Automatic track warning system (ATWS, ) is a technical device used during track construction for occupational safety. It warns the construction site workers of an approaching train. In Germany, it usually consists of a series of signal lights and acoustic warning devices, which are mounted on steel poles or

tripod A tripod is a portable three-legged frame or stand, used as a platform for supporting the weight and maintaining the stability of some other object. The three-legged (triangular stance) design provides good stability against gravitational loads ...

s at the edge of the

track bed The track bed or trackbed is the groundwork onto which a railway track is laid. Trackbeds of disused railways are sometimes used for recreational paths or new light rail links. Background According to Network Rail Network Rail Limited is t ...

every 30 meters. There are wired and wireless systems that are automatically activated when a train approaches, for example by a wheel contact in the track bed. As long as the ATWS is generating warning signals, the construction site personnel must stay away from the track in question and allow the train to pass. ATWS is considered safer than the non-automated solution, where one worker constantly watches for approaching trains and alerts his colleagues.

Types

There are collective ATWS and individual ATWS. The collective ATWS generates an acoustic signal for a group of workers. The individual ATWS is a

wearable device Wearable technology is any technology that is designed to be used while worn. Common types of wearable technology include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smartglasses. Wearable electronic devices are often close to or on the surface of the s ...

warning every worker individually.

Acoustic warning signals in Germany

Acoustic signals generated by collective ATWS in Germany are defined in the railway signalling regulations: * A long continuous tone (mixed sound of different high tones) means "Caution! Vehicles are approaching on the neighbouring track" * Two long tones in succession at different pitches signal "Clear the working track!" * At least five times two short tones at different pitches signalling "Clear working tracks as quickly as possible!" After the acoustic signal, the railway workers have 25 seconds to escape from the track.

Noise pollution controversy for collective ATWS

Due to the nature of the system, ATWS is very loud (97 up to 126 dB) so that it can be heard by the track workers to be warned, even in the vicinity of loud working machines and with hearing protection in place. This is a burden for people living near railway tracks during work. Modern systems adapt to the ambient volume (mandatory from 2019) and only warn at full sound pressure in very loud environments. Even at reduced volume, this is still perceived as

noise pollution Noise pollution, or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise or sound with potential harmful effects on humans and animals. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport and propagation systems.Senate Publi ...

. In 2014 in

Stuttgart Stuttgart (; ; Swabian German, Swabian: ; Alemannic German, Alemannic: ; Italian language, Italian: ; ) is the capital city, capital and List of cities in Baden-Württemberg by population, largest city of the States of Germany, German state of ...

-Sommerrain, an ATWS was

sabotage Sabotage is a deliberate action aimed at weakening a polity, government, effort, or organization through subversion, obstruction, demoralization (warfare), demoralization, destabilization, divide and rule, division, social disruption, disrupti ...

d by unidentified persons.

Research on wearable devices for personal warning

EU Commission The European Commission (EC) is the primary executive arm of the European Union (EU). It operates as a cabinet government, with a number of members of the Commission ( directorial system, informally known as "commissioners") corresponding t ...

funded the project ALARP (A railway automatic track warning system based on distributed personal mobile terminals) in the years 2010–2013 by the total amount of €3,941,877.20.{{cite web , title=Periodic Report Summary - ALARP (A railway automatic track warning system based on distributed personal mobile terminals) {{! FP7 , url=https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/234088/reporting , website=CORDIS {{! European Commission , access-date=3 March 2024 , language=en The aim of the project was to improve the safety of track workers through the development of an innovative ATWS using low-cost, rugged, wireless wearable devices.

References

External links