Rail safety issues and actions
Effects of wind load on rail wagons
| Issue number: | RO-2010-012-SI-01 |
|---|---|
| Who it affects: | All rail operators |
| Issue owner: | Genesee & Wyoming Aust Pty Ltd (GWA) |
| Transport function: | Rail: Rolling stock |
| Background: | Investigation Report RO-2010-012 |
| Issue release date: | 20 December 2011 |
| Current issue status: | Adequately addressed |
|---|---|
| Issue status justification: | Minor safety issue, no further action required, however closed out by GWA |
Safety issue description
Double stacked container wagons are at particular risk of wind induced roll-over. This is a direct relationship of exposed side area, and was therefore probably exacerbated by out of gauge/high loads on some wagons with a large surface area exposed to the gust front.
Proactive Action
| Action number: | RO-2010-012-NSA-014 |
|---|---|
| Action organisation: | Genesee & Wyoming Aust Pty Ltd (GWA) |
| Date: | 20 December 2011 |
| Action status: | Closed |
GWA acknowledges that double stacked container wagons are at a higher risk of wind induced rollover due to the large surface area they present. GWA has considered it’s options in relation to the double stacking of containers and has adopted a loading protocol which is designed to minimise the potential for wind induced rollover by requiring that the heaviest container in any double stacked configuration is loaded on the bottom. This practice is designed to reduce the wagon/loading centre of gravity to levels that are as low as reasonably practicable.
ATSB comment:
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is satisfied that the action proposed by Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd will adequately address the safety issue.