Autoballaster Dust Suppression Fitment Opportunity Listing

Autoballasters are essential maintenance vehicles and used to ensure the safe running of the railway, delivering aggregate to worksites nationally. The aim of this requirement is to address a known occupational health and operational safety risk associated with dust liberation on worksites.

The fitment of dust suppression technology to the Autoballaster wagon fleet will reduce health and safety risks including visibility and exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). This exposure is a result of granite dust being liberated during the unloading of the ballast at worksites. The aim of this project is to enhance the effectiveness of NR's fleet of Autoballasters with an effective liquid dust suppression system. In order to comply with the HSWA Act 1974, COSHH Regulations and commitments to the ORR, Network Rail must ensure all rail bound activities are equipped with suitable dust suppression equipment.

The requirement is seeking a collaborative relationship with the awarded supplier. This is principally driven by the complexity of wagon haulage and the requirement to minimise wagon outages impact on operational delivery.