Safety Essentials FAQ

For trackworkers, carriage and wagon and locomotive department or eco-management workers safety.

The detail contained within this FAQ will help you meet the railways safety requirements and help you to safely enjoy your hobby. This guide does NOT replace any Bala Lake Railway company issued Safety Instructions

Q: What footwear should I have?

A: Steel toecap boots should be worn at all times. The railway features heavy things, hard things, moving things and cutting things - all of which if in contact with your feetcould do you great harm.

Q: What clothing should I wear?

A: You should have a set of old clothes (stuff you do not mind getting dirty), waterproof coat (and if possible waterproof over-trousers).

If possible, we recommend having a change of clothes - saves covering the family car (or bus) in oil etc. A change of clothes will also be useful if the weather is bad (and it can be sometimes).

Q: Do I have to have overalls?

A: You do not have to have overalls or Bib and Brace but if you do have protective clothing ensure that it is ALWAYS made of cotton and not nylon type thread (Bala Lake Railway features things that get very hot and nylon etc melts!)

Q: Do I have to do anything special to my clothing?

A: Make sure that your clothing does not feature hanging or frayed cuffs or leg bottoms - no one wants to see you falling or tripping or being caught up on machinery, equipment or fences.

Q: What about rings, watches, chains etc?

A: If you are likely to be working on or around any form of machinery, you should removes ALL jewellery that can get caught.

Q: Do I need to wear a hat?

A: Hair should be tidy at all times. Long hair wearers must be prepared to use bands and or ponytails. A cap will often help. Safety Helmets should be worn where required.

Q: Do I need gloves?

A: Cotton gloves are quite useful to help protect your hands from dirt etc but each individual must seek advice from the railways Engineer or Manager about wearing gloves for specific tasks such as handling materials, machinery or equipment.

Q: Do I need to wear goggles?

A: Always seek advice from the Railways Engineer or Manager about when to wear goggles and which goggles to wear for specific tasks.

Q: Do I need to buy High Visibility clothing?

A: It is not necessary for you to buy your own hi-vis clothing, however you can if you wish. If hi-vis is needed, the railway will supply it and demand that you wear it at all times while undertaking that specific task.

Q: What tools do I need?

A: Any tools you need for any specific job will be issued to you or you will be shown where to find them. ALWAYS return all tools to the correct storage, not just to the floor where you found it!

Q: Do I need to know anything else?

A: Yes:

• You NEED to be constantly aware of where you are, of where others are, of machinery, of moving objects
• You must NOT run - move efficiently and effectively, as conditions allow
• ALWAYS put things away, never assume someone else will do it
• NEVER touch a machine without permission - you may have certification to use similar equipment elsewhere but unless the Railways Engineer agrees you cannot use machinery or equipment at the Bala Lake Railway
• Obey ALL rules, signs and instructions given to you by responsible persons
• You MUST be responsible in your conduct, in your attitude to others and equipment and if needed take responsibility of a situation
• Do NOT take risks - if do not know something ASK!

And finally, we hope that you have a healthy & safe time when on the Railway but we know accidents can happen - so make sure you report ALL incidents to the Railway Engineer as soon as possible!