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Home > About us > Jobs > Job profiles > Train Driver > Safety critical statement

Safety critical statement

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. Subject to Railway Group Standard.

Some management roles may also be deemed as safety critical, and this will be indicated on the role profiles when advertised.

Specific medical restrictions

Some job specifications are quite technical; however, your GP or optician should be able to provide you with an explanation of the terms below. Alternatively if you require further information you can contact our Occupational Health Department on 020 7620 5373.

Eyesight requirements 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

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Additional eyesight information for Mainline Drivers

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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  

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Colour vision for all safety critical roles
  • Must be normal

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Hearing requirements 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

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Additional restrictions for Mainline Drivers

Applicants who have had an epileptic fit since the age of five years would not be suitable for mainline train driving. Insulin-dependant diabetics would not be suitable for mainline train drivers.

 

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