AN AIRCRAFT-style data recorder - often called a “black box” - for trains, to help investigators to determine the cause of accidents, has been developed in the UK. Arrowvale Electronics, based in the English Midlands, started to devise a data recorder that could survive a major rail crash well before the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive recommended that every train should have a black box similar to those used in aircraft. The device records the speed of the train, application of brakes and power, door control operation, and monitoring systems that stop trains passing danger signals, such as automatic train protection, automatic warning system and train warning protection system. Compatible with a range of trains and railway systems, the black box (which is painted bright orange to be found easily) can withstand temperatures of up to 700 degrees Celsius and very high crushing forces. It can store several days’ data from up to 105 channels without power for up to 10 months. It is also easy to use, modular and can incorporate global positioning system (GPS) technology and radio tagging to identify drivers. The recorder, which apart from its main role can also be used for operational and maintenance purposes, can be readily adapted to work with new safety systems as they are developed. After 2005, all rail service organisations in the UK, including those carrying freight, will have to be fitted with recorders.
