Safety issue

Safety issue description

ARTC's network rules did not provide suitable guidance to assess continued safe operation when responding to track circuit faults. Additionally, the network rules permitting signals to be passed at Stop did not require a reduction in speed when the condition of the track was unknown.

Issue number RO-2019-010-SI-03
Issue owner Australian Rail Track Corporation
Transport function Rail: Infrastructure
Date issue released 07/05/2020

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2019-010-NSA-004
Organisation Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Action date 07/05/2020
Action description

Safety action taken: ARTC has advised that they are currently trialling a process to assist when responding to track circuit faults.

ATSB response

The ATSB notes that ARTC has implemented a trial for responding to track circuit faults, but this does not contain any references to a reduction in speeds if continuing operation.

Action status Released