RIS-3751-TOM Iss 1
RIS-3751-TOM Iss 1
RIS-3751-TOM Iss 1
RIS
This document is a voluntary standard, produced by RSSB at the request of the industry. Duty holders may choose to mandate it through internal instructions/procedures or contract conditions.
Published by Rail Safety and Standards Board Evergreen House 160 Euston Road London NW1 2DX Copyright 2008 Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited
RIS-3751-TOM
GO/RT3251 Train Driving issue 4 GO/RC3551 Railway Safety Approved Code of Practice Train Driving issue 3
Other parts of GO/RT3251 issue 4 are replaced by GO/RT3451 issue 1, RIS-3751-TOM, issue 1, Rail Industry Standard for Train Driver Selection. GO/RT3251 and GO/RC3551 cease to be in force and are withdrawn as of 04 October 2008.
Supply
Controlled and uncontrolled copies of this Rail Industry Standard may be obtained from the Corporate Communications Department, Rail Safety and Standards Board, Evergreen House, 160 Euston Road, London NW1 2DX, telephone 020 7904 7518 or e-mail [email protected]. Railway Group Standards and associated documents can also be viewed at www.rgsonline.co.uk .
Page 2 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
13 Driver Selection Criteria and Psychometric Tests 13 Transfer of safety information applicant with previous experience as a train driver 14 Examples of Major Life events 19 20 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 3 of 21
Introduction
Purpose of this document
This document provides a voluntary standard on the selection of train drivers and the transfer of information about drivers when they change employment between railway undertakings, for the rail industry to use if they so choose. This document details requirements for selection of train drivers by railway undertakings and the transfer of safety information relevant to employment of train drivers, when they change employment between railway undertakings. This document, where appropriate, also contains additional guidance that should be considered by the railway undertaking during the development and management of its selection processes. The document is set out in the form of standard requirements followed by guidance notes. Guidance notes are marked by a grey bar in the margin with the letters GN and sequential numbering, to differentiate them from the standard requirements to which they relate.
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.2
1.2.2
1.3
1.4
Copyright
1.4.1 Copyright in the Railway Group documents is owned by Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited. All rights are hereby reserved. No Railway Group document (in whole or in part) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or means, without the prior written permission of Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited, or as expressly permitted by law. RSSB members are granted copyright licence in accordance with the Constitution Agreement relating to Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited. In circumstances where Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited has granted a particular person or organisation permission to copy extracts from Railway Group documents, Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited accepts no responsibility for, and excludes all liability in connection with, the use of such extracts, or any claims arising there from. This disclaimer applies to all forms of media in which extracts from Railway Group documents may be reproduced.
1.4.2 1.4.3
1.5
Page 4 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
2.1.3
Physical demands GN01 Railway undertakings should assess the physical demands placed on train drivers by their operations, identifying the factors which influence the physical requirements for train driving. GN02 The key factors influencing physical requirements are those which cannot be changed without excessive costs to the railway undertaking, such as: a) Position of steps, door handles or handrails on rail vehicles in relation to the railway infrastructure b) Operational requirements to access and operate equipment inside or outside trains or on the railway infrastructure c) Design of driving cabs, including sight lines. GN03 The selection criteria based on these factors should represent the minimum physical requirements necessary for performance of train driving tasks without increased risk to the safety of train drivers or to train operations. The occupational physicians who conduct or supervise medical assessments of their train drivers should be informed of the physical requirements by railway undertakings. Railway undertakings should obtain advice from occupational physicians and ergonomists on defining and applying physical requirements and on compliance with disability discrimination legislation.
GN04 GN05
Aptitude and mental abilities GN06 The selection process should provide assurance that applicants for train driving work will be able, after appropriate training and development, to: a) Maintain vigilance and concentration when working, particularly when carrying out repetitive, tiring or monotonous tasks b) React quickly to changing situations in compliance with safety requirements c) Co-ordinate the use of controls operated by hand and foot that are necessary for safe train driving
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 5 of 21
In addition to the above criteria railway undertakings whose operations require train drivers to be able to fix mechanical faults can assess a candidates ability to understand mechanical principles.
2.2
Selection process
2.2.1 Railway undertakings shall obtain advice on a selection process from members of the British Psychological Society chartered as occupational psychologists, or holders of a European Union National standard qualification of demonstrated equivalence, who are competent in psychometric assessment processes. Railway undertakings shall use a selection process which includes: a) Psychometric tests as defined in Table 1 of Appendix A of this document for all candidates who have no previous experience as a train driver b) Any evidence from the applicant which might affect a conclusion on the likelihood of future safe performance c) The assessment of each candidate to be identified with the selection criteria. 2.2.3 2.2.4 2.2.5 Railway undertakings shall apply the selection criteria consistently and reliably to all applicants for train driving work within a validated selection process. Railway undertakings shall record the evidence from the assessment of each candidate for each criterion. Railway undertakings shall employ persons competent to administer and interpret the tests used.
2.2.2
GN08
If a railway undertaking has identified the need to select candidates who have an ability to understand mechanical reasoning it is recommended that they use the Mechanical Reasoning psychometric test.
Applicants with previous driving competence GN09 A selection process involving psychometric tests does not have to be used for applicants with previous competence as a train driver. GN10 The extent to which the selection process is modified for such candidates, and a decision on the use of tests in each individual case, depends on the information available to the recruiting railway undertaking. Information on the following factors should be considered when deciding on the process to be applied: a) The amount of time spent as a driver after initial training and certification
Page 6 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
GN12
Delivery of the assessment processes GN13 The selection assessment processes should be managed by persons with the necessary expertise and experience in the: a) Administration of tests b) Conduct of interviews c) Interpretation of results d) Feeding back of results to applicants and to recruiting railway undertakings Management of confidential data. GN14 Competence in the administration of psychometric tests and the interpretation of results should be independently validated, normally by certification as meeting the standards for test administration and interpretation relevant to the type of test to be used, awarded by the British Psychological Society or an equivalent body. Persons who conduct criteria-based interviews should be appropriately trained.
GN15
Results of assessment GN16 Results from the assessment centre should be categorised as passes or fails, a pass indicating that the candidate has reached the minimum acceptable standard for recruitment as a potential train driver. Guidance on the level of pass achieved should be provided to the recruiting manager to facilitate a final selection decision. It is also good practice to provide guidance on the level of pass achieved to the candidate. GN17 The results of a selection process using the methods listed in Appendix A of this document should be regarded as valid for a period of five years from the date of assessment, unless the individual has had a major life event, for example see Appendix C, of this document
Page 7 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
GN19
GN20
Repeat assessments GN22 An applicant should not be tested again within six months. GN23 GN24 More than one reassessment of the same applicant who has failed the process is unacceptable, unless there are mitigating circumstances that have been documented. When an applicant is reassessed, the process need only cover the elements which the applicant failed at the first assessment, if: a) It is carried out within five years of the first assessment b) There is no evidence of a major life event having occurred since the first assessment, for example see Appendix C of this document.
2.3
2.3.2
Page 8 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
GN25
Examples of changes to train driving work which could trigger a review of a selection process include: a) The introduction of different working practices such as driver-only operation or operations across international borders b) Technical changes, such as high-speed operation or new signalling systems affecting the interface between train driver and signalling system.
2.4
2.4.2
2.4.3 GN26
The protocols used for the audit of the railway undertakings selection process should be designed to provide checks that the procedures are reliable and consistent, that the selection process is effective in meeting the requirements of this document and conforms with the railway undertakings safety management system. In addition to the involvement of an independent person in the audit of the railway undertakings process to meet the requirement of section 2.4.3, it is recommended that the assessment provider (usually an assessment centre) also carries out regular internal audits of its assessment practice and compliance with its procedures. The audit protocol to be applied by an external auditor should be agreed between railway undertaking and audit provider. If external auditors use a different protocol to that used internally by the railway undertaking, both parties should reach a clear understanding about how the results from each process will be interpreted and compared. Where a contractor supplies selection processes, the railway undertaking should ensure that the contract provides for internal and external audit and for audit results to be made available to the railway undertaking. Audit frequency should be determined by the railway undertaking, taking into account the amount of new recruitment being conducted together with information from trainers and others involved in developing and monitoring the performance of new train drivers after selection. Particular account should be taken of investigations of safety incidents: a) Involving newly qualified train drivers, or b) Which raise concerns about the selection of an individual driver.
GN27
GN28
GN29
GN30
GN31
The scope of the audit should include: a) Suitability and reliability of assessment and selection tools b) Candidate preparation c) Training and certification of assessors
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 9 of 21
2.5
Transfer of information
2.5.1 Railway undertakings shall, if an applicant discloses previous experience as a train driver, request information relevant to competent train driving performance from a railway undertaking named as a previous employer. Railway undertakings shall co-operate with another railway undertaking which requests information to facilitate its compliance with section 2.5.1.
2.5.2
Previous train driving competence GN37 Information to meet this requirement should be obtained before the applicant is permitted to drive trains by the recruiting railway undertaking. Information from the applicant GN38 When an applicant indicates that they are, or have been employed in an operational role in the rail industry, the railway undertaking should request information, in as much detail as possible, which can be passed to the current or former employer for verification. A recommended format for recording this information ready for verification can be found in Appendix B to this document. GN39 The information requested from the applicant should cover: a) The results of any tests used for selection as a train driver b) The most recent competency records that demonstrates the applicants competency
Page 10 of 21 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
GN41
GN43
GN44
GN46
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 11 of 21
Page 12 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Table 1
Personal Characteristic Ability to maintain vigilance and concentration at all times Ability to react safely and quickly Ability to retain and recall job related information Ability to learn new information Ability to operate a range of hand and foot controls Motivation to follow set rules and procedures Ability to remain calm in emergency/stressful situations Conscientiously works to exceed training course demands Ability to communicate clearly and effectively Checks, does not make assumptions Is proactive and tenacious Psychometric Test Group Bourdon
CBI
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 13 of 21
Applicants form
Applicants name Current or former railway employer Job title and location Date Start/end dates of employment
1. Permission for current and/or former employer to provide information relating to employment as a train driver
The information requested in sections 2 to 4 inclusive of this document is required to establish your competence and safety record as a train driver and will assist in the formation of future assessment and training plans if you join this company. The information is necessary for us to consider your suitability for employment as a train driver. An employer is not entitled to disclose information about an employee unless the employer is under a legal obligation to do so or the individual concerned has given his/her consent. Subject to your consent, your current or a former employer will be requested to confirm the accuracy of the information you have provided. Please sign below to indicate that you agree to this information to be sent to your current or former employer for confirmation. If you fail to provide details, or the accuracy of the information is incorrect, your application will not be progressed. If it is later found that you have provided inaccurate information, you will be liable to summary dismissal. I hereby give my permission for my current and/or former employers to confirm the information in supporting records they may hold and to provide _____________________ (Company) with a copy in the event of my appointment. I understand that these records will then be transferred and form part of my employment history with _______________________ (Company)
Signed _________________________________ Dated _______________________ You must complete all sections. If you are unable to confirm any information this must be stated (Unable to confirm)
Page 14 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
2. Psychometric assessment
2. Psychometric assessment 2.1 Have you had a Psychometric assessment for train driving? 2.2 When and where did the assessment(s) take place? 2.3 What were the results of the assessment? Yes/No Confirmed by employer
3. Competence
3. Competence records 3.1 Date initially certified competent as a train driver 3.2 Routes and traction on which you are competent (or were competent at the time you left your last employer) 3.3 Date of completion and results of last reassessment of competence Confirmed by employer
3.4 Date and details of any additional support or development in place currently or at the time of leaving your last employer Additional comments if required:
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 15 of 21
4.2 Excess speed incidents, station overruns or failure to call Date Type of incident
Confirmed Confirmed
4.3 Other safety incidents as a train driver or working in other safety-critical railway work Date Type of incident
Confirmed Confirmed
Page 16 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
4.4 Removal from train driving work Have you ever been removed from train driving, or had restrictions placed on you with regard to train driving, because of a safety of the line incident, your health or other cause? If so, please give details.
Confirmed by employer
4.5 Other information on fitness, competence and safety performance If necessary, attach supporting documents.
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 17 of 21
1
2
Delete as appropriate Relevant records covered by such a request are: a) Results of tests used in selecting the applicant as a train driver b) Results of competence assessment records: the most recent competency records that demonstrates the train drivers competence c) Route and traction competence current at the time the applicant left your company d) Training records e) Incidents, accidents and near misses for which the applicant was found to be wholly or partly responsible f) Occupational medical records that have affected a persons ability to undertake their duties as a train driver g) Restrictions or exclusions placed upon the applicants work as a train driver because of a safety of the line incident, medical reasons or other cause. RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 18 of 21
Examples of significant events or conditions that could affect cognitive performance: Serious illness (including Cancer, Bacterial Meningitis) Stroke Significant accident or injury Traumatic brain injury Brain Tumour Degenerative disorders (for example dementias) Progressive disorders (for example Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons Disease) Toxic or metabolic disorders (for example alcohol related disorders, neurotoxins) Oxygen deprivation Alcohol or substance abuse/ long term use of medication Epilepsy / seizures Psychological illness such as: clinical/ serious depression, clinically diagnosed anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Motor Neurone Disorder Sleep Disorder (for example Sleep Apnoea)
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 19 of 21
Definitions
Driver Any person competent and authorised to drive trains. Safety-critical work This term is used as defined in The Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 [ROGS]. Train This term includes an on-track machine being driven outside a possession.
Page 20 of 21
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Other References The Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 [ROGS]
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD RIS-3751-TOM Issue One: August 2008
Page 21 of 21