Wearing a Hi-Viz

[ukrob]

Just remember that not all people who wear high viz while taking photographs are "tossers" and there maybe a reason why said person is wearing a high viz.

Something to remember when making blanket assumptions??

I know that comment was not aimed at be, but I'm struggling to think of an example where someone who is not trespassing and not mis-using a crossing would need to wear a hi viz to take a photo?

 

[73110]

Just remember that not all people who wear high viz while taking photographs are "tossers" and there maybe a reason why said person is wearing a high viz.

Something to remember when making blanket assumptions??

I am not convinced. Give us a couple of examples........

 

[GB]

Your right, its not aimed at anyone specfically, more of a comment to keep the topic flowing

My thinking was more in line with rail staff on duty who also take pictures. On numerous occassions I have been on duty waiting for my train at the end of a platform (or other railway related area) taking photos while wearing an HV jacket. The point being of course that to some I may look like one of those "tossers" who wears HV clothing while taking photos, but in actual fact have a legitmate reason for doing so.

 

[73110]

I agree with that mate but you would be wearing a HV branded with your TOC. A spotter wouldn't.

 

[GB]

True enough, but you would be hard pressed to see the lettering on some jackets at some distance away...Ie me at the end of the platform and others halfway down, particulary if Im facing you.

 

[Aictos]

You have to have one in France, they brought the law in a couple of years ago IIRC.

It's also the law in Spain as well, I went over there staying with friends and we were discussing the legal requirement differences between Spain and the UK.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

It's not the photographers that keep themesleves to themselves that bothers me, I'm quite happy to help and answer any questions. It's the ones that go round as if they own the place instructing me on what to do. Most of the latter, I've noticed, tend to wear H/V.

 

[Old Timer]

Well speaking as Railway Staff, any "enthusiasts" I find walking around off the public area wearing HV Vests will be reported to the Police in accordance with standing instructions.

They have no right to be there and wearing HV clothing is indicative if suspicious activity.

By the way certain parts of the network are under covert surveillance by the Police anyway so be warned.

 

[142094]

The guidelines have been mentioned before, so I'd go along with those. I understand where the OP is coming from but still if you were wearing a hi-viz near a line, drivers will obviosuly get confused, especially if there are no posted track works in the area. As an aside, isn't it now policy for all over hi-viz clothing to be worn on the track (including trousers?)

At York I've been told off by a security guard for "being in the line of sight of a signal" when I clearly wasn't. However I did point out that he was wearing a hi-viz which would distract a driver. He didn't say anything. But of course everyone form cyclists to builders wear a hi-viz on a platform, yet you very rarely see them being pulled up about it.

 

[D107]

A simple rule of thumb could be interpreted as;

• Are you entitled to be there? Yes/No
• If entitled, is there a requirement to wear PPE? Yes/No

Waiting by a crossing, in a place of safety, I still say no to HV.

 

[Death]

Hail!
Just posting my brief opinion on the matter just for old times sake.

When photographing trains say at a crossing, would it be a sensible idea to wear an orange hi-viz vest?
And if so would you not get mistaken for a member of Network Rail then be expected to signal back to the driver (who should have sounded their horn) ?

As others have said, wearing an Orange hi-vis vest anywhere near the railway is an absolute no-no unless ye are:

1. A member of staff who is fully track-competant (With licence, or track accustomed and under supervision) and is on railway property in the course of their duties, OR
2. Not a member of railway staff, but is on the network with full written permission, consent and knowlege of NR and/or the relevant TOC, and is formally supervised whilst within (Or has competancy certification for) any areas to which the public do not normally have access.

In short, I would not recommend wearing an orange hi-vis anywhere near the railway unless ye have formal consent from NR/a TOC to do so.

If ye wish to be more visible with a view to health and safety and better sighting by drivers though, I can't see any problem with wearing a normal green hi-vis - These are widely available to the general public and are perfectly legal to wear for the purposes of improving visability.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should never attempt to go anywhere which is not public property for the purposes of photting. The highway side of an LC barrier or gate (Or on the outside of a fence) is perfectly fine, but sitting on any part of railway property bar station platforms is most likely tresspass, and potentially dangerous too.

I personally just think you want to confuse the driver and want them to sound the horn. Why would you need a hi-viz at a crossing? Most pedestrians seem to cross just fine. You will be on the correct side of the barriers therefore you have no need to wear one.

I was at Grindleford a couple of weeks ago, standing on the road bridge for a bit and watching the trains pass by. I waved the drivers of both trains that I saw (Using a friendly wave cum salute, the sort that bus drivers often give one another and nothing silly like the oft-seen "chain pull") and both gave a short toot back...Which I took as a friendly "hello". Now that sort of action isn't considered unfavourable or unwise on the railways, is it?

 

[spoony]

Dear me. Dont say that or some of the thought police police on here will be after you!

 

[GB]

As an aside, isn't it now policy for all over hi-viz clothing to be worn on the track (including trousers?)

Yes, but from what I have been told, this does not include TOC or FOC staff. However everyone is required to wear a hard hat and safety shoes when they are on or near the line aswell.

 

[HSTfan!!!]

Something that I find ironic is that railway staff (platforms - not infrastructure) try hard not to wear the hivi unless their duties require it!

because pax are less likely to know who you are as soon as you do the hi vis, it's questions galore, which can be a pain if you are trying to get to somewhere urgently i.e. having to pass urgent messages to a driver etc.

 

[asylumxl]

So if a photographer is by the line side, let's say next to a road level crossing, they should not wear a high vis because they may be mistaken for Railway Staff?

It's not the trains i'd be worried about. More about being run down by a car.

Nowhere in his original post did he say it was a foot crossing. So I've got to agree with GB that it's not good to make blanket statements.

Now, I know I've come across as a tosser in many of my posts, but when I'm usually wearing a high vis while photographing, I'm behind a concrete barrier with cars passing at speed only a few feet away. We take H&S very seriously, and liability insurance is compulsory.

Now, let's be adults and admit to aiming statements at me, but when I replied to the original post, I was far more worried about cars than trains as he had not said it was a foot crosing.

 

[adamp]

Anyway everyone I think the question has been answered now thanks chaps!