Contact
Do you have a question? Please don’t hesitate to contact us, we value quick communication and will get back to you as quickly as possible.
* indicates required fields
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about physical railway protection, the Safetech Fence systems, applications, approvals and working methods. Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
01What is a physical railway safety barrier?
A physical railway safety barrier is a temporary barrier used to separate the working area from the danger zone of an operational railway track. It helps prevent railway workers from unintentionally entering the danger zone while work is carried out alongside passing trains.
02When are physical safety barriers used during railway works?
Physical safety barriers are used when railway work is carried out close to an operational track and a clear separation is needed between the working area and the danger zone. Typical applications include maintenance, inspections, track renewals and railway construction where adjacent tracks remain open to traffic.
03How does a railway safety barrier protect track workers?
A railway safety barrier creates a physical boundary between the working area and the danger zone of an operational track. It helps prevent workers from unintentionally entering the danger zone and provides a clear separation from passing rail traffic.
04What is the difference between a physical railway safety barrier and a warning system?
A physical railway safety barrier creates a continuous physical boundary between the working area and the danger zone. A Track Warning System (TWS) warns workers when a train or rail vehicle is approaching. Both are railway safety measures, but they protect workers in different ways and may be used separately or in combination depending on the worksite and local requirements.
05Can railway work continue while an adjacent track remains open to traffic?
Yes. Railway work can be carried out while an adjacent track remains open to traffic, provided the required safety measures are in place. Physical railway safety barriers can be used to create a clear separation between the working area and passing trains. The applicable requirements depend on the infrastructure manager, local regulations and the specific worksite.
06Do railway safety barriers require digging in the ballast?
Not necessarily. Some railway safety barriers require digging or ballast removal, which adds installation time and introduces additional risks such as underground cables, physical strain and exposure to ballast dust. Safetech Fence requires no digging or ballast removal, enabling faster installation while leaving the ballast bed and underground infrastructure undisturbed.
07How quickly can Safetech Fence be installed?
Safetech Fence can be installed extremely quickly. Two rail workers can install 100 metres in under 10 minutes, without digging, ballast removal or specialised installation equipment. The simple, one-sided installation helps reduce both installation time and trackside exposure.
08How far from the track centre can Safetech Fence be installed?
Safetech Fence can be positioned between 1.95 and 2.55 metres from the centre of the track. The distance is adjustable in 100 mm increments, allowing the barrier position to be adapted to different worksite requirements and track configurations.
09What are the dimensions and weight of the Mechanical Safetech Fence?
The Mechanical Safetech Fence is designed as a lightweight modular system for manual installation and handling. A standard Mechanical stanchion weighs approximately 10.4 kg, while each 3.0-metre horizontal beam weighs approximately 4.0 kg. Stanchions are typically positioned approximately 3 metres apart.
10What are the dimensions and weight of the Magnetic Safetech Fence?
The Magnetic Safetech Fence uses the same modular configuration and horizontal beams as the Mechanical system. A standard Magnetic stanchion weighs approximately 9.4 kg, while each 3.0-metre horizontal beam weighs approximately 4.0 kg. Stanchions are typically positioned approximately 3 metres apart.
11Which rail profiles and fastening systems are compatible with Safetech Fence?
Safetech Fence is suitable for common European Vignole rail profiles and other flat-bottom rail applications, including 49E1, 54E1, 54E2, 54E3, 56E1 and 60E1. The Mechanical system attaches to compatible fastening systems such as Vossloh, KPO/K-type and SB fastenings, while the Magnetic system attaches directly to the rail web and is independent of the rail fastening system. Other rail profiles and track configurations can be assessed on request.
12What is the difference between the Mechanical and Magnetic Safetech Fence?
The main difference is how the barrier attaches to the track. The Mechanical Safetech Fence attaches to compatible rail fastening systems and provides a simple, proven and cost-efficient solution where these fastenings are available. The Magnetic Safetech Fence attaches directly to the rail web, making it independent of the existing rail fastening system and suitable for a wider range of railway infrastructures. Both systems use the same modular Safetech Fence beams and require no digging or ballast removal.