Safety issue

Safety issue description

There was probably no independent check of the isolation arrangements installed on the night of 29 November. An earlier internal audit of the project also reported instances of testers in charge checking their own work. 

Issue number RO-2020-020-SI-03
Issue owner Western Program Alliance (includes Alliance member Metro Trains Melbourne)
Transport function Rail: Infrastructure
Issue status Closed – Partially addressed
Date issue released 16/08/2024
Issue status justification

The safety actions undertaken by the Western Program Alliance and Alliance member Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) should reduce the risk associated with this safety issue. The safety issue is categorised as partially addressed due to ongoing safety actions. 

Issue finalisation date 15/08/2024

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2020-020-PSA-272
Organisation Western Program Alliance
Action description

The Alliance advised that it took immediate proactive action by disseminating an MTM bulletin outlining explicit instructions regarding the Test & Commissioning Plan (TCP) and ensuring comprehensive awareness by all Alliance staff through pre-start and toolbox briefings. 

The Alliance advised commitment to implementation of updated and new procedures developed post-incident, particularly those concerning independent checks. Examples of documents developed and implemented since this incident include the Signalling Testing Commissioning Inspection Procedure and the Testing and Commissioning Compliance Inspection Form.

ATSB response

The safety actions undertaken by the Western Program Alliance and Alliance member Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) should reduce the risk associated with this safety issue.  The safety issue is categorised as partially addressed due to ongoing safety actions.

Action status Closed

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2020-020-PSA-273
Organisation Metro Trains Melbourne
Action description

Safety actions taken by Alliance member Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) contribute to addressing this safety issue on WPA projects and are likely to benefit other projects involving MTM. Actions include the updating of the MTM project assurance framework and associated procedures, and active participation in the Signalling Strategy Taskforce. 

ATSB response

The safety actions undertaken by the Western Program Alliance and Alliance member Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) should reduce the risk associated with this safety issue. The safety issue is categorised as partially addressed due to ongoing safety actions.

Action status Closed