Safety issue

Safety issue description

The Train Control System permitted the NCO to set an unviable route for the train and then displayed it as viable. The train control system alarm designed to alert the NCO to the setting of an unviable route was nullified by the absence of gauge detection.

 

 
Issue number RO-2013-027-SI-01
Issue owner Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Transport function Network Operations
Date issue released 13/01/2015
Issue status justification

ATSB believes that the safety action taken by ARTC will adequately address the safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Recommendation
Action number RO-2013-027-SR-076
Organisation Australian Rail Track Corporation
Action date 13/01/2015
Action description

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that ARTC undertake further action to address the risk of directing trains onto incorrect gauge track in dual-gauge territory.
Action status Released

Organisation response

Date received 08/05/2015
Organisation ARTC
Response status Closed
Response text

ARTC have approved the following system safety enhancements:

  • A change to the Phoenix software program to prevent route setting when gauge detection has not been established. Under this condition an alarm will be displayed to the NCO and points on the affected route rendered unavailable for remote operation.
  • Mechanical gauge indicators will be installed to enhance information to train crews by indicating the gauge compatibility of the points setting. The above actions, combined with those previously implemented, will ensure an appropriate level of operational safety during failure conditions.