At about 0840 on Wednesday 4 August 2010 a safeworking incident
occurred within the Junee station yard limits when a locomotive was
moved from one road to another without authority while a Track
Occupancy Authority (TOA) was in force. No injuries or damage
resulted.
The investigation identified the following:
- non-conformances to the rules in regard to communication by the
train drivers and protection of the fixed worksite - deficiencies in the rules relating to lines of communication
and protection of infrastructure booked out of service.
The investigation concluded that it was unlikely the safeworking
incident would have resulted in a breach of the worksite at Junee
station yard.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Australian Rail Track Corporation take action to address this safety issue.
Significant safety IssueRule ANWT 304 does not stipulate that the Protection Officer must inform all persons or work groups who may be within the boundaries of a Track Occupancy Authority of its existence. This is regardless of whether or not these persons or work groups fit the definition of 'work parties' or 'workers'.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that RailCorp take action to address this safety issue.
Significant safety IssueRule NWT 304 does not stipulate that the Protection Officer must inform all persons or work groups who may be within the boundaries of a Track Occupancy Authority of its existence. This is regardless of whether or not these persons or work groups fit the definition of 'work parties' or 'workers'.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the Australian Rail Track Corporation should consider the implications of this safety issue and take action where considered appropriate
Minor safety IssueThe NSW rules and procedures do not clearly address the requirements relating to protection of 'out of service' track infrastructure.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the Australian Rail Track Corporation should consider the implications of this safety issue and take action where considered appropriate.
Minor safety IssueThe current TOA form (ANRF 002) does not allow the user to record details of protection measures enacted or whether all persons or work groups within the boundaries of the Track Occupancy Authority have been informed of its existence.