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06/06/2012

Hampi Express driver dozed off because of ‘fatigue’

Hampi Express driver dozed off because of ‘fatigue’
Shubhadeep Choudhury/TNS

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Bangalore, June 4

The driver of the ill-fated Hampi Express, which collided with a stationary goods train on May 22 at Penukonda station under Bangalore division leading to death of 25 passengers, has admitted that he missed the home signal because his eyes were closed for more than usual duration.

This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the All-India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA). While the driver’s admission confirmed the railway management’s theory that the accident occurred due to “human error”, the AILRSA said the incident was a pointer to the inhuman working condition that the train drivers were being subjected to by the management.

Overburdened

  • The loco pilot worked for six continuous nights from May 14 to May 19
  • He got a night’s rest on May 20
  • On May 21 again, he was booked to work the Hampi Express, a night train

The statement said the loco pilot worked for six continuous nights from May 14 to May 19. On May 20, he got a night’s rest and on May 21 again he was booked to work the Hampi Express, a night train.

Admitting that the driver was assigned work in accordance with HOER (hours of employment regulation) of the Railways, the AILRSA said HOER rules were “inhuman” and needed to be changed immediately. According to the AILRSA, the driver dozed off for “30 to 60 seconds” because of sleep deprivation and mental fatigue. “Often the person is not aware of the sleep that has occurred. A train running at 100 kmph will cover 1.7 km in 60 seconds and if micro sleep occurs after a distant signal at caution, accident will happen,” the statement said.

The AILRSA, a representative organisation of train drivers, expressed anguish that Railway Minister Mukul Roy, who visited the accident spot, talked about using anti-collision devices, but said nothing about changing the HOER rules.

The statement said train drivers would hold a demonstration in front of the office of the commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) on June 7 and apprise him of various demands, including confining night duties to two consecutive nights only, and filling the vacancies of drivers.

tribune

Posted by Running Staff Solapur at 6/06/2012 02:46:00 am Labels:

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PME Due Date

Master Circular No. 25



Copy of Railway Board’s letter No. 69/H/3/11 dated 06.12.1974



Subject: Implementation of the Recommendations of the Visual Sub-Committee.



6. Periodical re-examination of serving Railway Employees:



6.l. In order to ensure the continued ability of Railway employees in Classes A l, A 2, A 3, B l and B 2 to discharge their duties with safety, they will be required to appear for re-examination at the following stated intervals throughout their service as indicated below:



6.1.1. Classes A l, A 2 and A 3 —At the termination of every period of three years, calculated from the date of appointment until they attain the age of 45 years, and thereafter annually until the conclusion of their service.



Note: (l) The staff in categories A l, A 2 and A 3 should be sent for special medical examination in the interest of safety under the following circumstances unless they have been under the treatment of a Railway Medical Officer.



(a) Having undergone any treatment or operation for eye trouble irrespective of the duration of sickness.



(b) Absence from duty for a period in excess of 90 days.



(2) If any employee in medical category A has been periodically medically examined at any time within one year prior to his attaining the age of 45, his next medical examination should be held one year from the due date of the last medical examination and subsequent medical examination annually thereafter.



If, however, such an employee has been medically examined, at any time earlier, than one year prior to his attaining the age of 45, his next medical examination should be held on the date he attains the age of 45 and subsequent medical examination annually thereafter.



Ammendment: It was ammended in 1993 as below



Age Group PME Due



Age 00-45 every 4yrs



Age 45-55 every 2yrs



Age 55-60 every year
Details:-
As per Rly Bd's Guideline of Medical Exam issued vide LNo. 88/H/5/12 dated 24-01-1993

a) PME would be done at the termination of every period of 4 years from date of appointment / Initial medical Exam till the date of attainment of age of 45 years, every 2 years upto 55 years & there after annual till retirement.
b) Employees who has been periodically examined at any time within 2years prior to his attaining the age of 45years would be examined after 2years from the date of last PME & subsequent PME for every 2years upto 55years age.Of

NRMU 4 you
SMLokhande





6.1.2. Classes B-1 and B-2—On attaining the age of 45 years, and thereafter at the termination of every period of five years.