In November 2020, Steve Featherstone created the Access Point Alliance, a pioneering industry partnership that provides a one-stop-shop solution for Access Points.
Chaired by Steve Featherstone, the APA consists of four partner companies: High Motive, MacRail, Selectequip and Vital Rail.
Through collaboration and the bundling of services, the APA will enhance safety, drive efficiency and reduce costs at the Access Point.
Read on to find out more about the APA’s first client and project, and how this innovative new alliance will provide the first 100% green Access Point.
On the morning of Saturday 23rd January, Matthew Caven from the APA had an urgent client call from Balfour Beatty, requiring support for an emergency 15-day possession to deal with a bank slip for NR Southern.
Instantly, the APA Partners prepared their products and services for mobilisation to the client site. MacRail organised the Site Access Controllers, High Motive prepared their Zero-Carbon SAC Cabins and Thermal Imaging Cameras and stood by ready to install a full Radio System.
Selectequip designed a range of bespoke COVID-19 Signage Solutions for the client and prepared their Lighting Portfolio for mobilisation. Vital Rail stood by with their personnel ready to support Balfour Beatty on site.
Rapidly Reacting to Client Requirements
Within an hour, all of the APA partners had their products and services ready. Balfour Beatty could then choose from the APA’s products and services menu, knowing that all were prepared for immediate mobilisation.
In the end, the client did not require all of the products and resources for this particular project – so some of the solutions were stood down.
By 7pm on Saturday, the High Motive SAC Cabins and the Mac Rail Site Access Controller was making his way to site for the overnight shift. Selectequip’s Hands-Free Sanitising Station was already in place to help protect the team on site.
The APA are delighted that they could react quickly to Balfour Beatty’s urgent requirements and support them with the emergency possession. This is exactly what Steve had envisioned when creating the APA: through collaboration and the bundling of products and services, the APA could drive efficiency and safety with a one-stop shop Access Point solution.
The dedicated Access Point solution would not only minimise client costs and create a first-class Access Point but would also leave the client free to focus on the delivery of the core job itself.
What’s Next for the Access Point Alliance?
Steve Featherstone has created the ’15 Minutes from Van to Ballast’ challenge to exemplify the increased efficiency that the APA are delivering to their clients.
The end-to-end Access Point service starts even before the team make their way to site, thanks to the Mac Rail Work Management System. Every member of the client’s team will have access to this App, where MacRail will pre-populate the team sheet for the weekend, allowing all resources to be pre-checked, with their personal information complete.
The Site Access Control will then focus on the in-person tasks, such as checking everyone’s PPE is compliant and recording and logging temperatures in their real-time digital log. The High Motive thermal imaging cameras will be positioned within the High Motive SAC Cabins to automate a time-consuming manual process on time, whilst ensuring that everyone enters site safely.
Vital Rail’s personnel will also be on hand to support the client at Site Access Control and Radio Control during peak times. During the two hours of peak changeover, the person who might be replenishing the welfare facilities can support the sign-in and sign-out process to further streamline sign-in.
By doing so, the average sign-in time per person will reduce from around 2 minutes per person to around 20 seconds per person.
Safety and Site Welfare – Central to the APA’s Managed Service
To ensure COVID-19 compliance, High Motive will also provide an X-Mist Sanitising Tunnel at Site Access, and Ozone Sterilisation for sanitising RPE, Det Comms and PPE.
Selectequip will supply their range of bespoke COVID-19 Signage Solutions that are designed for use on site, with compact and portable Wall-Mounted and A-Board Sanitising Stations available. The Vital Team will keep these Sanitising Stations replenished, to ensure that the team continue to stay safe on site.
Site Welfare will also be available for the entire team, thanks to Selectequip’s MEWU, a designated welfare facility that provides a central hub for Defibrillators and First Response Kits and full sanitary ware and disposal.
The end-to-end managed service will assure safety throughout – whether that starts with something as simple as filling all of the potholes at Access Points or reducing slips, trips, and falls at Access Point Stairs with Selectequip’s Luxsolis – a solar stair lighting solution.
An Unprecedented Goal – 100% Green Access Points
Solar Lighting and Zero-Carbon Cabins are not the only solutions that the APA will utilise to create the first 100% green Access Point. The APA is also looking at using biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells to create a truly Carbon-Neutral Access Point – which no-one has managed to achieve so far.
Through their end-to-end managed service, the APA will also leave behind a legacy of excellence at the Access Point. Fit-for-purpose solutions, long-lasting materials and streamlined processes – which the Operations and Maintenance teams can use for years to come.
Photo credit: APA
0113 2082620
info@railbusinessdaily.com
15 Mariner Court, Wakefield WF4 3FL
