Safety issue

Safety issue description

West Coast Wilderness Railway had not considered all of the risks associated with the operation of road-rail vehicles on the steep railway. As a result, documented operational procedures had not been developed and locations where vehicles could be safely on/off railed had not been defined.
Issue number RO-2013-014-SI-01
Issue owner West Coast Wilderness Railway
Transport function Network Operations
Date issue released 15/08/2013
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken by West Coast Wilderness Railway and the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator address this safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Safety advisory notice
Action number RO-2013-014-SAN-011
Organisation All road rail vehicle operators
Action date 15/08/2013
Action description

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that all road rail vehicle operators should consider the risks associated with railing road rail vehicles on an incline and take action where considered appropriate.
Action status Closed

Organisation response

Organisation Office of National Rail Safety Regulator
Response status Closed
Response text

The Office of National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) advised that it is raising the awareness of operators with respect to road-rail vehicle safety. The ONRSR issued a Safety Bulletin in August 2013 and has conducted a series of workshops with industry across New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia.

Further details are available on the following web address: www.onrsr.com.au/safety-improvement/roadrail-vehicle-safety

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2013-014-NSA-002
Organisation West Coast Wilderness Railway
Action date 15/08/2013
Action description

The West Coast Wilderness Railway has advised the ATSB that they have:

  • Reviewed their risk register in relation to the operation of road-rail vehicles.
  • Reviewed ISMS manuals – systems, rolling stock and infrastructure for operation and training for road-rail vehicles operations.
  • Developed procedures (operations manual) governing the operation of road-rail vehicles including on/off tracking and vehicle operation.
  • Initiated a new training and assessment program for personnel customised around West Coast Wilderness Railway operations and procedures.
  • Implemented a requirement for all West Coast Wilderness Railway operators to receive the new training and be reassessed in road-rail vehicle operations on the network.
  • Begun implementing a road-rail vehicle procurement and selection program, procedure and vehicle compliance checklist.
  • Reviewed rail conditions.
  • Reviewed all road-rail vehicle on/off tracking locations.
  • Upgraded the VHF radio system
  • Considered providing ‘Spot Track’ GPS based emergency contact system.
ATSB response

West Coast Wilderness was advised in the preliminary report that the ATSB will continue to monitor these and any further safety actions initiated to address this safety issue.
Action status Closed

Safety action

Action type Recommendation
Action number RO-2013-014-SR-010
Organisation West Coast Wilderness Railway
Action date 15/08/2013
Action description

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that West Coast Wildness Railway undertake further work to address the risks associated with railing road-rail vehicles on an incline.
Action status Closed

Organisation response

Organisation West Coast Wilderness Railway
Response status Closed
Response text

The West Coast Wilderness Railway reviewed and updated their risk register, included with respect to managing hazards associated with the operation of road-rail vehicles on steep grades. The changes were developed in consultation with the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator.
ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the West Coast Wilderness Railway has addressed the safety recommendation. As a result of this safety recommendation the ATSB has issued a safety advisory notice to all operators of road-rail vehicles.