At Boss Training, we pride ourselves on delivering the most innovative health & safety training tailored to the unique needs of our customers.
In January 2024 we embarked on a new, exciting project alongside Keolis Amey Metrolink, a longstanding customer, to develop and implement a bespoke training course involving a new, revolutionary piece of equipment.
Partnering with Branach Ladders, Horizon Utility Supplies, and Keolis Amey Metrolink, we introduced a course that ensures the safe use of an innovative ladder system designed to improve safety and efficiency during rail maintenance.
The Challenge
Keolis Amey Metrolink has undertaken our Working at Heights training courses over the last 5 years and recently acquired a Ladder System, unique to the UK.
This piece of equipment incorporated an inbuilt rescue mechanism, a self-contained work restraint and a Davitt Arm System. Allowing workers to safely transition from the highest point of the ladder and step onto a platform, in this case onto a train, which facilitates safer and more efficient maintenance of overhead lines.
However, this new piece of equipment posed a challenge, there was no official training course on how to safely use it anywhere in the UK. Whilst Branach had conducted several demonstrations through their European representative, alongside instructional videos, a complete training solution was required to ensure that Metrolink’s employees could use the equipment safely and effectively, this is where we came in.
Crafting the Training
After initial site meetings with Keolis Metrolink and Branach representatives, we were able to utilise our team of specialist Working at Height instructors and develop a bespoke training course. This new course combined the information from Branachs demonstrations and instructional videos and our considerable experience in delivering rescue training with Network Rail.
We had to make sure that every aspect of setting up and using the unique Ladder System was included in this course. This included detailed instructional materials and checklists that can be stored with the equipment, which ensures that all critical safety points were adhered to during setup and use of the equipment.
After our solution was meticulously audited, the course received official approval from Branach, making us the only external training provider in Europe authorised to deliver training on this equipment.
Achieving Success
After receiving course approval, we began delivering the training in March 2024 and over the course of 10 weeks, we fully certified 80 Metrolink employees in the safe use of the Branach advanced Ladder System. Enabling Keolis Metrolink employees to perform maintenance work more swiftly and effectively, thus reducing reliance on Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) that are costly and time-consuming to navigate across the rail network – saving them vital time and money.
Our collaboration with Branach Ladders, Horizon Utility Supplies, and Keolis Amey Metrolink has not only resulted in a pioneering training solution but has also re-affirmed our commitment to Leading the Way to Safety, this project highlights how bespoke training can meet unique industry challenges to help drive operational improvements.
If you would like to discuss how we can help develop a tailored training solution for your organisation, get in touch with us today. Let’s work together to enhance safety and efficiency in your operations!