| Coaches and power units standing in line waiting to be renovated as new, each one numbered as if named, the number describes the use each vehicle has and registers its history. Serious minded men, with years of experience in their trades, probe and peer inspecting every part of the vehicles, listing faults, wear and general condition.
All this information written and entered on numerous forms, to enable an estimate of cost for repair, these forms also act as instructions for the tasks to be completed. Rules and laws to be conformed to, in the interest of safety, cover every aspect of the vehicle
The activity of the workshop starts with the cleaning of the vehicles. Dirt, oil - grease, inches thick in some areas, (under frames) is removed with high pressure hand held steam and water jets, furniture are removed for renovation, paintwork is cleaned.
A control room monitors all activities bringing order and cohesion to the workshop. They are aided in this by a gang of workers who shunt, traverse and lift vehicles into positions where different types of work are carried out. These operations are done with great care, considering safety at all times.
Renovated and new parts are placed close to the vehicles being repaired; this action allows the repair gangs to concentrate on their work efficiently.
The workshop employing hundreds of personnel creates a need for services such as canteens, first aid facilities-nurses and a Doctor. Safety advice and protective measures are advertised in the workshop to combat accidents to the people who are at risk in such a heavy industry.
Accidents can cause long delays to the work in progress. Blue Asbestos a deadly material if inhaled, being so small it can enter the most minute parts of the lungs with devastating affects, unlike accidents such as cuts etc the effects are not immediate years after contact with Asbestos dust the damage appears...
Where it is known about (Asbestos)!! Or found. A high priority is taken to remove it or seal safely, this work hopefully creates a safer environment. Safety at work is encouraged, led by a committee drawn from many parts of the workforce. Committees are at hand to advice, judge and command all through the works structure.
A system of seniority is used in giving promotion to specified jobs. Being seen as the fairest way to fill vacancies.
All the efforts of management are geared to producing a workforce that can handle any production problems turning out a high quality product, with public safety in mind.
The tradesmen and women involved are trained in many skills (Coach - Builders, Blacksmiths Fitters and Electricians) each following their own type of skills. Other trades, Coach Painters, Trimmers too many to list are employed. Unskilled workers are just as important.
The vehicles are carefully reassembled and after again being subjected to strict testing paintwork gleaming are ready to be given back into service at various locations. Whilst in service any faults arising are entered into a logbook, which can be studied on the vehicles next return to the workshop.
To be employed as a cog in this large machine could be a daunting, boring and tiring experience, except for the comradeship and friends who never lose their sense of humour and are always ready to give help and advise to resolve life s problems...No matter how long it takes!
Story Location: Doncaster
User: donny
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