Safety issue

Safety issue description

Pacific National's training course for the loading and securing of freight, and their verification of competency checks for inspection staff, did not include the Freight Loading Manual requirements for non-standard and modified containers.
Issue number RO-2018-010-SI-02
Issue owner Pacific National Pty Ltd
Transport function Rail: Freight
Date issue released 31/03/2020
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that Pacific National has developed and implemented processes to ensure that terminal operators are trained in, and practice their Freight Loading Manual requirements.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2018-NSA-023
Organisation Pacific National Pty Ltd.
Action date 31/03/2020
Action description

Safety action taken:

Pacific National have indicated that they have undertaken the following safety actions relating to this issue:

  • Trialling a change to their transport management system, which triggers mandatory checks by Pacific National inspectors at any terminal where a non-standard or modified container enters.
  • Updated training and checking packages CC395 (formerly PNE0001) ‘Basic Freight – Load and secure freight’, and verification of competence for train inspection (VOCFX), to include detail in relation to the Freight Loading Manual (FLM) requirements for non-standard or modified containers and container door security.
  • Developed and implemented an online course for the FLM as part of the awareness of the freight loading manual module. The course is required for employees identified with load securing responsibility and available to all relevant employees, customers and third party loading operators.
Action status Closed