Ensuring Driver Safety and Comfort: Human Factors Assessment for Class 93 Locomotives for Rail Operations Group

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Rail Operations Group (ROG) was introducing a new fleet of Class 93 locomotives to strengthen their portfolio. 

The goal was to ensure that these locomotives achieve compliance with the highest industry standards relating to driver safety, comfort and fatigue, for a range of drivers from 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male. DB ESG was asked to carry out an independent Human Factors assessment.

The Challenge

The acceptance process required a detailed review of cab ergonomics, noise levels, lighting conditions and visibility - all critical factors for driver performance and safety.

Our Approach

DB ESG’s Human Factors specialists delivered a comprehensive series of assessments, including:

Ergonomic Review

  • Detailed review of the cab layout using 3D modelling, compliance checks against relevant standards and evaluation of driver seating, sightlines, second-person facilities and access routes, including track level egress. 
  • Manual operation of the coupler head and external access provision to the windscreen, and end located equipment.

Noise Assessment

  • Measurement of static and dynamic noise levels inside the cab, walkway, and at track level.

Lighting Assessment 

  • Evaluation of cab instrumentation illumination under varying ambient conditions.
  • Visibility and readability of instruments, and gauges under various ambient lighting conditions.
  • Measurement of cab and internal walkway lighting levels in low ambient lighting conditions.

Glare and Reflection Assessment – using high-powered lighting to represent bright sunlight and driver participation, looking at potential: 

  • Washout caused by bright sunlight
  • Reflection on windscreen
  • Indirect glare

Train Management System - Driver Engagement 

  • Refinement of menu access and functionality of the Train Management System Driver Interface Device though a dedicated session with driver representatives.

Forward Visibility Assessment

  • Detailed additional testing under simulated and natural sunlight, to identify root causes of an issue found with reduced visibility, with practical solutions provided.

Reporting:

  • The results were compiled into comprehensive reports covering the ergonomic review, noise and lighting assessments, compliance against industry standards, conclusions, and recommendations.

Impact

DB ESG’s Human Factors assessment and recommendations enabled ROG to provide validation to stakeholders and driver representatives that the Class 93 ergonomics were acceptable for a range of users from 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male, whilst demonstrating compliance with industry standards and enhancing driver safety and comfort. 

Want To Learn More About Our Human Factors Expertise?

Contact the team at enquiries@dbesg.com

 

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