Neither ARTC or PN provided guidance for train crew to respond to extreme wet weather events or floodwater in the rail corridor. There was no guidance for when trains should stop or report if there was water on the track formation, covering the ballast, sleepers or the rail.
Response by Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
ARTC advised it has discussed with Pacific National (PN) investigating improvements to the process covering actions to be taken by train drivers and network controllers, when flood water is observed in the rail corridor, e.g. at what point should a train report, slow or stop. Once completed, ARTC will decide whether to roll out the revised process to all rail operators.
Response by Pacific National (PN)
PN advised that what constitutes a reportable condition in a particular scenario may depend on various factors, and that there may be some difficulty with prescribing what is appropriate in each and every adverse or abnormal scenario (wet weather being just one type of potential condition). Pacific National however supported discussion between Rail Operators and the Network Operator with regards to the development of guidance material to support the CAN network rule. Pacific National indicated that it would be appropriate for the Network Operator to lead such discussions given their overall responsibility for managing the movement of trains by multiple rail operators over the Network in accordance with safeworking procedures, including collating and disseminating timely information (via such methods as warnings and alerts regarding particular conditions) to users of the Network.
ATSB comment
The ATSB welcomes and acknowledges the intention by ARTC and PN to develop improvements to the process covering the actions to be taken by train drivers and network controllers. However, as proposed safety action and a timeline were not provided, the ATSB remains concerned with the resolution of this safety issue. Accordingly, the ATSB issues the following safety recommendations to support both ARTC's and PN’s proposed safety action.
The ATSB is satisfied that the safety actions taken by both ARTC and PN addresses the safety issue and recommendation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Australian Rail Track Corporation develops guidance for train crew to respond to and report extreme wet weather events or floodwater in the rail corridor.
In relation to the safety recommendation, ARTC can confirm that it agrees with the safety recommendation, in whole, and is planning the safety actions required with the outcome of providing “guidance for train crew to respond to and report extreme wet weather events or floodwater in the rail corridor”.
As part of a broader internal response to flooding, ARTC has already commenced consultation with rail operators, operating on the ARTC network, to develop and implement a guideline for the use of rail traffic crews to report extreme wet weather events or floodwater to ARTC Network Control It is anticipated that this guideline will be implemented towards the end of the 2023 calendar year.
ARTC will notify you once the extreme wet weather guidelines are produced and ready for implementation.
ARTC looks forward to further improving the safety of its network from flooding and other extreme wet weather events.
ARTC established an internal working internal working committee comprising representatives from the Safety, Operations, and Engineering management teams from across the business to develop the reporting criteria and related responses outlined in the guideline. This resulted in a proposed guideline that is simple, straightforward and flexible to be applied across ARTC’s network in alignment with the reporting and responding requirements for conditions affecting the ARTC Rail Network as mandated by the respective Network Rules & Procedures.
A collaborative approach with key stakeholders, including rail operators, ensured that their valuable feedback was incorporated into the guideline. Open communication was maintained with all key stakeholders, including regular updates and notifications of significant milestones.
Risk assessments associated with the introduction of the guidelines were systematically carried out to proactively manage potential risks and promptly resolve issues raised. To ensure effective communication of the guidelines, a briefing document was provided to Rail Operators and an online e-learning package were developed. This e-learning resource is designed to educate rail traffic crew and network controllers on the requirements, aiding in their understanding, and tracking completion.
The guideline for rail traffic crew reporting in Extreme Wet Weather and Flooding was published on ARTC’s intranet at the end of October 2023. This was notified through a Train/SAFE notice to Rail Operators, who are responsible for briefing rail traffic crew and to ensure they undertake the e-learning package by the end of the calendar year.
The ATSB is satisfied that the safety actions taken by ARTC addresses the safety issue and recommendation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Pacific National develops guidance for train crew to respond to and report extreme wet weather events or floodwater in the rail corridor.
Pacific National partially accepts the Safety Recommendation. Whilst, as set out further below, Pacific National is committed to giving effect to the Safety Recommendation, Pacific National notes that:
In order to give effect to the Safety Recommendation, Pacific National will:
The ATSB acknowledged Pacific National's partial acceptance of the Safety Recommendation and proposed actions to address the recommendation. The ATSB will continue to monitor the progress of the actions to address the recommendation.
Pacific National advised that it had developed a training package for Train Crew to support its response and reporting of extreme wet weather and flooding.
Pacific National advised that 47 per cent (858) of its train drivers had completed the training module and the rollout was continuing.
The ATSB is satisfied that the safety actions taken by Pacific National and on-going training rollout addresses the safety issue and recommendation.
