Safety barriers specifically for passengers

RSS and its Italian distributor Thermit Italia have successfully supplied the first magnetic safety barriers that have been specifically designed to prevent passengers crossing railway tracks. The fast assembly and dismantling of the RSS safety barriers maximizes the flexibility in selecting designated areas for protection purposes.

Switch Crossing demonstration at Stoke on Trent

Rail Safety Systems BV and TPA completed a Switch Crossing Safety Barrier demonstration at Stoke on Trent in England for several Clients, on the 17th and 18th of August 2017.RSS and TPA demonstrated to several companies how to build our  Magnetically Attached Switch Crossing Safety Barrier over a railway crossing in less than 15 minutes with only 2 persons. Due to this unique world patented system, it is now possible to build a safety barrier across a switch/crossing in several minutes and continue seamlessly with existing Magnetically Attached Safety Barrier to protect the health of the workforce from Silica Dusts and physically from moving vehicles such as Trains and RRV’s. Removal of the system will take even less time.

Watch te video on te left.

RSS present at IAF in Münster

RSS was present at IAF, the International Exhibition on Track Technology, which was held in Münster from May 30-June 1.

IAF is by far the largest fair in the world in the field of track technology. With RSS innovative solution by using magnetic safety fences system we have been able to demonstrate the product for our many prospects and customers at our booth. Our most recent development is the possibility of having signs, such as TSR boards, or “Langsamfahrsignale” in Germany attached to the track with a RSS magnetic possibility has also been received with great interest. In Germany we expect the homologation before yearend, following the UK where the first sales have already been completed.

For more info please contact our office.

Railtex 2017

RSS was present, in close cooperation with its UK distributor Innovative Railway Safety Ltd, on the Railtex 2017 at NEC Birmingham on May 9-11. Railtex is the all-encompassing showcase for technological innovations across the entire rail supply market. With the RSS stand strategically located , we were able to demonstrate our magnetic safety barriers next to our innovative solutions for TSR boards and signs.

It was possible to meet and greet many of our customers and prospects and their enthusiasm confirmed that our presence was not only appreciated but also successful!

1.500 meters of RSS fences Luxembourg

1500 meters RSS Magnetic Safety Fences protect the workers on project Luxembourg-Sandweiler. The project was carried out by a co-operation of 4 Luxembourg contractors i.e., Lux TP, Perrard, Baatz and Tralux. The RSS Magnetic Safety Barrier was supplied by Heli Equipment Belgium.

RailTech Europe Utrecht

Rail Safety Systems is present at the rail exhibition RailTech Europe Utrecht. From 28 to 30 March you can find us in hall 4 .

A major Safety Award for RSS in the UK

Rail Safety Systems BV (RSS) was crowned the winner of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) International Railway Group Award 2016, in recognition of its work to create a new magnetically-attached safety barrier. This highly innovative product makes the removal of the ballast beneath the rail track redundant and significantly contributes to eliminating potential health hazards for railway workers. Paul Scapens (second left), managing director of Innovative Railway Safety Ltd. and exclusive distributor of RSS in Great Britain with on his right Jan Bakker, CEO of RSS, receives the IOSH International Railway Group Award 2016 from IOSH president Graham Parker (left), and Keith Morey, Chair of the IOSH Railway Group.

RSS magnetic fence at Roma Termini Railway station

These images are taken at Roma Termini Railway station. In this special environment the RSS magnetic fences are not used to protect railway workers, but they prevent the crossing of the railway track by passengers who do not understand the risk of being killed by a train passing by!

New project with 1.200 meters of RSS fences

1.200 meters of RSS magnetic fences protect the working area on a RFI large renewal project of the railway Udine – Tarvisio nearby Carnia Station. The Main Contractor is GCF, one of the top customers of Thermit Italiana. The reliable fast installation and dis-installation allows the customer to safely protect the working area easily moving the fence accordingly with the progress of the works.

1.200 metri di barriere protezione cantiere RSS con attacco magnetico alla rotaia proteggono l’area di lavoro in un importante progetto di rinnovamento di Rete Ferroviaria Italiana sulla linea Udine – Tarvisio, nelle vicinanze della stazione di Carnia. L’impresa responsabile dei lavori è la GCF, uno dei principali clienti della Thermit Italiana. L’affidabilità e velocità di installazione e disinstallazione consentono al cliente di mettere in sicurezza l’area di lavoro spostando agevolmente le barriere così da seguire l’avanzamento del cantiere.

RSS Rail Safety System second winner!

RSS was nominated for 'most innovative product' at Matexpo 2015. Now we are proud to announce we were awarded second prize in the Innovation category. We would like to congratulate LiUP Liebherr 200 for winning the innovation award!

Rail Safety System (RSS) has been nominated for the most innovative product at MATEXPO 2015!

With over 40,000 visitors, MATEXPO is Europe’s third largest trade fair with a focus on building equipment. RSS is proudly showcasing the Magnetic Rail Safety System at this established expo. Similar to all great design, simplicity has been built into our safety barriers. Fast assembly with only two components makes it a truly innovative product for railway maintenance. 

Watch our video to see just how easy our safety barrier system works. 

Read more about MATEXPO

RSS signs contract with SNCF France

RSS fences, in collaboration with SOLYTEK, have been homologated by SNCF under n°DPI 14264. These fences have been adapted to SNCF requirement and can be used as defensive version by adding a panel with net developed by SOLYTEK. A 3 years contract have been signed with SNCF under N°  CTR00050806

RSS Rail Safety Systems in the news!

 Our safety system as a prime example for the preservation of railway traffic during maintenance of the railway. See the whole article.

RSS winner of THE best idea ÖBB Austria 2014!

RSS magnetic Safety barrier winner of "THE best idea ÖBB Austria 2014"! Click on the play icon (on the left) to watch a small film of 'the best ÖBB idea.

RSS signs contract with ÖBB

Since September 2014, nine ÖBB sites of engineering work have been using the magnetically attached safety barrier. The new barriers are used along stretches of engineering work on single or multiple track lines. The use has thus far proven to be completely effective and is highly praised by employees.

RSS signs contract with DB

After a number of years of investments Deutsche Bahn awarded RSS with a long term distribution contract to be nominated for the exclusive supply of its patented magnetic based safety barrier system. Many years have been spent at research and testing, not only internally at DB but also by external companies such as TÜV to be absolutely convinced the system is meeting the high quality standards of DB and at the same time achieving significant cost reductions in easy and fast fitting or removal of the safety barrier system. RSS is proud to be awarded with this long term commitment and the nomination as strategic supplier.

RSS signs significant distribution agreement with the Goldschmidt Thermit Group.

At the Innotrans 2014 in Berlin a distribution agreement has been signed for the exclusive sales of the RSS innovative magnetic based safety barrier system. The Goldschmidt Thermit Group is the recognized and proven supplier worldwide for products and services for the construction, renovation, maintenance and modernization of railway tracks. In addition to RSS being active in the main European markets, the Group will further enhance the availability of the magnetic barrier system on a worldwide scale. The CEO’s of both the Goldschmidt Thermit Group and Rail Safety Systems announced at the Innotrans 2014 the importance of this strategic alliance. The German based company emphasized that the combination of the RSS innovative system with GT’s worldwide distribution power is an important step in achieving its mission to do everything better, to improve existing processes and develop new ones. Again an important milestone in RSS rapid market expansion.

Deutsche Bahn fully approves RSS safety barrier

This innovative new concept from RSS in the Netherlands uses magnets to attach the safety barrier directly to the web of the rail.

Safety barriers are used to protect rail track workers from moving trains on the parallel track. Safety barriers are the safest way to protect the health and safety of railroad workers, but due to a variety of circumstances traditional safety barriers cannot always be used. Erection of traditional barriers is time consuming as they require removal of the ballast from under the rail. Similarly on removal of the barrier, the ballast has to be re-instated and tamped correctly. Unfortunately due to the above mentioned reasons safety barriers are not always used, and we know that this can lead to incidents, even fatal ones.

The TÜV tested RSS safety barrier with magnet has received approval by the Deutsche Bahn and offers many additional benefits to the fundamental one of protecting railway workers.
Tests done in the UK by Network Rail, (who incidentally have also fully tested and approved the system for UK rail infrastructure PA05 05085) with a gang of 5 operators showed that it is possible to erect 100 meters of RSS safety barrier in 15 minutes, dismantling took 11 minutes – because there is no need to remove or re-instate ballast. It took 2 hours with a gang of 10 people to erect and dismantle 100 meters of conventional safety fencing, because of the need to remove and re-instate the ballast.

Benefits
The distinct advantages of the system are:

• Simple, safe and fast assembly/disassembly with a simple magnetic attachment to the web of the rail, with no requirement to remove or replace ballast
• No loose components
• No tools needed
• Very fast build time and thus a major saving in working and possession costs
• rss-rail-stanchion-a-021Very strong magnet (tensile force up to 600 kg)
• Easy dismantling with one arm movement
• The patented Magnetic Safety Barrier is easy to use and will therefore, be used
• Stanchions and tubes are transported in specially designed transport cradles that are stacked for efficiency
• Can be used even under freezing circumstances when ballast is frozen or covered with snow
• The easy way of erecting and dismantling will lead to better working conditions for your employees, thus reducing occupational health related problems
• Can be used in areas of ‘switches and crossings’ as being attached to the outside of the rail, it does not interfere with moving parts
• There is no danger to underground signaling cables as is the case with using stakes and ‘netlon fencing’
• The system does not affect track circuits or axle counters
• Utilizing GRP handrails it can be used in areas of OLE (Overhead Electric Lines)

Rail Safety Systems obtained the TÜV approval!

We are very proud to announce that Rail Safety Systems, after a year of extensive testing, finally has obtained the TÜV approval certificate for our magnetic mounted safety fence to protect railway workers! Besides our European Approval (EN 13374) and the winning of the Innovation award during Railtech 2011 this is probably the most important highlight of the year for RSS.
The TÜV approval is an absolute must to be successful in Germany. It also will open other markets in and outside Europe, because TÜV is also recognized there as a standard for safety andquality.

The RSS Safety Barrier gains efficiency for the Energlyn project

The Energlyn project in Caerphilly South Wales is a joint venture between Morgan Sindall and Colas Rail. Having seen a demonstration of the RSS Magnetically attached Safety Barrier by Innovative Railway Safety Ltd of Swansea, it was decided that this innovative solution to workforce protection, together with the obvious time and cost saving implications, should be trialled for the benefit of the railway infrastructure in Wales and the Western Region.

Tim Thorne, Project Manager for Morgan Sindall decided following a brief training session by IRS to replace the existing conventional barrier with the Network Rail approved RSS Safety Barrier. His comments are as follows: “We placed one operative, on one midweek line block shift, with the task of taking down the 100m of Vortok fencing that we had in place, and replacing it with the same length of magnetic safety fence. Taking down the Vortok and reinstating the ballast took several hours (considerably less, it should be noted, than installation would have taken one man). Installing the magnetic safety fence took 20 minutes. And with no disruption to the ballast under the rails. The efficiency gain is there to see and all operatives have been comfortable working and walking behind the fence line.”

Magnetically Attached Temporary Speed Restriction Boar

Network Rail IP Western division have kindly sponsored the development and trial of the innovative RSS magnetically Attached TSR Board (Temporary Speed Restriction Board). The final part of the trial took place in a ‘live’ situation at Tumpy Green Lane, Dursley, Gloucestershire, courtesy of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty Rail.

As you can see in the video, no ballast was required to be removed or replaced, and so the installation and removal of the TSR Board was completed by one man in a 5minute ‘line blockage’, rather than taking a ‘full possession’ with a gang of 5 operatives,  saving both time and expense. Initially the sign was twice the size of a conventional TSR sign to give it maximum exposure to the forces (air turbulence) created by the train movement through the air, and ‘black bagged’ to avoid any potential for confusion of train drivers. A Passenger Train at 80 km/h was passed by the TSR Sign initially, followed by the NR Track measurement Train, a Passenger Train travelling at 160 km/h and then a freight train at 120 km/h. As you can see from the video, there was no visible movement or impact on the TSR Board. It remained firmly in position despite being twice the size of a conventional sign and therefore subject to greater loadings.

The trial was deemed an unqualified success and the completed RSS Magnetically Attached TSR Board is progressing to full approval by Network Rail.

Assembly 50 m Safety Barrier in 5 minutes with 4 men

We think that the positive, unqualified approval of the Rail Live Event at Stratford by all those taking part and/or attending was justified and wish to take this opportunity of thanking all those Network Rail Staff involved with its organisation. From our perspective, we were able to demonstrate the range of new products: all developed to improve safety, save time and expense; that we have developed since the inaugural approval by Network Rail of our RSS Magnetically Attached Safety Barrier.

• RSS Magnetically Attached - Points Run-Through Signage
• RSS Magnetically Attached - Lookout Kit
• RSS Magnetically Attached – Temporary Speed Restriction Boards (TSR Boards)
• RSS Magnetically Attached – Trench Barrier
• RSS Handrail Tube carriers

Secondly with the co-operation of the NR Electrification demonstration team, we were able to demonstrate in a live situation, that 4 men could erect 50m of Safety Barrier in 5 minutes and dismantle it in 4 minutes without disturbing the ballast, or incurring the costs associated with a full-possession.   It certainly impressed the crowd watching, many of whom had not seen the RSS Magnetically Attached Safety Barrier previously, and were initially sceptical of our claims that “5 operatives could erect 102 m of Safety Barrier in 15 minutes” – seeing is believing!

Benefits of the Magnetically Attached Safety Barrier

• The RSS Railway Safety System consists of only two components
• The RSS Railway Safety System has been tested and certified to EN 13374 (Class A), and is approved by Network Rail  PA05 05085
• No loose components
• No tools needed
• No danger of damaging underground signalling cables
• Allows tamping & ballast cleaning to continue whilst in-situ
• Does NOT affect track circuits or Axle counters
• Can be used in areas with S & C
• Safe, simple and light, with no hazardous ‘Ballast Dust’ generated.
• Fast assembly/disassembly, with a simple magnetic attachment to the web of the rail, with no requirement to remove or replace ballast
• Very fast build time and thus a major saving in working and possession costs
• With no ballast removal it can be used in freezing temperatures (to-20oC) when ballast is frozen or in high temperatures (to+80oC) when ‘track distortion’ is an issue.
• The patented Magnetically Attached Safety Barrier is easy to use and will therefore, be used!