Network Rail has become the latest company to flag the risks of smart technology implementations despite receiving a safety award for geofencing applications. Network Rail and Connected Places Catapult were given the award at an industry event in London last June. Three suppliers were part of the collaboration: OnWave, Track Tracker, and Tended.
However, less than a year later, Network Rail has issued a safety advisory [PDF] to the effect that the technology was restricted from use as ALO (All Lines Open) warning devices. Network Rail has “limited to safeguarded areas of work” the Product Acceptance (PA) certificates for devices from all three suppliers: OnWave, Track Tracker and Tended. The safety notice reads: “The Technology shall not be used as a virtual fence for worker notification (personal warning) on ALO (Any line Open).”