Consultation on medical fitness guidance

Safety professionals from across the light rail sector are helping to develop comprehensive, up-to-date guidance covering the management of workplace medical fitness.

Drawing on existing best practice, current legislation and risk assessments from light rail operators and related sectors, it aims to provide guidance for assessing the medical suitability of employees responsible for operating a vehicle.

Mark Ashmore, Safety Assurance Manager at the LRSSB, explained: “Fully updating current guidance, the new document is now being reviewed by colleagues from across the sector and we’ve already received a lot of positive feedback.

“Once this consultation is complete, a final version of the document, designated LRG11.0 Medical Fitness, will be available on the LRSSB website and provide a valuable resource for anyone managing health and safety in a light rail environment.”

The approved guidance is expected to be published by the LRSSB in the spring and will include information on the responsibility of an employer to put in place measures to ensure appropriate testing and screening is in place.

It also contains a recommendation that the minimal level of fitness required to drive a tram should be at least equal to that required to operate a Passenger Service Vehicle (Group 2 driving licence medical standard).

Mark added: “The development of this new guidance offers another example of the LRSSB’s commitment to sharing best practice across the sector and developing a central resource covering all aspects of light rail safety and standards.”

Further information about the guidance can be obtained by emailing MarkAshmore@UKTram.co.uk.