categories of personnel supplied include:
Lookout, Site Warden, Coss, IWA, Handsignaller, Points Operator, Level Crossing Attendant, Protection Controller, Engineering Supervisor, Crane Controller, Machine Controller etc.
All the safe systems of work are compliant with the company's robust internal SQEMS procedures with RIMINI plans prepared, risk assessments and works package plans produced, travel and work hours monitored and competencies and assessments strictly controlled.
We also supply Possession Management services and mobile Automatic Track Warning Systems (ATWS) for worksite protection when working adjacent to an open line.
Vital Rail is an experienced scrap removal contractor, managing the removal and disposal of scrap and redundant materials from both Network Rail and London Underground Infrastructure.
We have carried out a number of fixed price scrap removal projects including two major programmes on the West Coast Main Line at Preston to North Cove and Rugby to Colwich.
We have also provided up to 100 trained staff for 18 months to carry out the removal of the redundant rail from the ‘tube’ sections of London Underground.
Vital holds a waste carriers licence enabling us to transport redundant materials as required.
Our Signalling business specialises in the supply of Signalling Installation, SWTH and SMTH staff to the Network Rail and London Underground infrastructures
Our services include:
Signalling Consultancy
Site Surveys
Works Package Plans, Project Files, Test Plans and Through Charts
Termination Sheets and SMTH Handback
Disconnection/Reconnection
New Installation & Maintenance
Solid State Interlockings
Interlocking Renewals
TDM & FDM Renewals
TPWS
Point Installation & Renewal
Location Building
Cable Renewals & Testing
Project Management
Associated Civils Work
Re Signalling Services
From station entrances, waiting rooms, ticket offices and retail unit upgrades to the extension of platforms for longer trains and of the car parks for those extra passengers - plus everything in between – Vital have many years experience of providing sub contract services and temporary project labour.
We have reliable teams of skilled trades operatives with extensive experience of station work as well as the safety critical staff required to ensure that they are working under the appropriate protection.
We can upgrade power supply systems and design and install the latest Passenger Information Display Systems as well as WiFi and WiMax networks.
Today's railway demands modern stations for its ever increasing passenger numbers - Vital Rail offers the complete range of services to support this need.
In addition to track monitoring, we also undertake detailed structural examination and monitoring of bridges, embankments, culverts, watercourses, retaining walls, cuttings, building works, and civil engineering structures. Topographical and cross sectional surveys, platform gauging, plus buried services searches using compliant equipment are also covered, together with ‘rod and prove’ drainage investigations, pipeline routing, preparation of Auto-CAD plans and sections, plus non-intrusive and GPS plotting. Our extremely knowledgeable back-up team is quickly able to deal with any arising boundary disputes, Town and Country Planning, or Land Registry issues.
From S&C renewal on Network Rail infrastructure, through complicated S&C refurbishment in tube sections on London Underground to the installation of high speed swing nose crossings on CTRL, Vital Rail have developed an enviable reputation for Switch and Crossing works.
Vital Rail recruits experienced and highly technically qualified Telecoms engineers for the UK rail industry, covering the areas of design, project management, installation, commissioning and testing.
Our areas of expertise include, but are not limited to; Public Address Systems, CCTV, DOO & OPO CCTV, Help Points, Line Side Telephony, Cable Diversion, Tunnel Telephone Systems, Customer Information Systems, Radio Systems, Track Structure Gauges.
Where applicable, we can design, install, and monitor all manner of temporary level crossings, resolving engineering access problems and avoiding excessive costs of long-distance plant, equipment and material diversions to remotely-located sites.
Vital Rail provide track drainage contracting services for renewal and maintenance works across the network.
We have developed a significant level of experience in the areas of rodding, proving and repairing existing drainage systems, installation of catch pits and drainage pipes and the installation of French drains.
Whilst there are other firms able to take levels on site, our quality assurance goes much further, track monitoring readings taken throughout the construction period (fully compliant to NR’s Letter of Instruction v3) being immediately coordinated with both the pre-start infrastructure condition surveys and the corresponding trigger evaluation. This enables the Client, Contractor, and Network Rail to have up-dated results directly available as work progresses.
Vital have provided Track Maintenance support staff and management services for more than a decade, originally to the major infrastructure maintenance contractors and more recently to Network Rail and the London Underground PPP contractors.
We hold Network Rail Contingent Labour supply contracts with 34 of the 40 National Maintenance Delivery Units. Aditionally we have framework contracts with Tubelines and LUL Nominee Companies SSL & BCV to supply staff on the London Underground Infrastructure.
We have also delivered many fixed price minor works packages for Network Rail, including scoping, planning, project management, delivery and track handback.
Our unparalleled ability to include contingency track remediation within our monitoring services should ground movement occur greatly reduces a Client’s risk of paying expensive train delay penalties. All such monitoring and reinstatement is carried-out in full compliance with Network Rail’s requirements, including formal hand-over/hand-back protocol.
Vital Rail has developed a wealth of experience in the track renewal field over the past 10 years, on Network Rail, London Underground and on Light Rail Systems throughout the UK.
We have extensive experience of Plain Line and S&C track renewals, High Output track renewals, ballasted track and reconditioning works on London Underground and of Light Rail System renewals.
Our Projects Division employ Project Managers, Engineers, Technicians, Planners and Supervisors to deliver track renewal work packages.
In recent years we have developed niche skills for carrying out track off/track on works for bridge deck replacement or renewal, both on a fixed price and a labour supply basis.
Recent examples of our bridge deck renewals capability include:
Prideux Viaduct - St. Blazey, Cornwall
Builth Rd Bridge – Builth Wells, Powys
St Keyne Viaduct – St Keyne, Cornwall
Gants Mill Bridge – Bath, Somerset
Our extensive knowledge and experience of construction services below the railway includes major tunnelling, directional drilling, pipe-jacking, auger-bore, and, where appropriate, open-cut excavation, offering the Client a wide range of already-proven cost-effective solutions. Full back-up, including topographical and geo-technical surveys, interpretive ground reports relative to the railway and ‘best practice’ progression of the scheme is always readily available to all Clients.
Generally provided as part of our Minor Civils and Cable Route Works services, Vital supply both fixed price contracting services and specialist project labour for Vegetation projects across the network, overground and underground.
We own and maintain our own vegetation management plant and hold a waste carriers licence enabling us to transport redundant materials as required.
Our welding operation boasts in excess of 40 welding teams with purpose built vehicles providing a round-the-clock service to locations throughout the UK and Ireland. Our service covers preparation, alignment, burning, welding, grinding and testing for aluminothermic and manual metal arc welding to rigorous Network Rail and London Underground national standards.
We have recently developed procedures for the welding of “Grooved Rail” joints for use in Light Rail and Tram projects and are currently contracted to the Edinburgh, Dublin and Blackpool tram projects in excess of 6000 thermic welds.
We have a fully traceable bespoke reporting system with documentation for procedure approvals and certification of completed welds. Our capability extends to laser alignment for high specification tolerances.