Drawing on extensive consultations with safety professionals from across the light rail sector, comprehensive guidance on the management of workplace medical fitness for tram drivers has now been published.

The latest guidance document from the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board covers best practice, current legislation, and risk assessments from operators in light rail and related sectors.

It also provides vital information on assessing the medical suitability of employees responsible for operating a vehicle, and on employers’ responsibility for measures to ensure appropriate testing and screening.

Mark Ashmore, Safety Assurance Manager at the LRSSB, said: “We are delighted to make this document available after receiving comprehensive, positive feedback from industry experts and operators.

“The guidance offers advice based on goal-setting principles as good practice, rather than setting a mandatory industry standard, and is largely based on existing risk assessments and the broad experience of those working in light rail and similar environments.”

The new document, designated LRG11.0 Medical Fitness, also recommends that the minimal level of fitness required to drive a tram should be at least equal to that required to operate a Passenger Service Vehicle (Group 2 driving licence medical standard).

LRG11.0 is available on the LRSSB website here.