Track access controller: Difference between revisions

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'''Track Access Controller''' (known as TAC) is a [[life-critical system|safety-critical]] job role in the [[London Underground]]. TACs work mostly at night and protect workers in the track environment, during "[[Engineering]] hours" when [[Traction power network|traction]] current is switched off and passenger trains have stopped running. Using Line Safe and Line Clear rules, they protect engineering workers from traction current, as well as moving trains and vehicles.

Each Track Access Controller has responsibility for an area of the Underground railway. This could be a part of an underground line or the entire line, depending how much work is being carried out. Some lines are so busy that a number of Track Access Controllers may be responsible for the same area of the track.

The post of the Track Access Controller (formerly the Engineering Works Controller - EWC) was created in 1983, with the introduction of the Line Safe Office, followed six months later by the Line Clear Office. In 1990 the two offices combined and they took residence in a purpose built control centre based in South-Westsouth west [[London]]. Track Access Controllers must be aware of all safety and traction current arrangements on the tracks they are responsible for. Every night they must read their publications and come to a complete understanding of all train movements to be made that are not included in the normal Time Table. This will include any additional trains, both passenger and engineers trains running, and all works and other protection arrangements on the track they are protecting. The TACs must confirm Traction Current switching amendments with the Power Control Room Operators, prior to accepting calls for protection.

When the TAC Desks open for Protection Requests "persons protecting workers on the track (PWT)" (see definition below) and others arranging protection, must contact the relevant TAC Desks and book their protection with the TAC. TAC protection is in place when the TAC has given authority, by issuing a Reference Number and a Call-Back Time. Call-Back time is when all workers and equipment must be clear of the track, exceeding this time by 15 minutes is will cause a what is know as "late surrender", 16 minutes and over will result in overrunning engineering works. Engineering Hours Protection is in place only when the Traction Current has been switched off and confirmed off, at or after the published switching off time.

A person protecting workers on the track (PWT) is defined as a person certificated by LU to