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| Case
Study - Corus Deadman System |
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| A busy UK Port with
its own internal railway needed to solve an operational issue
that had been highlighted through its Health & Safety audits.
Like many companies it operates machinery built several decades
ago when the legislation was not as stringent as it is today.
The issue was the possibility that their railway locomotives,
once set in motion, could continue with no further driver input
i.e. it was possible for a locomotive to keep going even if
its driver was absent or incapacitated. |
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This was recognised as
a serious hazard so the customer approached Corus, an acknowledged
expert and the UK’s largest industrial railway operator, who
together with Railcraft Associates Ltd the locomotive design &
development engineers, carried out an initial assessment of the operational
requirements. Following continuing consultation with the client and
the undertaking of risk assessments, they developed an electronic
Deadman Safety Device (DSD), which was incorporated into the locomotive
control system. The prototype was proved in service and a further
four locomotives are now being fitted with the device. |
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Operation |
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| The modification
to locomotive control system includes a safety circuit (DSD
circuit) that requires the operator to press and release a pedal
or an illuminated push button at regular intervals to show he
is alert and in control. If he fails to do this, the system
automatically stops the locomotive by bringing the throttle
to idle and applying the brake |
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The DSD system has
two timed periods: Time Period 1 (approximately 8s) and Time
Period 2 (approximately 12s). The driver takes control of the
locomotive by pressing either a Deadman Pedal or the Deadman
Reset Button and this turns off the DSD Warning Lamp giving
him control of the throttle and brakes. He can then pull away.
8 seconds later the DSD Warning Light starts flashing and unless
he presses either a Deadman Pedal or the Reset Button within
the next 4 seconds the Throttle returns to idle and the Brakes
are applied.
Even after the DSD has tripped the driver can still regain control
by pressing one of the Deadman Pedals or the Deadman Reset Button;
otherwise the locomotive is automatically brought to a halt.
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Standstill Detector |
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| In most applications
the protection provided by the DSD system is not needed when
the locomotive is stationary and it is inconvenient if the driver
must constantly press a Deadman Pedal to retain control of the
throttle, for example when building-up air pressure. |
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To avoid this problem
a ‘Standstill Detector’ is employed to override the DSD
and allow control of throttle and brakes provided the locomotive is
not moving. As usual control is established by pressing the DSD controls,
but is then maintained by the Standstill Detector until the locomotive
begins to move, when the operator must begin pressing his pedals or
reset button again. |
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