Safety issue

Safety issue description

Examination of wagon RCPF31882C revealed a crack on the tread of a wheel on the second axle of the leading bogie. While not contributing to this derailment, if the crack were to develop to such an extent that the wheel tread completely fractured, the risk of derailment would increase significantly.

Issue number RO-2008-009-SI-03
Issue owner Pacific National
Date issue released 21/12/2009

Safety action

Action type Safety recommendation
Action number RO-2008-009-SR-031
Organisation Pacific National
Action description

Examination of wagon RCPF-31882C revealed a crack on the tread of a wheel on the second axle of the leading bogie. While not contributing to this derailment, if the crack were to develop to such an extent that the wheel tread completely fractured, the risk of derailment would increase significantly. The ATSB recommends that the Pacific National Pty Ltd should address this safety issue.

Action status Closed - Action Taken

Organisation response

Date received 14/05/2010
Organisation Pacific National
Response text

PNL has train examination procedures in place for these items. It is also included in the new version of the Pacific National Wagon Pocket Field Manual.  

ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the intended action by PNL would adequately address the safety issue.