BR to rigorously implement cutting, insulating, securing redundant wires before commissioning
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that there is rigorous implementation of the practice of cutting back redundant wires, insulating, and securing them, so that there is no risk of wires coming into contact with working circuitry. Cutting back must be done before …
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BR shall ensure that there is rigorous implementation of the practice of cutting back redundant wires, insulating, and securing them, so that there is no risk of wires coming into contact with working circuitry. Cutting back must be done before commissioning.
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Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Establish national responsibility for updating and creating new installation standards
Recommendation
BR at national level shall be responsible for updating and creating new standards of installation.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Enforce tighter control on Design Office procedures for accurate working drawings
Recommendation
BR shall enforce tighter control on Design Office procedures for the production, issue and amendment of documents to ensure that all working drawings are complete and are an accurate representation of the system to be worked on and of the …
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BR shall enforce tighter control on Design Office procedures for the production, issue and amendment of documents to ensure that all working drawings are complete and are an accurate representation of the system to be worked on and of the work to be done to that system.
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Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the enforcement of tighter control on Design Office procedures for the production, issue, and amendment of documents, as recommended, has been found.
Urgently ensure and document independent wire counts during testing procedures
Recommendation
BR shall urgently ensure that an independent wire count is carried out as a matter of practice during testing. It shall be the responsibility of the person in overall charge of testing to ensure and to document that an independent …
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BR shall urgently ensure that an independent wire count is carried out as a matter of practice during testing. It shall be the responsibility of the person in overall charge of testing to ensure and to document that an independent wire count has been done. This function may be delegated to works staff who did not do the work.
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Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Therefore, there is no publicly available evidence concerning the urgent implementation of independent wire counts during testing by BR, or the assignment of responsibility for this practice, in response to this recommendation.
Identify single individual responsible for overall charge of all testing
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that one individual is always identified as the person in overall charge of testing.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. As such, there is no publicly available evidence regarding BR's identification of a single individual in overall charge of testing in response to this recommendation.
Ensure a comprehensive testing plan is drawn up for every commissioning
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that a testing plan is drawn up for every commissioning.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing actions taken by British Rail to ensure a testing plan was drawn up for every commissioning. The direct applicability of this recommendation to 'BR' is no longer current following its privatisation.
Require BR to include sufficient, qualified staff in all testing plans
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff are included in the testing plan.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing actions taken by BR (British Rail) to ensure sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff are included in testing plans has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require BR to provide and monitor full documentation for proper testing
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that full documentation is provided and later monitored in order that proper testing is carried out.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing actions by BR (or its successor) to ensure full documentation and monitoring for proper testing has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Introduce national testing instruction with workforce explanation, monitoring, and auditing
Recommendation
BR shall introduce a national testing instruction with all speed. Such introduction shall be accompanied by a full explanation to the workforce, including workshops or seminars as necessary. Implementation must be monitored and audited.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the introduction by BR (or its successor) of a national testing instruction, accompanied by workforce explanation and monitored/audited implementation, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
BR to audit resources and authority for national signal testing instruction implementation
Recommendation
BR shall ensure through its system of audit that the necessary resources and authority are available to Regional Signal Engineers to implement the national testing instruction.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Ensure independence of testing and commissioning engineers from new works staff
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that the Testing & Commissioning Engineer must be independent of the line of command between Area Signalling Engineer and new works staff, but able to call on new works staff to assist him in his testing duties.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Establish effective systems for personal distribution of departmental instructions to all employees
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that there are effective systems for distributing Departmental Instructions on a personal basis to all relevant employees and that provision is made for the situation where an employee moves to a new post.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Require staff to understand, re-read, and biennially confirm understanding of instructions
Recommendation
BR shall ensure, as a matter of practice, that all staff understand and regularly re-read the Departmental Instructions relevant to their posts. In addition, every two years, those staff involved in an annual appraisal interview, shall sign a statement to …
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BR shall ensure, as a matter of practice, that all staff understand and regularly re-read the Departmental Instructions relevant to their posts. In addition, every two years, those staff involved in an annual appraisal interview, shall sign a statement to the effect that such Instructions have been recently read and understood.
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Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Provide necessary technical training for all staff to ensure safe practices
Recommendation
BR shall give technical training as necessary to ensure that efficient and safe practices are carried out by all technical staff.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Provide mandatory refresher courses for installers at least every five years
Recommendation
BR shall provide refresher courses for installers at intervals of not more than five years.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Urgently progress and monitor training, certification, and refresher courses for testers
Recommendation
BR shall urgently progress and monitor training and certification of testers. Refresher courses shall be evolved.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Regularly review the structure and content of all training courses
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that the structure and content of courses are regularly reviewed.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Monitor staff overtime to prevent individuals working excessive levels
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that overtime is monitored so that no individual is working excessive levels of overtime.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Introduce scheduled hours for Signals and Telecommunications weekend work with unions
Recommendation
BR, in conjunction with the Unions, shall introduce the concept of scheduled hours within the Signals and Telecommunications Department in order to make better provision for work which has to be carried out at weekends.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Monitor and forecast skilled S&T staff to ensure safe recruitment and retention
Recommendation
BR shall monitor and forecast wastage and recruitment of skilled S&T staff and take urgent steps to ensure that sufficient numbers of skilled staff are retained and recruited to match work requirements safely.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Consider recruiting staff at assistant technician level and above
Recommendation
BR, in reviewing recruitment and retention levels, shall also consider recruiting staff at levels at and above assistant technician.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Provide clear job descriptions for all staff grades and posts
Recommendation
BR shall provide all grades with job descriptions for their particular post so that staff know what is expected of them
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence relating to the implementation of this recommendation has been identified in the provided official sources. General searches on GOV.UK for 'Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation' and 'Hidden Inquiry government response' yielded broad results but no specific documents detailing actions for this recommendation. No relevant legislation was found on legislation.gov.uk.
Extend simplified annual appraisal system to include senior technician level
Recommendation
The annual appraisal system, albeit in a simplified form, shall be extended to senior technician level.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. While general information on 'annual appraisal systems' exists on gov.uk, no specific evidence linking this to the extension to senior technician level as recommended by the Hidden Inquiry has been found.
Establish continuous system to identify employees who would benefit from additional training
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that there is an effective system in place on a continuous basis to identify which employees would benefit from additional training.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the establishment of a continuous system to identify employees who would benefit from additional training, as recommended, has been found.
Introduce system for reporting, classifying, and monitoring all WSFs to Board level
Recommendation
BR shall introduce, within S&T Departments, a system of reporting and reviewing all WSFs and shall ensure that they are classified according to potential for danger, and that they are monitored up to and including Board level.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the introduction of a system for reporting, reviewing, classifying, and monitoring WSFs within S&T Departments, as recommended, has been found.
Thoroughly investigate unprotected WSFs with danger potential to learn wider lessons
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that any unprotected WSF with potential for danger shall be thoroughly investigated with a view to learning and acting upon wider lessons.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the thorough investigation of any unprotected WSF with potential for danger, with a view to learning and acting upon wider lessons, as recommended, has been found.
Report unprotected WSFs as "dangerous occurrences" to the Railway Inspectorate
Recommendation
Unprotected WSFs shall be reportable to the Railway Inspectorate as a "dangerous occurrence" and reported on by the Chief Inspecting Officer in his annual report.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the reporting of unprotected WSFs to the Railway Inspectorate as 'dangerous occurrences' or their inclusion in the Chief Inspecting Officer's annual report, as recommended, has been found.
Government to seek legislative effect for recommendation 27
Recommendation
Government shall seek to give legislative effect to recommendation 27.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No legislation giving effect to recommendation HIDD-27, which concerns reporting unprotected WSFs as dangerous occurrences, has been found on legislation.gov.uk or other provided sources.
Appoint a single Project Manager for all major schemes
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that there is a single Project Manager for all major schemes, who shall be responsible for the overall planning, management and execution of the scheme.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the implementation of a structure for new works schemes with a clearly identified person in overall charge and a nominated Project Manager, as recommended, has been found.
Ensure Project Managers have sufficient authority for safe scheme delivery
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that the Project Manager is of sufficient seniority and has sufficient authority to ensure that the scheme is delivered safely, efficiently and economically.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the responsibilities and reporting lines of the Project Manager, as outlined in this recommendation and linked to HIDD-29, has been found.
Require external work to be contractual, specified by Project Manager
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that where work is required from areas outside the command of the person in overall charge, that work should be carried out on a contractual basis to a specification provided by the Project Manager.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the requirement for work from areas outside the command of the person in overall charge to be carried out on a contractual basis to a Project Manager's specification, as recommended, has been found.
Establish direct reporting line for Testing Engineer to overall scheme charge
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that the Testing Engineer shall be ultimately responsible to the person in overall charge of the scheme, but not through the Project Manager.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the reporting structure for the Testing Engineer, ensuring ultimate responsibility to the person in overall charge but not through the Project Manager, as recommended, has been found.
Provide necessary training resources for wider management down to supervisor level
Recommendation
BR shall make available necessary training resources for wider management training down to supervisor level.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the availability of necessary training resources for wider management training down to supervisor level, as recommended, has been found.
Require future reorganisations to be properly planned, resourced, and timely implemented
Recommendation
BR shall require that any future reorganisation shall be properly planned, effectively resourced and implemented to an agreed timetable which takes account of all relevant problems.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding requirements for future reorganisations to be properly planned, effectively resourced, and implemented to an agreed timetable, as recommended, has been found.
Implement improved procedures to prevent unallocated staff during reorganisations
Recommendation
BR shall implement improved procedures to replace the cumbersome arrangements on reorganisations which allow staff to be displaced and to remain unallocated.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the implementation of improved procedures to address staff displacement and unallocated staff during reorganisations, as recommended, has been found.
Continue implementing Total Quality Management Initiative and BS5750 quality systems
Recommendation
BR shall continue to press ahead with its Total Quality Management Initiative and the application of British Standard BS5750: Quality systems.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation report for the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified in the provided public sources. No specific evidence regarding the continuation of a Total Quality Management Initiative or the application of British Standard BS5750, as recommended, has been found.
Urgently implement the Board's existing quality plan within S&T Departments
Recommendation
S&T Departments shall implement the Board's existing quality plan with the greatest urgency.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Therefore, there is no publicly available evidence regarding the implementation of a quality plan by S&T Departments in response to this recommendation.
Urgently use outside consultants to review safety management and communication issues
Recommendation
The Court endorses the use of outside consultants to review safety management issues within BR and recommends that the consultants proceed with their programme with the greatest urgency looking particularly at problems of communication up and down the organisation.
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The Court endorses the use of outside consultants to review safety management issues within BR and recommends that the consultants proceed with their programme with the greatest urgency looking particularly at problems of communication up and down the organisation.
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Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Consequently, there is no publicly available evidence detailing the use of outside consultants to review safety management issues within BR, or their progress, in response to this recommendation.
Urgently introduce independent monitoring and auditing for all safety-related work
Recommendation
BR shall introduce monitoring and independent auditing systems in all safety-related aspects of work, in particular the S&T Departments, with the greatest urgency, in advance of Total Quality Management as an aid to good management.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. As such, there is no publicly available evidence regarding the introduction of monitoring and independent auditing systems by BR in safety-related work, specifically within S&T Departments, in response to this recommendation.
Prioritise introduction of on-train data recorders for incident investigation assistance
Recommendation
BR shall give a higher priority to the introduction of on-train data recorders to assist investigation of any future incident.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Consequently, there is no publicly available evidence indicating that BR has given higher priority to the introduction of on-train data recorders for incident investigation in response to this recommendation.
Utilise on-train data recorder information for systematic safety monitoring procedures
Recommendation
BR shall consider the use of information from on-train data recorders as part of a systematic safety monitoring procedure.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. As such, there is no publicly available evidence detailing BR's consideration or implementation of on-train data recorder information as part of a systematic safety monitoring procedure in response to this recommendation.
Report 6-monthly to Railway Inspectorate on accident follow-up and recommendations
Recommendation
BR shall report at 6 monthly intervals to the Railway Inspectorate on its follow-up to the Clapham Junction accident and implementation of its own and this Report's recommendations.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Therefore, there is no publicly available evidence indicating that BR has reported at 6-monthly intervals to the Railway Inspectorate on its follow-up to the Clapham Junction accident or the implementation of recommendations from this Report.
Prioritise installation of driver-signalman radio communication on all traction units
Recommendation
BR shall implement as a priority its programme to install a system of radio communication between driver and signalman on all traction units. The introduction of this system shall be in addition to signal-post telephones and not automatically entail their …
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BR shall implement as a priority its programme to install a system of radio communication between driver and signalman on all traction units. The introduction of this system shall be in addition to signal-post telephones and not automatically entail their removal.
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Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Consequently, there is no publicly available evidence detailing BR's implementation of a priority programme for radio communication between drivers and signalmen on traction units, or its approach to signal-post telephones, in response to this recommendation.
Install voice recorders to provide a record of all radio messages
Recommendation
BR shall instal voice recorders for the purpose of providing a record of all radio messages relayed.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. As such, there is no publicly available evidence regarding BR's installation of voice recorders to record radio messages in response to this recommendation.
Government allocate sufficient radio frequencies for important safety communication functions
Recommendation
Government, in discussion with BR, shall allocate a sufficient number of frequencies for this important safety function
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Therefore, there is no publicly available evidence indicating that the Government, in discussion with BR, has allocated a sufficient number of frequencies for this safety function in response to this recommendation.
Fully implement Automatic Train Protection within five years, prioritising busy lines
Recommendation
The Court welcomes BR's commitment to introduce Automatic Train Protection on a large percentage of its network, but is concerned at the timetable proposed. After the specific type of ATP system has been selected, ATP shall be fully implemented within …
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The Court welcomes BR's commitment to introduce Automatic Train Protection on a large percentage of its network, but is concerned at the timetable proposed. After the specific type of ATP system has been selected, ATP shall be fully implemented within 5 years, with a high priority given to densely trafficked lines.
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Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Consequently, there is no publicly available evidence detailing the selection of an ATP system, its full implementation within 5 years, or the prioritisation of densely trafficked lines by BR in response to this recommendation.
Report 6-monthly to Railway Inspectorate on Automatic Train Protection implementation progress
Recommendation
BR shall report at 6 monthly intervals to the Railway Inspectorate on its progress in implementing ATP.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. As such, there is no publicly available evidence indicating that BR has reported at 6-monthly intervals to the Railway Inspectorate on its progress in implementing ATP in response to this recommendation.
Study appraisal procedures for safety elements in railway investment proposals
Recommendation
The Department of Transport and BRB shall make a thorough study of appraisal procedure for safety elements of investment proposals so that the cost-effectiveness of safe operation of the railway occupies its proper place in a business-led operation.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Therefore, there is no publicly available evidence concerning a thorough study by the Department of Transport and BRB of appraisal procedures for safety elements in investment proposals in response to this recommendation.
Develop system for allocating project priority to prevent safety compromise
Recommendation
BR shall develop an adequate system of allocating priority to projects to ensure that safety standards are not compromised by delay.
Published evidence summary
No specific government response or implementation reports for the "Hidden Inquiry" or its recommendations were found in the provided public sources. Consequently, there is no publicly available evidence detailing BR's development of an adequate system for allocating project priority to maintain safety standards in response to this recommendation.
Establish organisational framework to prevent commercial considerations compromising railway safety
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that the organisational framework exists to prevent commercial considerations of a business-led railway from compromising safety.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified regarding the establishment of an organisational framework by British Rail to prevent commercial considerations from compromising safety. Given the privatisation of British Rail in the mid-1990s, the direct applicability of this recommendation to 'BR' is no longer current.
Emphasise signalling irregularity definitions and reportable situations during driver training
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that during driver training the definition of a signalling irregularity and situations which are reportable are given greater emphasis.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing how British Rail ensured greater emphasis on the definition of signalling irregularities and reportable situations during driver training. The direct applicability of this recommendation to 'BR' is no longer current following its privatisation.
Provide appropriate feedback to drivers reporting signalling irregularities on outcomes
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that drivers, reporting on signalling irregularities, are given appropriate feedback on the outcome.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing how British Rail ensured drivers received appropriate feedback on the outcome of reported signalling irregularities. The direct applicability of this recommendation to 'BR' is no longer current following its privatisation.
Eliminate re-use of insulation tape and ensure secure insulation methods
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that the practice of the re-use of insulation tape is eliminated and the method of insulation is secure.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing actions taken by British Rail to eliminate the re-use of insulation tape and ensure secure insulation methods. The direct applicability of this recommendation to 'BR' is no longer current following its privatisation.
Complete research programme into structural integrity of rolling stock by April 1991
Recommendation
BR shall carry out its stated programme of research into the structural integrity of its rolling stock within its planned timescale of completion by April 1991.
Published evidence summary
This recommendation called for British Rail to complete a research programme into the structural integrity of rolling stock by April 1991. No specific published evidence detailing the completion or findings of this programme has been identified.
Discuss research conclusions with Inspectorate to agree structural changes for rolling stock
Recommendation
On completion of the programme BR shall discuss its conclusions with the Railway Inspectorate and obtain their agreement to the structural changes necessary to strengthen all relevant rolling stock with a subsequent life span of eight years and over.
Published evidence summary
This recommendation was contingent on the completion of a research programme (HIDD-54) and subsequent discussions with the Railway Inspectorate regarding structural changes to rolling stock. No specific published evidence of these discussions or agreed structural changes has been identified.
Extend research to include dynamic testing for improved passenger furniture design
Recommendation
BR shall extend its programme of research to include dynamic testing or full-scale simulations of collision retardations in order to improve the design of internal furniture under conditions of passenger impact.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing an extension of British Rail's research programme to include dynamic testing or full-scale simulations for improving the design of internal furniture under passenger impact conditions.
Seek economic dynamic modelling methods for coach collision resistance research
Recommendation
BR shall, as an alternative to full-scale testing, seek economic and practical methods of dynamic modelling during development stages when researching the structural resistance of coaches to collision conditions.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing British Rail's efforts to seek economic and practical methods of dynamic modelling for researching the structural resistance of coaches to collision conditions.
Expand involvement in European studies on passenger stock performance and collision resistance
Recommendation
BR shall continue and expand its involvement in collaborative European railway studies of performance of passenger stock, including collision resistance.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing British Rail's continued and expanded involvement in collaborative European railway studies concerning passenger stock performance and collision resistance.
Amend Road and Rail Traffic Act 1933 to include rolling stock approval
Recommendation
Government shall seek to amend S.41 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act 1933 to clarify what work has to be approved by the Secretary of State after inspection, if necessary, and to include rolling stock within the terms of the statute.
Published evidence summary
This recommendation called for the government to amend Section 41 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act 1933. However, Section 41 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act 1933 was repealed by the Transport Act 1962, rendering the recommendation to amend it obsolete prior to the inquiry's likely publication date.
Achieve and regularly review overall train loading criteria with Department of Transport
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that overall train loading criteria are achieved. The Department of Transport and BR shall keep the criteria under review.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence has been identified detailing how British Rail ensured overall train loading criteria were achieved, or how the Department of Transport and BR kept these criteria under review. The direct applicability of this recommendation to 'BR' is no longer current following its privatisation.
Improve inter-service communication for major incident declarations via dedicated lines
Recommendation
The Emergency Services shall improve communication between them to ensure, in particular, that the declaration of a Major Incident by any service is immediately passed by a dedicated phone line to all other services and acted on by them . …
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The Emergency Services shall improve communication between them to ensure, in particular, that the declaration of a Major Incident by any service is immediately passed by a dedicated phone line to all other services and acted on by them . Systems shall be checked daily and logged.
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Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence directly linked to the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified detailing improvements in emergency services communication, the establishment of dedicated phone lines for major incident declarations, or daily system checks. While inter-agency communication has evolved significantly since the likely date of this inquiry, no specific action traceable to this recommendation is provided.
Conduct regular major incident exercises to test emergency communication systems
Recommendation
Emergency services shall carry out exercises simulating a Major Incident on a regular basis to test specifically their communication systems in the light of the shortcomings identified in Chapter 5.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence directly linked to the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified detailing regular major incident exercises carried out by emergency services specifically to test communication systems in light of shortcomings identified in Chapter 5 of the inquiry report. While such exercises are standard practice, no specific action traceable to this recommendation is provided.
Review ambulance procedures to provide early major incident warnings to hospitals
Recommendation
Ambulance services shall review procedures to ensure that the designated and supporting hospitals are given a major incident warning as early as possible.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence directly linked to the 'Hidden Inquiry' has been identified detailing reviews by ambulance services of their procedures to ensure early major incident warnings are given to designated and supporting hospitals.
Ensure emergency alert lines receive incoming calls only and are tested weekly
Recommendation
Hospitals shall ensure that emergency alert telephone lines receive incoming calls only and are tested weekly. Switchboard operators shall be fully trained in their use and procedure.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing actions taken by hospitals regarding emergency alert telephone lines, including ensuring incoming calls only, weekly testing, or comprehensive training for switchboard operators, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Implement training for Medical Incident Officers in radio communications usage
Recommendation
The LAS shall implement its proposal to train prospective Medical Incident Officers in the use of radio communications.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing the London Ambulance Service's (LAS) implementation of its proposal to train prospective Medical Incident Officers in radio communications has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. General searches on gov.uk for 'LAS shall implement' yielded broad results but no specific documents pertaining to this recommendation.
Require hospitals to provide Medical Incident Officer training for relevant staff
Recommendation
Hospitals shall provide training in the duties of Medical Incident Officer for staff who could be called upon to act as such in the event of an accident.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing hospitals' provision of training in the duties of Medical Incident Officers for relevant staff has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk for 'hospitals shall provide' yielded broad results but no specific documents pertaining to this recommendation.
Require emergency services to provide local radio communication at accident sites
Recommendation
Emergency services shall provide local radio communication at the accident site to facilitate liaison between the control units and experts on site.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing the provision of local radio communication at accident sites by emergency services to facilitate liaison between control units and on-site experts has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. General searches on gov.uk for 'emergency services shall' yielded broad results but no specific documents pertaining to this recommendation.
Require Ambulance Service to provide hospital aerials for emergency radio communication
Recommendation
The Ambulance Service shall provide aerials at all designated hospitals for radio telephone communication in an emergency. The transmittedreceiver should be provided on declaration of a Major Incident.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing the Ambulance Service's provision of aerials at designated hospitals for radio telephone communication in an emergency, or the provision of a transmitted receiver upon declaration of a Major Incident, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. General searches on gov.uk for 'ambulance service shall' yielded broad results but no specific documents pertaining to this recommendation.
Require all emergency services to provide and ensure personnel wear protective clothing
Recommendation
All emergency services shall ensure that personnel are provided with and wear protective clothing, including protective headgear.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing actions taken by all emergency services to ensure personnel are provided with and wear protective clothing, including protective headgear, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require services to provide coloured high-visibility vests for personnel identification
Recommendation
All emergency services, hospitals, BR and local authorities shall provide their personnel with coloured high visibility vests with the name of the service printed on it. Each service shall be easily identified by the colour of its emergency clothing.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing the provision of coloured high visibility vests with service names by all emergency services, hospitals, BR, and local authorities, or the use of distinct colours for easy identification, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require ambulance staff qualified in intubation to wear 'Millar trained' badges
Recommendation
Ambulance services shall require staff properly qualified in intubation and infusion to wear "Millar trained" badges prominently displayed, including on protective clothing.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing ambulance services' requirement for staff qualified in intubation and infusion to wear prominently displayed 'Millar trained' badges, including on protective clothing, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require police casualty bureaux to be equipped with telephone queuing systems
Recommendation
Police forces shall arrange that all casualty bureaux be equipped with a telephone queuing system with a recorded message.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing police forces' arrangements for equipping all casualty bureaux with a telephone queuing system and recorded message has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
ACPO to establish system for extending simultaneous casualty bureau call handling
Recommendation
The Association of Chief Police Officers shall continue their efforts to establish an effective system for extending the number of calls which can be dealt with simultaneously by a casualty bureau.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing the Association of Chief Police Officers' efforts to establish an effective system for extending the number of calls a casualty bureau can deal with simultaneously has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require emergency services to recognise Civil Police primacy in non-fire accidents
Recommendation
The emergency services shall recognise the primacy of the Civil Police authority in accidents of this kind where there is no fire. This recognition does not preclude delegation to the LFB of control at trackside.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing the emergency services' recognition of the Civil Police authority's primacy in accidents without fire, or the delegation of trackside control to the LFB, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require police forces to adopt Metropolitan Police arrangements for bereaved relatives
Recommendation
Police Forces shall study and follow the excellent arrangements made by the Metropolitan Police for the bereaved and relatives of the seriously injured.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing Police Forces' study and adoption of arrangements for the bereaved and relatives of the seriously injured, particularly those made by the Metropolitan Police, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require BR and emergency services to maintain joint planning with table-top exercises
Recommendation
In the exercise of command and control at accident sites BR and the emergency services shall maintain their policy of joint planning supported by table-top exercises.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing BR and the emergency services' maintenance of joint planning policy supported by table-top exercises for command and control at accident sites has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require medical personnel to report to ambulance forward control unit on site
Recommendation
The ambulance service and designated hospitals shall require that all medical personnel report to the forward control unit of the ambulance service on site.
Published evidence summary
No specific published evidence detailing the ambulance service and designated hospitals' requirement for all medical personnel to report to the forward control unit of the ambulance service on site has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
Require each service to maintain up-to-date staff lists within inner cordon
Recommendation
Each service shall additionally maintain on site an up-to-date list of staff within the inner cordon in case evacuation is necessary.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence directly addressing the implementation of maintaining an up-to-date list of staff within an inner cordon for evacuation purposes has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Department of Health to review Circular 71, clarifying Major Incident declaration terms
Recommendation
The Department of Health shall review DHSS Circular 71 in consultation with emergency and medical services to reflect all lessons learned but in particular in relation to procedures for declaring a Major Incident. The Department of Health shall specifically require …
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The Department of Health shall review DHSS Circular 71 in consultation with emergency and medical services to reflect all lessons learned but in particular in relation to procedures for declaring a Major Incident. The Department of Health shall specifically require that the terms used to warn hospitals of a possible Major Incident, and subsequently to declare an actual Major Incident are sufficiently distinct to prevent any confusion between the two. The terms used shall exclude any colour.
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Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing a review of DHSS Circular 71 by the Department of Health, or new procedures for declaring a Major Incident in consultation with emergency and medical services, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Department of Health to review BASICS' role and funding in emergency planning
Recommendation
In revising the Circular the Department of Health shall consider the role of BASICS in emergency planning and review BASICS' funding arrangements.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the Department of Health's consideration of BASICS' role in emergency planning or a review of its funding arrangements, in the context of revising DHSS Circular 71, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
BR to equip signal boxes with direct lines and emergency dialling systems
Recommendation
BR shall complete its programme of equipping major signal boxes with direct lines to the appropriate electrical control and equipping other signal boxes with priority emergency dialling systems. Those direct lines and emergency dialling systems shall be logged and tested …
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BR shall complete its programme of equipping major signal boxes with direct lines to the appropriate electrical control and equipping other signal boxes with priority emergency dialling systems. Those direct lines and emergency dialling systems shall be logged and tested daily. The purpose of this programme shall be to ensure that: (i) the signalman is able to take full responsibility for ensuring that the area surrounding the accident site is electrically isolated; (ii) the action is confirmed to the signalman, the emergency services, and the BR officials at site; and (iii) the boundaries of isolation are similarly confirmed.
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Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the completion of a programme by BR (or its successor) to equip signal boxes with direct lines to electrical control or priority emergency dialling systems, including daily logging and testing, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
BR to review and test communication systems with emergency services weekly
Recommendation
BR shall review its communication systems with the emergency services to ensure that efficient methods exist to provide and disseminate early information requiring immediate action. In the course of the review BR shall look particularly at communication between signal boxes …
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BR shall review its communication systems with the emergency services to ensure that efficient methods exist to provide and disseminate early information requiring immediate action. In the course of the review BR shall look particularly at communication between signal boxes and the emergency services. Systems shall be tested weekly and logged.
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Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing a review by BR (or its successor) of its communication systems with emergency services, particularly concerning signal boxes, to ensure efficient early information dissemination, including weekly testing and logging, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
BR to ensure proper training and clear instructions for new communication systems
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that those likely to use such systems in recommendations 81 and 82 above shall be properly trained in their use. Instructions in the use of these systems must be clearly drafted, prominently displayed and regularly checked for …
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BR shall ensure that those likely to use such systems in recommendations 81 and 82 above shall be properly trained in their use. Instructions in the use of these systems must be clearly drafted, prominently displayed and regularly checked for relevance and accuracy.
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Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing training for staff on the communication systems referenced in recommendations HIDD-81 and HIDD-82, or the drafting and display of clear instructions, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Rectify high-priority deficiencies in railway communication systems and signal-post telephones
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that efficient arrangements exist to rectify as a matter of high priority any deficiencies in the communication systems involved in recommendations 81 and 82 and in signal-post telephones.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing efficient arrangements by BR (or its successor) to rectify deficiencies in the communication systems referenced in recommendations HIDD-81 and HIDD-82, or in signal-post telephones, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Install public address systems in all new and older trains for passenger communication
Recommendation
BR shall extend its programme of installing public address systems in all new trains and those with a life of over 5 years to allow the driver and/or guard to speak to passengers.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the extension of a programme by BR (or its successor) to install public address systems in new and older trains, enabling drivers/guards to speak to passengers, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Produce updated accident procedure manual and provide staff with appropriate training
Recommendation
BR shall produce an up-to-date manual on Accident Procedure to replace such incomplete and out-of-date documents as the Southern Region Accident Procedure booklet of November 1984. BR shall ensure that all staff are given appropriate training in such procedures.
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BR shall produce an up-to-date manual on Accident Procedure to replace such incomplete and out-of-date documents as the Southern Region Accident Procedure booklet of November 1984. BR shall ensure that all staff are given appropriate training in such procedures.
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Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the production of an up-to-date manual on Accident Procedure by BR (or its successor) to replace outdated documents, or the provision of appropriate staff training in such procedures, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Develop and regularly exercise effective emergency plans for all station staff
Recommendation
BR shall ensure that each area manager, station manager and all senior station staff have an effective emergency plan for their area that is understood by all their staff and is the subject of regular exercises.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing actions by BR (or its successor) to ensure that area managers, station managers, and senior station staff have effective, understood, and regularly exercised emergency plans for their areas has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Introduce emergency signal override in signal boxes and update immobilised train procedures
Recommendation
BR shall introduce into all signal boxes the facility to switch all automatic signals to red in an emergency, and BR shall review and update where necessary its procedures to protect rail traffic in the vicinity of immobilised trains.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the introduction by BR (or its successor) of a facility to switch all automatic signals to red in an emergency, or a review and update of procedures to protect rail traffic near immobilised trains, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Examine introducing short-circuiting bars with positive clamp on running rail
Recommendation
BR shall examine the possibility of introducing short-circuiting bars which achieve a positive clamp on the running rail.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing an examination by BR (or its successor) into the possibility of introducing short-circuiting bars that achieve a positive clamp on the running rail has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Detail evidence recording and preservation procedures within the accident procedure manual
Recommendation
BR shall set out in its manual on Accident Procedure the procedures that should be followed to ensure the proper recording and preservation of evidence.
Published evidence summary
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the inclusion of procedures for the proper recording and preservation of evidence within BR's (or its successor's) manual on Accident Procedure has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
Ensure fault finding teams are accompanied by police and photographer for evidence
Recommendation
BR fault finding teams shall report to the Railway Incident Officer who, in consultation with the Police Incident Officer, shall ensure, in all but the most exceptional circumstances, that the team is accompanied by a police officer and a photographer …
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BR fault finding teams shall report to the Railway Incident Officer who, in consultation with the Police Incident Officer, shall ensure, in all but the most exceptional circumstances, that the team is accompanied by a police officer and a photographer to provide for the proper recording and retention of evidence.
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Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence has been identified detailing the implementation of this recommendation regarding BR fault finding teams reporting to the Railway Incident Officer and being accompanied by police and a photographer. The provided gov.uk search results for "Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation" and "shall incident officer" are too general to confirm specific actions taken in response to this recommendation.
Promptly update Rule Book and Books of Instruction incorporating report observations
Recommendation
The Rule Book and Books of Instruction of a similar status shall be promptly updated and observations made in this Report taken into account.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence has been identified detailing the prompt updating of "The Rule Book and Books of Instruction" to incorporate observations from the Hidden Inquiry Report. While gov.uk search results indicate documents containing "rule book books" exist, no specific updates linked to this inquiry have been identified in the provided evidence.
Adequately staff and resource the Railway Inspectorate for increased responsibilities
Recommendation
Government shall ensure that the Railway Inspectorate is adequately staffed and resourced to match the increased responsibilities incurred as a result of recommendations made in this Report.
Published evidence summary
No specific publicly available evidence has been identified confirming that the government ensured the Railway Inspectorate was adequately staffed and resourced in response to the Hidden Inquiry's recommendations. The provided gov.uk search results for "Hidden Inquiry recommendation implementation" and "government shall ensure" are too general to confirm specific actions or resource allocations related to this recommendation.