RAIL
Working on railways and in other track-bound environments involves a wide range of demanding tasks and is subject to strict safety regulations due to the high-risk nature of the working environment. Employees may be exposed to hazards such as electrical risks, arc flash, heat, flames, limited visibility and moving trains or machinery.
Whether you work as a track technician, electrical technician, signal fitter, rail welder or in another railway-related role, it is essential to use the right personal protective equipment for the specific risks involved. Protective clothing and other PPE should always be selected based on current risk assessments, safety requirements and the conditions of the work environment.
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WELDING RISK ASSESSMENT
This is what you get when you download the guide:
- An overview of the most important steps to consider when carrying out a risk assessment in a welding environment.
- Insights into the most common hazards in a welding environment.
- How you can extend the lifespan of protective clothing with the help of welding accessories.
RISKS WHEN WORKING ON THE RAILWAY
Work in the railway industry is extensive and involves many different professional roles and areas of responsibility. It is not only about driving trains, but also about planning, maintenance, safety and development of the infrastructure. Engineers work on designing and improving tracks, signalling systems and technical solutions, while technicians and maintenance staff ensure that rails, switches and vehicles function as they should. Traffic controllers are responsible for managing train traffic so that it runs smoothly and safely, and train drivers ensure that the trains are operated according to the timetable and safety regulations.
At the same time, the railway industry is associated with several risks. Working on or near the tracks involves a constant danger due to passing trains, often at high speeds. Technical faults, for example in signalling or switching systems, can lead to traffic disruptions or, in the worst case, accidents. There are also risks related to electricity, since the railway uses high voltage, as well as to heavy lifting and working with machinery during maintenance. For staff, noise, vibrations and working in severe weather conditions can also affect health and safety.
To manage these risks, the industry works systematically with safety through clear rules, training and continuous inspections. Risk assessments are carried out before work, and technical systems are developed to detect and prevent faults in time. With a strong focus on safety and continuous development, the railway industry strives to minimise risks and create a safe environment for both passengers and staff.
It is important to be clearly visible in track environments. Therefore, always use high-visibility clothing certified according to EN ISO 20471 to avoid accidents with passing vehicle traffic. For work on the railway, comfortable and functional protective garments are also required, allowing you to carry your tools while being protected against several of the risks and challenges that occur during a working day. To achieve a high level of safety in the workplace, flame-resistant and arc-rated protective clothing according to EN ISO 11612 and EN 61482-2 is required. For occasional welding, the fabric must meet EN ISO 11611; otherwise the regular protective clothing should be supplemented with welding-optimised accessories.
How to conduct a risk assessment
How to choose the right protective clothing
RISK ASSESSMENT
Common risks when working on the railway
TRAFFIC
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Collision accidents
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Crush injuries
It is very important to be clearly visible when working close to traffic, or in environments with moving processes such as overhead cranes or forklifts. In environments like these, high-visibility protective clothing certified according to EN ISO 20471 is often a requirement. The fluorescent fabric of the garments ensures that you are clearly visible during the day, while the reflective tape makes you visible when darkness falls. Since collision accidents are among the most common workplace accidents, high visibility is included in most of Tranemo’s outer garments.
class="btn btn--secondary">Read about the high-visibility standard EN ISO 20471
ELECTRIC Arc flash
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Radiant heat
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Convective heat
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Electric shock
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Shock wave
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Loud noise
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Optical radiation
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Toxic gas
Working with electricity is risky and means that the worker is constantly exposed to different types of hazards. A short circuit or other problems can cause a powerful arc flash which often has devastating consequences if the correct protective clothing is not used. The arc flash challenges the flame retardant garments with, for example, radiant heat, metal splashes and optical radiation, which also requires the user to wear protective clothing from top to toe and from the inside out.
An arc flash can be very powerful and affects the worker and the protective clothing in different ways. By using a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system where the outer layer has PPE 2 with ELIM above 8 cal/cm², the effects of these hazards are minimised. All Tranemo’s arc flash certified garments have the Arc Rating value indicated on the outside of the garments to make it easy to choose the right protection.
Flame and heat
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Flame spread
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Convective heat
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Radiant heat
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Contact heat
For work where there is a risk that garments may come into contact with heat and flame, flame retardant workwear is required. Protection against flame and heat is the basic protection in all Tranemo flame retardant garments. In a complete protection system, the protective clothing must cover the neck, torso, arms and legs; either with a full-covering garment such as an overall, or a two-piece system with, for example, jacket and trousers, with the same certification.
WELDING
- Welding sparks
- UV radiation
- Flame and heat
- Heat stress
During welding work, the worker is exposed to welding sparks, intense heat and harmful UV radiation. To reduce the risk of burns and heat stress, the correct welding clothing must be used, certified and adapted to both the welding technique and the working environment. Work with heavy welding in tough environments requires the use of flame retardant clothing certified according to EN ISO 11612 in combination with welding protection EN ISO 11611 class 2. The welding standard partly governs how the welding clothing is designed, since welding sparks must not stick to the clothes or in open pockets.
During welding, a lot of UV and heat radiation is generated. To increase the user’s comfort and avoid heat stress, Tranemo has therefore added ventilation openings to collections suitable for welding. To insulate against the heat radiation and to increase protection, a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system in two or three layers is recommended.
class="btn btn--secondary">Read about the welding standard EN ISO 11611
GRINDING SPARKS
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Splashes of molten metal
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Flame and heat
Sparks from grinding and cutting pose a tough challenge for protective clothing due to the large number of sparks. The sparks are small but very hot and can cause burns if they get stuck in the fabric. Tranemo always performs an internal cutting test on our flame retardant fabrics in order to recommend the best choice of garments for grinding/cutting.
class="btn btn--secondary">Read about the welding standard EN ISO 11611
FIND THE RIGHT PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR RAILWAY WORK
RECOMMENDED RANGE FOR RAILWAY WORK
OUR STRENGTHS in RAILWAYS
Tranemo is a reliable partner for the railway industry and offers flame-resistant and high-visibility certified workwear developed for work in complex and high-risk track environments. With solid expertise in heat, flame, welding and requirements for high visibility, we deliver certified garments that combine the highest safety with comfort and durability for long working days.
Through close cooperation with railway operators, infrastructure owners and contractors, we develop clothing that is adapted to real working conditions – and that helps ensure safer work along and on the tracks, every day.
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