The Downs Light Railway is a fully working light railway. Safety is absolutely paramount with all our activities. This page outlines the personal protective equipment requirements for all participants involved in the operation and maintenance of the railway. Accredited equipment ensures adequate protection. This is a mandatory and non-negotiable requirement for taking part in the Trust's activities on the Downs Light Railway. Parents, legal guardians, and youth leaders must ensure that the young people under their care have the correct safety equipment to avoid being turned away.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact safety@DLRTrust.co.uk.

Inherent fire retardant and anti-static coveralls must be worn by all young people and adults engaged in our activities. The Downs Light Railway Trust is the sole stockist of appropriate coveralls for children under 14-years of age.

Coveralls must be accredited to BS EN ISO 11611:2015 and/or BS EN ISO 11612:2015 (protection from flames, molten metal, radiant heat, and short term accidental contact). It is desirable that they are also accredited to BS EN ISO 11611:2015 (protection from electrical hazards), BS EN 1149-3:2004 and BS EN 1149-5:2018 (protection from electrostaic properties).

Shoes / boots with toe and mid sole protection must be worn by all young people and adults engaged in our activities. Shoes are readily available in sizes down to 7-years of age.

Footware must be accredited to BS EN ISO 20345:2011, Safety Rating SB (Toe Cap Impact Resistance) + P (Penetration Resistance).

Abrasion, cut, impact and puncture resistant gloves must be worn by all young people and adults engaged in all activities. Standard rigging gloves should be worn for general activities, while mechanical hazard gloves should be worn for workshop activities.

Gloves must be accredited to BS EN 388:2016+A1:2018

We recommend a resistance level of at least 3.1.3.3 for rigging gloves and 4.1.2.2 for mechanical hazard gloves.

First segment: Abrasion Resistance (level 1 to 4)
Second segment: Cut Resistance (level 1 to 5)
Third segment: Tear Resistance (level 1 to 4)
Fourth segment: Puncture Resistance (level 1 to 4)

Conditions that limit the physical ability or mental ability and concentration of participants, must be brought to the attention of the Trust's staff. This also applies to visual and hearing impediments.

Due to the associated risks with operating locomotives and machinery, our staff are obligated to perform a risk assessment and establish an accessibility plan.