The compressible scotch has been designed inconsequence of derailments and near hits caused by human error in use of a conventional scotch blocks. Scotch blocks are used to stop a train from moving whilst the brakes have been disabled normally during planned maintenance and casualty work.

When conventional Scotch blocks solid wood type are inadvertently left under the wheels of a train and it is placed in a motoring mode the train can and does often de-rail. This causes considerable damage and cost not only to the rolling stock but also to track and infrastructure. Even if the train is not derailed the impact of the wheel to rail bounce can cause damage to wheel sets metalastic bushes and track assets again a great cost.

When using the Compressible safety scotch blocks the distance the wheel lifts of the track is drastically reduced and the wheel no-longer jumps of the top of the scotch block. Instead the wheel is constantly in contact with the wooden structure of the scotch whilst the polyethylene foam collapses and shapes to the wheel face Drastically reducing the height travelled by the wheel set reducing the chances of de-railing the wheels.

The scotch was designed to be used on a flat road fitted with the wooden nose in contact with the wheel face. The vibrant colours contrast each other and were chosen for visual impact reducing the chance of the scotch being forgotten. The handle is hollow and designed to deform if driven over to highlight any near hits. The polyethylene foam is resistant to oil solvents and moisture all contributing to a lasting stable shape.