Safety issue

Safety issue description

Sydney Trains internal safety investigation identified similar incidents i.e., where a freight train failed, that were not managed in accordance with the requirements of NTR 432, Protecting activities associated with in-service rail traffic. Recent ATSB investigations also identified examples where the requirements of NTR 432 and NPR 750 were not adequately applied.

Issue number RO-2021-002-SI-01
Issue owner Sydney Trains
Transport function Network Operations
Issue status Closed – Adequately addressed
Date issue released 16/12/2022
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that the safety action undertaken by the operator has resolved this safety issue

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2021-002-PSA-01
Organisation Sydney Trains
Action description

Sydney Trains accepts this safety issue and advises that the following has been undertaken since this incident occurred:

  • SafeTracks 10-2021 was issued immediately following the incident.

  • A communications cue card for signallers and rail traffic crew was developed and distributed

  • A 30 minute e-learning course has been developed and assigned to all signallers, Sydney Trains & NSW TrainLink train crew, Sydney Trains track vehicle operators and contractors (commenced March 2022).

  • A review of the network hazard of instance of worker in path of rail vehicle - protecting activities associated with in service rail traffic - incorrectly implemented / maintained is currently being undertaken.
Action status Closed