Safety issue

Safety issue description

The ultrasonic testing regime was not effective in consistently identifying corrosion and wasting of the rail web at unsealed level crossings.
Issue number RO-2013-010-SI-02
Issue owner Speno
Transport function Rail: Infrastructure
Date issue released 29/04/2015
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by Speno has increased the effectiveness of its ultrasonic inspection of corrosion defects in rail at unsealed level crossings. 

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2013-010-NSA-094
Organisation Speno
Action date 29/04/2015
Action description

Speno has undertaken safety actions to improve the effectiveness of its ultrasonic inspection of rail at unsealed level crossings. Capability improvements include the introduction of procedures for the identification of corroded rail at level crossings, and associated staff training. Specific procedural inclusions to enhance detection of deteriorated rail include:

  • A reduced test vehicle speed of five km/h for testing at level crossings
  • Criteria and protocol for re-inspection in the case of any identified discontinuities
  • Criteria and protocol for follow-up hand testing and engineering inspection
  • Enhanced reporting requirements.
Action status Closed