The foul concoction is released into the air from toilet tanks when 'Mallard' Class 91 trains go round steeply-banked bends at speed or brake heavily but, despite warnings from the Railways Inspectorate and Network Rail, GNER has failed to stop it.

"RMT track workers in Darlington complained that the trains were releasing the foul-smelling and potentially dangerous spray of human waste more than 18 months ago," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

"GNER have finally admitted that they have known for years that their trains are spraying human excrement into the atmosphere, but they have yet to stop it happening.

"But for a long time they maintained the fiction that the dischargewas from the air conditioning system and harmless, even after their own study revealed traces of E-coli, particularly on steeply curved stretches of track.

"GNER have shown that they are more interested in money than in the health of rail workers or the travelling public.

"It took a full year after the first complaints for GNER to visit the 'Linger and Die' bridge near Ferryhill with us, and it was only when they actually tasted the effluent for themselves that they finally admitted there was a problem, yet they are still dragging their feet.

"At one point it was suggested that track workers simply turn their backs when one of these trains approached - but not only would that not stop anyone breathing in the spray, it is completely contrary to safety rules.

"We have evidence that passengers have also noticed the foul smell aboard the trains, and that GNER has given travel £10 vouchers to passengers who have complained.

"At long last a new tank-emptying facility is being built at Heaton, but that is already behind schedule and GNER needs to put safety first and remove this danger now by putting speed restrictions on this stock wherever necessary," Bob Crow said.

ends

Effluent discharge from Class 91 trains
East Coast Main Line

Nov 04
Following complaints from track staff at Darlington that they were being sprayed with foul-smelling liquid emanating from passing trains, meeting held between Network Rail and GNER. Agreed GNER would investigate problem.

Dec 04
Scientific study commissioned by GNER confirmed effluent discharge from trains. Traces of E.coli found in track samples. Problem largely confined to sections of track with heavily canted curves. GNER and Network Rail agree no further action needed.

Dec 04-Nov 05
In response to further complaints, track staff told train discharge was from air-conditioning system and harmless

Nov 05
Staff advise the union of problem. Contact made with Network Rail to ascertain what they were doing to ensure staff health. HM Railway Inspectorate also advised by union as there was clearly a wider problem.

Nov 05
Network Rail/GNER agree site visit to 'Linger and Die' crossing near Ferryhill. Discharge of effluent observed as a fine mist from one or more vehicles from most trains. Those in attendance reported that the passage of one train left a distinct taste on both the lips and tongue that lingered for many hours afterward.

Dec 05
GNER confirms to RMT that problem had been existent for some years, mostly due to insufficient tank emptying facilities. Additional facilities planned for Heaton Depot which will permit daily emptying, but not expected to be ready until Autumn 2006. More frequent emptying cycle at existing facilities proposed as short-term solution
Jan 06 Further site visit to Ferryhill by Network Rail, no significant improvement, discharge observed from at least half of passing trains.

March 06
Another site visit to 'Linger and Die' crossing by Network Rail. Of the seven trains observed, two were seen to be discharging effluent as a fine spray from four coaches, and one from at least six coaches.

March 06
Network Rail obtain independent report on sampling of the discharge at Linger and Die. Following a formal request, this report was passed to HM Railway Inspectorate who sought the views of their medical adviser.
He stated:

"It is my opinion there is a significant hazard to health associated with exposure to human waste and the consequences of coming into contact with harmful micro-organisms. Airborne human waste will be straight from the holding tank and therefore, harmful micro-organisms which are likely to be present are unlikely to have deteriorated and will be viable."

July 06

Following RMT pressure, Network Rail agreed to discuss the findings of the scientific report with the Darlington Health & Safety Reps. Also the COSHH risk assessment they had recently undertaken which merely suggested increased monitoring of staff health and consideration to be given to increasing the PPE laundry frequency as additional control measures.

A report on the outcome of those discussions is currently awaited.

NOTE:

While the problem appears worse when the train is going through places like Ferryhill where there are reverse curves, the discharge can occur anywhere where the liquid in the tanks is subject to severe movement, as may happen even on straight stretches of track when the train begins to brake hard.

Thus the problem could also affect passengers waiting on smaller stations as the trains go through at relatively high speed, members of the public waiting at level crossings, and of course any children playing in the garden of any homes that back onto the railway line.

Passengers on the trains could also be affected by the stench of the effluent, and indeed one such complaint was forwarded to RMT in November 2005 from a passenger travelling from London to Edinburgh. This was the second time he had cause to complain about the smell. Some months earlier he had a similar experience, and on that occasion GNER gave him a £10 voucher in recognition of the discomfort suffered.