Type 1 Diabetes on the footplate.

Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether type 1 diabetes would forbid me from volunteering on a heritage railway as footplate crew. I understand that it will forbid me from driving the locomotive but would be happy still as a cleaner, with the aim of progressing to passed cleaner/fireman. I am awaiting a response from said railway with regards to it and have searched the Internet (the only result of which doesn't give me much hope). Many thanks. Chris

If they're anything like the line I work on, you'll probably find they have a requirement for a medical for anyone working in safety critical positions. Generally, it's very similar to that required by HGV drivers and is either done by a suitably qualified medical officer or GP.

Churchill012 said:

Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether type 1 diabetes would forbid me from volunteering on a heritage railway as footplate crew. I understand that it will forbid me from driving the locomotive but would be happy still as a cleaner, with the aim of progressing to passed cleaner/fireman. I am awaiting a response from said railway with regards to it and have searched the Internet (the only result of which doesn't give me much hope). Many thanks. Chris

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Any safety critical staff have to have a medical. That covers firemen every bit as much as drivers.
I've known people at the preserved railway I volunteer for have to come off the footplate when they became insulin dependent diabetics. The best advice is for you to contact the railway you're interested in, and ask them directly.
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PFX said:

If they're anything like the line I work on, you'll probably find they have a requirement for a medical for anyone working in safety critical positions. Generally, it's very similar to that required by HGV drivers and is either done by a suitably qualified medical officer or GP.

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My first preserved railway medical was with the then BR doctor in York, in 198x. With a big smile, he passed me fit for 125 mph running. Never expected that I would be doing just that a few years later!

Many thanks for the replies. I have been told my query has been passed to the relative department and awaiting a response. Im not holding any hopes up if I'm honest as all signs point towards a blanket ban on Type 1 diabetes. Dissapointed is an understatement. I would be more than happy if they allowed me to stay as a cleaner with a supervised footplate/improvement turn when possible but understand this would go against the organisation of the department. Thanks again though.

E&W Lucas said:

My first preserved railway medical was with the then BR doctor in York, in 198x. With a big smile, he passed me fit for 125 mph running. Never expected that I would be doing just that a few years later!

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Haha! Even if I could get a job on the real railway here, the top mainline speed is somewhat shy of 125mph. I have to remain content with 15 for the time being.