Safety issue

Safety issue description

The procedures for locomotive inspection and maintenance were not effective at identifying and addressing continuing fuel leakage problems on this type of fuel filter assembly.
Issue number RO-2014-010-SI-01
Issue owner Pacific National and Downer EDI Rail
Transport function Rail: Rolling stock
Date issue released 31/10/2014
Issue status justification

PN/DEDI have increased the inspection requirements to address the mode of failure by the clevis.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2014-010-NSA-002
Organisation Pacific National and Downer EDI Rail
Action date 31/10/2014
Action description

As a result of this occurrence, Pacific National, in conjunction with Downer EDI Rail advised that the following safety actions have been implemented:

  • An immediate inspection of all locomotives fitted with the sight glass arrangement to ensure clevis assemblies conform with OEM specifications and requirements
  • A best practice review and various amendments to the current maintenance procedures which has increased the inspection requirements for the clevis and clevis bolts. Included are additional requirements to inspect for the following:
    • Bending in at the base of the sight glass clevis
    • Worn clevis bolts
    • Elongation of clevis bolt locating holes
    • Fracture of sight glass clevis
    • Worn thread on the sight glass thumb screw
    • Correct alignment of the clevis bolts in the aperture of the fuel filter assembly
  • An audit of its current stock of clevis bolts to ensure conformance to OEM specifications
  • Improved sight glass clevis tightening procedures.
ATSB response

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is satisfied that the actions taken by PN and DEDIR address this safety issue.
Action status Closed