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Rail Worker Equipment

Rail-Worker-Safety Equipment

The EMTRAC system consists of three major components—vehicle equipment, wayside equipment (installed at signal-control cabinets or carried by roadway workers), and the software used to configure and monitor the system.

EMTRAC Worker Equipment

As the number of rail lines through metro areas increase, so does the potential for roadway accidents—and wayside rail workers are often in the most vulnerable locations.

Personal Notification Unit (PNU)

The Personal Notification Unit (PNU) works in conjunction with EMTRAC vehicle and intersection equipment, which is commonly utilized to deliver signal priority for first response and transit vehicles.

By utilizing precise satellite positioning and secure FHSS radio, the EMTRAC Personal Notification Unit (PNU) alerts rail workers when an approaching train is within a specified distance. When the train reaches this distance, the PNU flashes an ultra-bright LED, sounds a pulsed alarm, and/or vibrates to alert the worker of the approaching train.

The PNU may be carried on a belt or in a vest pocket and includes multi-constellation satellite and inertial navigation, a UHF transceiver, and a panic button that enables workers to notify team members of critical situations.

Each PNU has its own ID, which may be assigned based on worker IDs. The PNU logs worker activity, alert details, and the ID and speed of approaching trains. Alerts may also be customized to activate based on the Estimated Time of Arrival (for the train to reach the worker). The PNUs ship with charging components and contains a 12-hour lithium-ion rechargeable battery to ensure reliable operation through work shifts.

Automatic Alerts with the EMTRAC Personal Notification Unit (PNU)

Worker alerts configurable by fixed distance or estimated time-distance (ETA).
Varying alert methods are triggered according to the level of urgency (low, mid, and high). The alert methods include ultra-bright LED flashes, high-volume audible alarm, and/or vibration.
Alert types configurable by scenario. For example, workers who are not adjacent to the tracks may receive mid-level alerts when trains approach their position.
Configurable transmission modes enable administrators to decrease transmission intervals during down times to further extend battery life.
The Central Monitor software enables central personnel to locate worker and train positions with the click of a mouse, view detailed logs of worker and train activity, and receive safety alerts as they occur.

Automatic Alerts with the EMTRAC Personal Notification Unit (PNU)

Ease of Installation & Maintenance: Wireless system requires no in-track switches or circuits and interfaces with existing systems.
Reliability: Wireless communication does not require line-of-sight and has passed testing in some of the most unfavorable environments, including tunnels, depressions, below overpasses, and in pedestrian environments.
Precision: Multi-constellation satellite and inertial positioning provide reliable worker and train locations, while also avoiding unnecessary safety alerts.
Flexibility: Agency personnel have the ability to configure their worker-safety system to match their desired functionality.
Modular Functionality: All of the EMTRAC system applications (such as Transit Signal Priority or the Positive Train Control functions) utilize the same components, so additional capabilities may be added later as schedules or budgets allow.

Rail Worker Safety

EMTRAC Videos

EMTRAC System video demonstrations of EMTRAC System capabilities, including Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP), Transit Signal Priority (TSP), transit rail safety, vehicle detection, and signal management.