The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS AFTER APPOINTMENT

3.—(1) Frequency

• Medical examinations (physical fitness) must be taken at least every three years up to the age of 55, thereafter every year.

• In addition to this frequency, a recognised doctor must increase the frequency of examinations if the health of the member of staff so requires.

• Without prejudice to regulation 13 an appropriate medical examination must be carried out when there is reason to doubt that a holder of a train driver’s licence or train driving certificate fulfils the medical requirements set out in paragraph 1.

• Physical fitness must be checked regularly and after any occupational accident or any period of absence following an accident involving persons. A recognised doctor can decide to carry out an additional appropriate medical examination, particularly after a period of at least 30 days' sick leave. The employer must ask a recognised doctor to check the physical fitness of the train driver if the employer had to withdraw the driver from service for safety reasons.

(2) Minimum content of the periodic medical examination

• If the train driver complies with the criteria required for the examination which is carried out before appointment, the periodic examinations must include as a minimum—

  (a)

  a general medical examination,

  (b)

  an examination of sensory functions (vision, hearing, colour perception),

  (c)

  blood or urine tests to detect diabetes mellitus and other conditions as indicated by the clinical examination,

  (d)

  tests for drugs where clinically indicated.

• In addition, an ECG at rest is also required for train drivers over 40 years of age.