Safety issue

Safety issue description

The ATSB investigation was unable to substantiate the reported observations of the train crew without having an independent source of data, such as forward facing video on train 5BM7.

Issue number RO-2013-013-SI-01
Issue owner Aurizon
Transport function Rail: Other
Date issue released 05/03/2014
Issue status justification

The actions proposed by Aurizon and the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) should adequately address this safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Safety advisory notice
Action number RO-2013-013-SAN-031
Organisation All rail operators
Action date 05/03/2014
Action description

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau encourages rail operators to consider the use of independent data validation systems, such as forward facing video on trains, to provide a source of information to assist with coming to an understanding of rail occurrence events, such as signal irregularities.

Action status Released

Organisation response

Date received 05/03/2014
Organisation Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board
Response text

The Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) have advised that:

The RISSB will encourage its membership and the wider rail industry to adopt the use of independent data validation systems, such as forward facing video on trains, to assist with coming to a better understanding of rail occurrence events, such as signal irregularities. Further, RISSB will actively communicate this intent through its regular Safety Management Group meetings, in conjunction with the ATSB.

ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the actions proposed by the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) will assist in adequately addressing this safety issue across the rail industry.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Organisation Aurizon
Action date 05/03/2014
Action description

Aurizon advised that:

Aurizon currently has forward facing cameras on approx 8.5% of its locomotive fleet. These are located on numerous 5020, 6020, 6006, 4400 and 4300 Class Locos. Aurizon, with all new purchases, takes into consideration all available technology that may suit the application of the equipment. It is likely Aurizon will continue to add this type of technology to all new locomotive fleet purchases.

ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the action proposed by Aurizon will adequately address this safety issue.

Action status Monitor