Interfleet technology delivers material savings for Lafarge
AGGREGATES and quarrying firms who operate their own railheads and private sidings could be making better use of their assets, according to leading rail consultancy Interfleet Technology.
The company has recently carried out a programme of on-site audits at a representative selection of railhead locations on behalf of Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK.
Rail transport forms a key part of Lafarge’s transport strategy and, in addition to operating the innovative self-discharge train, the company manages several railhead and private siding sites around the UK.
Interfleet Technology were commissioned by Lafarge to conduct a series of audits on rail-related operations at these sites and to make recommendations to improve safety, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.
David Owen, head of Interfleet’s railway operations team, commented: ‘The independent assessment that we provided gave Lafarge confidence that their rail operations were being carried out in a safe and efficient manner, and provided a better understanding of the current track infrastructure condition.
‘The report demonstrated that Lafarge could get better value from their existing track maintenance contractors and outlined a more robust process for negotiating inspection and maintenance agreements.’
The Interfleet team of specialists in track maintenance, rail operations and safety also delivered a paper review of track maintenance contracts and documentation, training and competency management, and safety processes.
Training and competency management systems were proposed to give local site staff the capability to verify that maintenance is being done cost-effectively and to a safe standard.
Commending Lafarge for assessing its assets in this way, Mr Owen said other companies whose transport operations are crucial to their main areas of work could also benefit from carrying out similar audits.
The company has recently carried out a programme of on-site audits at a representative selection of railhead locations on behalf of Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK.
Rail transport forms a key part of Lafarge’s transport strategy and, in addition to operating the innovative self-discharge train, the company manages several railhead and private siding sites around the UK.
Interfleet Technology were commissioned by Lafarge to conduct a series of audits on rail-related operations at these sites and to make recommendations to improve safety, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.
David Owen, head of Interfleet’s railway operations team, commented: ‘The independent assessment that we provided gave Lafarge confidence that their rail operations were being carried out in a safe and efficient manner, and provided a better understanding of the current track infrastructure condition.
‘The report demonstrated that Lafarge could get better value from their existing track maintenance contractors and outlined a more robust process for negotiating inspection and maintenance agreements.’
The Interfleet team of specialists in track maintenance, rail operations and safety also delivered a paper review of track maintenance contracts and documentation, training and competency management, and safety processes.
Training and competency management systems were proposed to give local site staff the capability to verify that maintenance is being done cost-effectively and to a safe standard.
Commending Lafarge for assessing its assets in this way, Mr Owen said other companies whose transport operations are crucial to their main areas of work could also benefit from carrying out similar audits.
