Safety issue

Safety issue description

The wheel inspection processes prior to the failure of locomotive wheel L4 on SCT 008 were not effective in detecting surface damage or cracks
Issue number RO-2011-009-SI-01
Issue owner SCT Logistics
Transport function Rail: Freight
Date issue released 03/07/2013

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2011-009-NSA-024
Organisation SCT Logistics
Action date 03/07/2013
Action description

To improve detection of surface damage and cracking of wheels fitted to the SCT class of locomotive, SCT has advised the following actions:

  • Increase the level of visual inspections at wheel turning and during scheduled maintenance intervals, principally for evidence of impact damage.
  • Perform ultrasonic testing at each wheel machining after travelling 400,000 km, principally for evidence of cracking .
  • Where integral ultrasonic testing facilities are not available at wheel machining facilities, testing should start after midlife of the wheel when risk of wheel cracking increases.
ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by SCT Logistics addresses this safety issue.
Action status Closed