25 October 2004 - More Time Agreed for Mark 1 Rolling Stocks' Withdrawal
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at that time proposed that an exemption, for a limited period "should be conditional on the industry agreeing a withdrawal programe in advance with the HSE".
Consultations have since been taken, by the HSE, with the public and the decision made, that three Train Operating Companies (TOC's), namely South West Trains Ltd., Southern and South Eastern Trains Ltd. and Network Rail can continue to run with their Mark 1 stock until 30 November 2005, subject to conditions.
These conditions, by the HSE, include agreement, before 1 January 2005, from the TOC's, that there be regular progressive withdrawals of the Mark 1, as soon as is reasonably practicable, but not exceeding the final date of 30 November 2005.
The slam-door-trains do not have central door locking and their safety factor is very poor due to the Mark 1 carriages' non-robust and weak body shell.
The fitting of central door locks to these doors was deemed by the HSE not to be reasonably practicable, as the life span of the rolling stock was very limited.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
