1. XC TRAIN IDENTIFICATION
The XC HST sets (an example of which is shown on the right) comprise seven Mark 3 carriages with a power car at either end of the formation.
The default location for the carriage of freight is the brake van located at the very end of STANDARD class carriage G which is generally the first or last carriage depending on which way round the train is running.
This space is also used for the conveyance of bicycles but is NOT accessible to the general public. Cycles are loaded by train crew/station teams only. Because the public might inadvertently access this area, particular attention must be paid to the integrity of consignments (see ICRF Consignment Integrity document) from a security perspective.
The loading area is in the brake van at the other end of carriage G. This vehicle is known to railway personnel as the TGS – Trailer Guard Standard.
Access to this area is via the door at the end of the carriage (next to the power car). The door is simply opened using the external handle
NB This door is not centrally locked and so two precautions are necessary:
The door should NOT be opened until the train doors unlocked light is illuminated and:
- Care must be taken that the door is properly closed once loading/unloading operations are complete
The TGS serves as an area for passengers’ luggage and bicycles and from where the Train Manager can control the train door locking. There is also an emergency ladder in position.
Steel roll cages are strapped to the fixed metal cage. Consignments are to be loaded into these roll cages, the door fully closed and locked using the padlock affixed to the lock hasp.
Between the metal cage and the carriage side is a walkway through to the Train Manager’s office. NOTHING must be placed in this area: likewise NOTHING must be placed beyond the line of the cage blocking the exit doors and the door through into the power car
Pathology Samples & Medication
All personnel responsible for handling pathology samples/medication must be trained in the use of spill kits. All couriers MUST carry a spill kit with them at all times and assist station and on-train staff in the highly unlikely event of a spillage or suspected spillage. In the case of damage to a pathology consignment it MUST be reported to ICRF control IMMEDIATELY |
Care must be taking when stacking medical consignments such that undue weight on boxes or bags does not cause any breakage or spills. If a spill is caused or discovered couriers MUST report this immediately to ICRF control and the on-train team so that arrangements can be made for immediate clean-up