Innovation that Keeps Your People Safe

Until now, it has been customary to secure track renewal worksites or sites with heavy machines by placing automatic track warning systems along the track at regular intervals.

This requires a large number of warning devices in order to cover the length of the worksite and the progress of work along the track.

Transport policy is changing rapidly in many countries to increase transportation via railway. The surge in rail traffic also increases the risk of collisions for personnel working along the tracks. In addition, a highly frequented route comes with quite a bit of noise pollution if secured with such a large amount of warning devices. All these factors combined with a push to optimise costs for securing such worksites have led to a need for innovation.

This is why we at ZÖLLNER have spent several years developing innovative solutions considering these requirements. This new way of securing high-output worksites is becoming more widely used in France and Germany.

While the strike-in points, the strike-out points (consisting of a train detector and the ZÖLLNER Radio Transmitter ZFS) and the control units ZRC are still placed along the track, the warning devices ZPW126-10 are now mounted on the track renewal trains or other railroad machines. Preliminary tests determined where exactly the ZPW126-10 are to be placed on each machine to ensure that all workers in the proximity of that particular machine can safely hear the acoustic warning and see the visual signals. The warning devices are therefore placed exactly where the work is carried out and move along with the work progress.

Before, it was necessary to place warning devices all along the worksite accounting for the work progress as well because that was the only way to guarantee an audible warning signal for all the people on the worksite. Since the warning devices now move along with the trains and therefore with the works carried out, much fewer devices are needed to secure the worksite.

Drastically reducing the number of warning devices leads to a vast decrease in noise pollution, cuts back the time needed for installation, and significantly saves costs.

Delivering Solutions – Tailored, Effective, Safe

It is our goal to offer tailored solutions that fit the exact needs of each customer. The newest generation of our Mobile Radio Warning System MRWS (DAPR) allows for immense flexibility, meaning that each worksite can be secured regarding its specific conditions. The warning devices can either be installed temporarily on the machines for the duration of the worksite or remain there permanently.

We work closely with each customer to design a solution that fits their working methods and type of machine. Since we were thus able to reduce the amount of warning devices needed (and thereby cutting the installation time), lower costs and help prevent complaints by residents near the worksites, our new system has found great acceptance with railway infrastructure managers.

In addition, we are continually working on further innovations to make securing worksites even easier, more cost effective and better for all involved. It will thus be possible to equip railroad machines with a miniature device, the WADSON, installed in the cabin. As a result, the driver will be able to clearly hear the warning signal as well.

Since some work conditions require ear protection that could make it difficult to hear a warning signal, we have developed warning devices which are directly integrated into the protective gear. Our CLARISSystem integrates both the warning signal and voice communication, making it possible for workers to safely communicate while being protected by the warning device at all times.

ZÖLLNER at Your Side

With many years of experience, ZÖLLNER offers a range of training courses to meet the needs of companies more precisely. In France, ZÖLLNER has been providing training since 2004, meeting SNCF requirements such as the MT4082 manual. All our French trainers are experienced technicians with field knowledge.

We offer courses for both the management or planning staff who plan the worksites and its safety measures as well as the users of the actual warning systems. A written test and a practical hands-on part ensure that all participants are ready to use the warning devices confidently.

While ZÖLLNER is headquartered in Kiel, Germany, we also have an office and a training facility in Villemandeur, France. If you should ever need help or advice, our hotline is available 24/7.