‍Checklists for Train Drivers Break with Old Conventions

Dennis Seidel and Markus Keßler, both specialists in operational regulations for train drivers, DB Fernverkehr AG, Frankfurt am Main, and Jutta dos Santos Miquelino, Co-CEO/Partner, and dos Santos GmbH, Berlin.

DB Fernverkehr AG continually works to optimize and make its operational processes safer, strategically focusing on innovations. A current example is the introduction of checklists for train drivers, specifically for the European Train Control System (ETCS).

Over recent years, the demands on train drivers have steadily increased. They now handle more varied train models and frequent train changes. Additionally, new operational requirements and constant technical advancements have added to the complexity. Long-distance train drivers carry a heavy responsibility for the safety of millions of passengers. They must have detailed knowledge of operating various train models, and the regulations for these trains are becoming more extensive.

Thus, train drivers face the daunting task of maintaining vast knowledge, operating trains without errors, and ensuring nothing is overlooked, even in rare situations or malfunctions. Additionally, the trend among younger train drivers is to rely on digitally accessible knowledge in their daily lives.

Checklists will help: they allow for systematically completing defined tasks and ensuring that even the smallest details are not missed. This project, which has often been discussed in the past, has now been successfully implemented by DB Fernverkehr AG. A look behind the scenes offers a glimpse into how the role of train drivers will be better structured and continuously innovated in the future.

Innovation and Efficiency: Tools for the Train Driver of the Future

The P.FBL 1 department at DB Fernverkehr AG, responsible for train operation and qualification standards, is working on innovative projects to make operations safer and more efficient. One of these projects is the introduction of checklists, initially developed for the ETCS.

To promote the nationwide introduction of checklists, the project needed a train driver and expert with extensive knowledge of the concept, use, and principles of checklists. Dennis Seidel was found as this expert. As a driving force behind the project, he brings an impressive background with 11 years of experience in aviation. As an airline captain and flight instructor, Dennis was involved in training, examination, and curriculum development, conducted checklist training, and excelled in complex scenarios. After losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, he switched careers to join DB Fernverkehr AG as a train driver in provisioning. His extensive experience provides valuable expertise to the rail project, particularly in structured operations during critical situations.

The project is substantially supported by the think tank and dos Santos GmbH. The Berlin-based consulting firm specializes in accelerating transformation processes and offers tailor-made solutions to future-proof companies. Over the past few years, it has developed many pioneering projects for DB Fernverkehr in leadership, workspace design, employee satisfaction, and knowledge and learning management, all of which have proven successful in practice (see also Deine Bahn 8/2021 and 7/2023).

The Project: Introducing Checklists

The ambitious project began with the development and design of checklists, focusing on the complex ETCS. From the beginning, close collaboration with users in development and pilot testing ensured valuable feedback was gathered and the checklist’s functionality continuously improved. This iterative method guarantees optimal adaptation to real operational conditions, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency. As known from aviation experience, introducing checklists also involves a cultural shift. A familiarization phase and a certain adaptation period are necessary to internalize the required working style with checklists and to rely on them.

Checklist 221: Clear Instructions and Sequences

Therefore, checklists are intended to be used not only in regular operations but also in training. They serve as valuable learning aids for new train drivers, helping them better prepare for operational irregularities and become accustomed to a structured working style.

Feedback from trainees has been very positive, and the checklists have proven to be effective learning tools. They allow trainees to become familiar with clearly defined practices from the start and to handle even rare situations accurately and safely, thereby improving training quality overall.

Pilot Phase and Initial Results

Feedback from the pilot phase of the checklists has been overwhelmingly positive. The main challenges currently lie in adapting to different operational conditions, and the project team is working closely with users to find practical solutions.

This iterative approach is necessary to ensure that the checklists function effectively in practice and bring the desired improvements in safety and efficiency. Participation from users of all demographic groups is essential for success and is being closely monitored.

Outlook

In the future, checklists will be expanded to cover further operational irregularity scenarios. A key step is digitizing the checklists, making them easily accessible within the digital schedule as a standalone document. In the long term, a comprehensive cultural shift is aimed for, where structured and standardized procedures become the new standard for train drivers. The combination of internal expertise and innovative approaches from and dos Santos has demonstrated that such systems can provide significant benefits in rail operations.

Conclusion

The project to introduce checklists at DB Fernverkehr AG has already achieved notable success. Continuous development and adaptation will ensure that the railway benefits from innovations in the future as well. The positive attitude and commitment of those involved are crucial to the success of this project, which marks an important step towards a safer and more efficient rail operation.

This is a translation of the original article, by "Bahn Fachverlag".
Source: https://www.system-bahn.net/aktuell/checklisten-fur-tf-brechen-mit-alten-konventionen/archiv/