Track access controller
Track Access Controller (known as TAC) is a safety-critical job role in the London Underground. TACs work mostly at night and protect workers in the track environment, during "Engineering hours" when traction current is switched off and passenger trains have stopped running. Using Line Safe and Line Clear rules, they protect engineering workers from traction current, as well as moving trains and vehicles.
Each Track Access Controller has responsibility for an area of the Underground railway. This could be a part of an underground line or the entire line, depending how much work is being carried out. Some lines are so busy that a number of Track Access Controllers may be responsible for the same area of the track.
The post of the Track Access Controller (formerly the Engineering Works Controller - EWC) was created in 1983, with the introduction of the Line Safe Office, followed six months later by the Line Clear Office. In 1990 the two offices combined and they took residence in a purpose built control centre based in South Kensington. Track Access Controllers must be aware of all safety and traction current arrangements on the tracks they are responsible for. Every night they must read the traffic circulars and come to a complete understanding of all train movements to be made that are not included in the normal timetable. This will include any additional trains, both passenger and engineers trains running, and all works and other protection arrangements on the track they are protecting. The TACs must confirm Traction Current switching amendments with the Power Control Room Operators, prior to accepting calls for protection.
When the TAC Desks open for Protection Requests "persons protecting workers on the track (PWT)" (see definition below) and others arranging protection, must contact the relevant TAC Desks and book their protection with the TAC. TAC protection is in place when the TAC has given authority, by issuing a Reference Number and a Call-Back Time. Call-Back time is when all workers and equipment must be clear of the track, exceeding this time by 15 minutes and under will cause what is known as "late surrender", 16 minutes and over will result in overrunning engineering works. Engineering Hours Protection is in place only when the Traction Current has been switched off and confirmed off, at or after the published switching off time.
A person protecting workers on the track (PWT) is defined as a person certificated by LU to provide protection for themselves and others when on or about the track: • during traffic hours • during engineering hours, or • in a depot or stabling siding. A certificate will be endorsed to show either traffic hours, engineering hours, depots or a combination of all three. A person protecting workers on the track (PWT) is identified by a claret armband worn on the right arm above the elbow.
Track Access Controllers are trained in many aspects of railway management. They are an "Operational Manager" grade of London Underground and each must be competent to deal with multi-tasking, emergencies and conflicts of work. Their priorities are safety, completion of engineering work and the safe/timely return of the railway for passenger trains every morning. Track Access Controllers collaborate with others to resolve problems related to "overrunning engineering work".
It takes over 6 months to train as a Track Access Controller and the team was originally made up of former Permanent Way & Signalling Supervisors and Technical Staff. The team was later expanded to include line Controllers, Station Supervisors, Senior Signalmen, other "Operational Manager" backgrounds and Protection Masters.
Track Access Controllers are expected to work both independently and as part of the Track Access Team as the situation requires. They deal with incidents and minor/major scenarios every night before authorising the safe switching on of traction current in the morning and allowing passenger trains to run.