Trackside Safety with GRP Handrails and Walkways — Addressing the Rail Industry’s Concerns
Introduction
Rail projects operate under tight operational constraints and high safety expectations. Any decision to introduce a new trackside safety system will be assessed not just on technical specification but on its ability to address the real concerns of engineers, asset managers, and project planners. These include possession time, live working risks, long-term maintenance, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and the performance of materials under harsh conditions.
This article tackles these issues directly, showing how Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) handrails and walkways meet the operational and compliance needs of modern railway environments.
Concern 1: We do not have enough possession time to install new systems
Possession windows are often short and can be limited to overnight or weekend work. Traditional steel systems require heavy lifting equipment and extended assembly time, which risks overrunning and disrupting services.
Solution
GRP is significantly lighter than steel, allowing it to be carried manually along ballast or access routes without cranes or other plant. Pre-fabricated and pre-drilled sections mean installations can be completed in one possession window using basic tools, reducing on-site time and keeping works within the allocated schedule.
Concern 2: Working near live electrical equipment increases risk and isolation time
In electrified rail areas, steel structures must be bonded to the earthing network to prevent dangerous voltage transfer. This adds work steps and can require longer isolations.
Solution
GRP is inherently non-conductive, meaning there is no need for earthing. This allows crews to work safely closer to overhead line equipment and live rails without additional electrical isolation measures, making better use of limited possession time.
Concern 3: Maintenance possessions are costly and disruptive
Steel installations in exposed trackside environments can corrode, requiring repainting and part replacement. Each maintenance visit means possession planning and disruption to operations.
Solution
GRP will not rust or rot and is unaffected by ballast dust, moisture, or UV exposure. Maintenance is limited to routine cleaning and inspections that can often be performed without extended possessions. This reduces both operational cost and service disruption.
Concern 4: Will it integrate with our existing trackside infrastructure
New safety systems must fit with existing walkways, bridge structures, and fixing points without extensive modification.
Solution
GRP systems can be manufactured to match existing profile sizes, connection points, and load requirements. They are compliant with BS EN 13706, BS EN 4592, BS 476 Part 7 Class 2, and BS 7976, as well as Network Rail specifications for walkways and fall protection.
Concern 5: Can it handle real rail conditions
Trackside environments create constant vibration, ballast dust, and temperature extremes, which can cause material fatigue or degradation.
Solution
GRP is resistant to vibration damage, dimensionally stable in both heat and frost, and unaffected by dust and airborne pollutants. Anti-slip surfaces maintain performance in wet, icy, or contaminated conditions, supporting year-round safety.
Concern 6: Procurement will ask for a cost justification
Even when the technical case is strong, the financial case must be clear for budget approval.
Solution
While GRP can have a slightly higher initial cost than steel, it reduces installation time, eliminates earthing, and requires minimal maintenance. Over a service life of up to 50 years, total ownership costs are often reduced by half, making it a financially defensible choice.
Conclusion
GRP handrails and walkways directly address the operational concerns of the rail sector. By enabling rapid installation, removing live working risks, reducing maintenance possessions, and integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure, they offer a safe, compliant, and cost-effective solution for long-term trackside safety
