Ecologic Solar Units Help Train Drivers & Rail Staff To Take A Break

Background

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s largest railway franchise, had stringent requirements for welfare facilities for its drivers and staff whilst major infrastructure works were taking place on the line.

The train company, which operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, required two large welfare units which could be used over a busy weekend at Huntingdon Railway Station.

Work was being carried out on a £1bn landmark scheme to introduce in-cab digital signalling on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line, between London Kings Cross and Grantham, which meant Huntingdon would be the terminus for passengers on that weekend.

The Solution

GTR consulted with Advanté and decided that two Ecologic 1400 Solar units best met with their requirements.

Advanté’s Ecologic 1400 Solar is a completely self-contained, static welfare unit with a large canteen, drying room and two toilets that provides instant start welfare for up to 25 people. Providing 16 seats in the canteen area, plus sink, kettle, microwave, 40 litres of drinking water, noticeboard and three windows for natural light.

Delivery and removal of the welfare units had to be carefully planned to ensure that the car park at Huntingdon was cleared in good time. Advanté’s delivery team arrived on site promptly both for delivery and collection of the units. Its crane operators carried out a complex process of moving the units, taking into account the risks on site and the transport management plan.

The welfare units also had to meet the requirements of the trade unions before their members were allowed to use it.

Matthew Yeates, Infrastructure Projects Manager from Govia Thameslink Railway said:

“We were really pleased with how Advanté’s units performed and how well they stood up to several days of bad weather and heavy usage from staff on site from both LNER and GTR.  They were an ideal solution for staff to take short rest breaks.  We would definitely use these units again for weekend blockades and, if required, for use on site for longer periods.”

Chloe Mellers, Senior Sales Executive from Advanté said:

“This was a complex project and our welfare units had to meet very stringent requirements.  Our team worked efficiently to ensure that both units were correctly specified and could be delivered to site safely and in good time.  Our Ecologic Solar welfare units are extremely popular for projects in the construction and rail sectors, helping to meet their demanding requirements whilst delivering the very highest standards of welfare.”

EcoLogic Solar – advanced technology

In addition, these welfare units also benefit from advanced technology.  This includes:

• NEW solar hybrid technology – helping sites to meet carbon reduction requirements.
• Large solar array – increased renewable power supply.
• Intelligent telemetry – trouble-free operation and remote monitoring.
• Site specific unit curfews – available on request.

For more details and to find a welfare unit to suit your next project call, please contact our team on 01268 280500 or email sales@advante.co.uk.