Safety issue

Safety issue description

Aurizon did not have measuring equipment available at its Stuart Yard to identify freight loads that were outside the permissible loading profile for transport via rail.
Issue number RO-2021-010-SI-01
Issue owner Aurizon
Transport function Rail: Freight
Issue status Closed – Adequately addressed
Date issue released 07/12/2022
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that the actions already undertaken by Aurizon, and currently being undertaken, will reduce the risk of this safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2021-010-PSA-01
Organisation Aurizon
Action description

In response to the occurrence, Aurizon indicated that it had:

  • conducted a toolbox talk about this occurrence with personnel at the Stuart terminal
  • temporarily suspended the transport of non-standard loads until corrective actions were fully implemented
  • made a 9-ft container available for use as a height gauge at the Stuart terminal
  • implemented ways to alert rail traffic crews of out-of-gauge loading before departing Stuart terminal, including the installation of a passive over-height warning device (jangle bar) as temporary corrective action
  • revised competency assessments for forklift and reach stacker operators
  • developed an audit plan to ensure that risk controls were being implemented.

Aurizon also indicated that it:

  • would undertake further assessment of automated controls to detect out-of-gauge loads
  • would install an access platform at the Stuart terminal to allow inspection of the top of trains
  • had commenced development of a new booking system for use in bulk freight terminals
  • would update the freight management system (A2B) to identify non-standard freight and implement procedures for the identification of non-standard freight
  • would improve the availability of safety documents in terminals and yards
  • would review its loading and securing training and standards.
Action status Closed