Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The risk controls used by Pacific National to address the greater risk of failure posed by 154 mm barrel diameter (NB) axles did not provide the best opportunity to ensure the removal of axle barrel damage capable of initiating a crack or to ensure axles with growing cracks were removed from service prior to failure. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | RO-2020-001-SI-01 |
| Issue owner | Pacific National |
| Transport function | Rail: Freight |
| Issue status | Closed – Adequately addressed |
| Date issue released | 30/06/2026 |
| Issue status justification |
The ATSB acknowledges that removal of all NB axles from service had eliminated the risk of an NB axle failure. |
| Issue finalisation date | 15/08/2024 |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | RO-2023-001-PSA-261 |
| Organisation | Pacific National |
| Action date | 20/06/2024 |
| Action description |
On 20 June 2024, Pacific National made the decision to phase out all NB axles. Pacific National advised that it had completed replacement of the NB axles by 15 August 2024. |
| Action status | Closed |