Over the past month, a cross-function team from Cemex’s Rail UK Supply Team, Site Managers and UK Security along with Network Rail and the British Transport Police, have been undertaking an audit of our 12 Rail depot sites across the UK.

Cemex sites can be vulnerable to unauthorised access and with as many as four security breaches at various Cemex sites over a six-week period, the audits aimed to assess how exposed to trespass risk our sites are. The team were looking for examples of good practice of secure boundaries, that can then be shared across other sites, as well as areas for improvement.

The site audit has now been completed and an action plan is now being consolidated. Additionally, as it was recognised as such a valuable project, the Supply Chain team are planning to enter the project in the MPA awards at the end of this month.

Examples of risks to Rail depots, Cemex staff and the trespassers include theft of materials, damage to property, failure to follow protocol by GB Rail Freight leading to unauthorised access and tampering with locos and wagons.

The Audit team found some great examples of best practice, such as sites at Barking, Luton and Rugby where Palisade boundary fences were effective and in good condition, at Salford and Sheffield where the gate at the rail head effectively separates Cemex site from the mainline.

Some examples of improvements include additional ‘authority’ signage at point of rail ownership change; increased use of derailer equipment; an innovative plan to adopt chocks for use of stabilised locos and wagons; repair of damages boundary fences; trimming back foliage from around warning signs; closing gaps between fence and gates at level crossings; additional anti-trespass and CCTV signage; installing CCTV.

Following completion of the consolidated report, next steps for the team will include implementing quick wins where possible, sharing best practice with Site Managers and long-term planning for the larger security improvements.