Subject to Railway Group Standard GO/RT3251 certain positions within South West Trains are classified as safety critical. Roles that fall in this category are all associated with the movement of trains and for safety reasons are subject to certain medical requirements.
Some management roles may also be deemed as safety critical and this will be indicated on the role profiles.
Some of the specifications are quite technical, however your GP or optician should be able to provide you with an explanation of the terms. Alternatively if you require further information you can contact our Occupational Health Department on 020 7620 5373.
Specific medical restrictions are listed below:
Eyesight for All Safety Critical Roles
Distance vision to be 6/9 in the better eye and 6/12 in the other eye with glasses or contact lenses if worn.
Uncorrected visual acuity to reach at least 3/60 in each eye.
Near vision to reach N8 with glasses or contact lenses if worn.
If contact lenses are worn applicants will need to be tested without the lenses at medical.
Tinted or photochromic prescription lenses are not permitted.
Additional Eyesight information for Mainline Drivers
Applicants who have previously undergone laser surgery will be subject to additional investigations before fitness to drive trains can be confirmed.
Additional Eyesight information for Depot Drivers
Bifocal spectacles are permitted.
Depot Driving is not permitted by persons who have lost the sight of an eye.
Colour Vision for All Safety Critical Roles
Must be normal.
Hearing for All Safety Critical Roles
Hearing loss must not exceed 30db averaged over frequencies 0.5,1 and 2khz.
No conditions likely to cause unpredictable fluctuations in hearing should be present.
Additional Hearing information for Depot Drivers
If a person does not meet the hearing standards, a decision to permit that person to work as a depot driver may be taken by the Occupational Health Physician on an individual basis.
Depot Drivers whose hearing does not reach the above standard, but are assessed by the Occupational Health Physician as fit must have annual hearing reviews.
General Health for All Safety Critical Roles
Applicants should not be suffering from or taking medication likely to cause sudden loss of consciousness, impairment of awareness or concentration, sudden incapacity, impairment of imbalance or co-ordination or significant limitation of mobility.
Body Mass Index (BMI) should not exceed 33.
Additional Restrictions for Mainline Drivers
Applicants who have had an epileptic fit since the age of 5 years would not be suitable for mainline driving.
Insulin dependant diabetics would not be suitable for mainline driving.
