Light rail ‘authority to work’ system made available

UK: The PERMIT+ authority to work system designed specifically for the light rail sector is now being made available to all UK operators following extensive trials in Edinburgh.

Developed by industry body UKTram in partnership with Edinburgh Trams and software company Metrotech, the web portal and mobile app are intended to speed up and simplify safety procedures.

The process-driven functionality includes structured risk mitigation checks for engineering staff and an audit trail of actions, as well as secure communications. Applicants can carry their permit on a smart phone or other mobile device, which also provides easy access to details of work, while operators are able to view the status of applications from the initial enquiry through to completion.

‘The new website and app will become an essential aid for our day-to-day risk assessments and safety management within Edinburgh Trams, as it helps us guarantee that all operational issues have been effectively considered’, said the operator’s AtW Manager Iain MacLeod. ‘By moving away from the current paper-based procedures, contractors are no longer required to come to our tram depot, thereby saving them vital time.’