Our customer spotlight series places a focus firmly on our clients and partners leveraging Tended's geofencing technology and the inspiring work they're doing to improve safety on our railways.
SPL Powerlines is the UK’s leading provider of electrical solutions for rail infrastructure, specialising in overhead Catenary System (OCS), and High Voltage Traction and Non-Traction Power Supply (HV). They support businesses, tier 1 contractors, communities and the public sector by delivering sustainable trdansportation, infrastructure and energy solutions across the UK.
Safety is at the heart of SPL Powerlines’ operations. The company takes a proactive approach, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward accidents and fostering a strong safety-first culture. This is reinforced by initiatives such as their 60 Seconds safety check and 12 Golden Health & Safety Rules. They also leverage innovative technology, such as geofencing, to help reduce risks to workers on trackside projects.
Since 2023, SPL Powerlines has been using Tended’s geofencing technology for various rail projects across England and Scotland to support the safe and efficient management of worksites. And recently, Tended’s system has been used by SPL Powerlines’ teams during a major £140 m engineering project to electrify the railway between East Kilbride and Hairmyres near the Busby, Clarkston and Giffnock stations.
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East Kilbride enhancement project
In January 2025, major disruptive engineering works began in Scotland with teams working to install new infrastructure needed to power electric trains as part of a £140 m investment by the Scottish Government. Conducted over 16 weeks, SPL Powerlines were the principal contractor for this blockade, working alongside various other rail contractors embedded in the delivery of Scotland’s Railway, including Siemens, QTS, AmcoGiffen and Story Contracting.
Throughout these 16 weeks, over 100 of Tended’s geofencing devices were utilised to enhance track worker safety and improve worksite visibility. Specifically, Tended’s system was applied fo
- Giving the Engineering Supervisor (ES) improved worksite visibility, helping them to make better, faster and more informed decisions.
- Monitoring the movement of on-track plant (OTP) around the site, helping to reduce the risk of safety incidents involving moving assets
- Safel access and egress over 100 engineering trains in and out of the worksite
- Ensuring precise placement of protection equipment such as worksite marker boards (WSMBs) and possession limit boards (PLBs) in line with planned locations, helping to prevent protection irregularities.
Recently, we visited the worksite at East Kilbride to catch up with SPL Powerlines’ ES Derek O’Reilly to discuss just how geofencing is improving the way they safely manage projects.
Watch the video to learn more:
Looking ahead
The East Kilbride enhancement project is just one example of how Tended is working with SPL Powerlines to set new standards in rail safety through innovation and collaboration. By embracing geofencing technology, they have not only improved visibility and control of assets on complex worksites but also reinforced their commitment to enhancing the safety of their workforce.
Looking to the future, SPL Powerlines and Tended are continuing to work together to bring advanced safety solutions to rail projects across the UK. With a shared vision for safer trackside projects, this partnership will play a key role in shaping the next generation of railway operations.
