Collision survivability – locomotive

Aurizon has undertaken an access and egress compliance program, which was focused on ensuring its locomotive fleet met the revised requirements detailed in AS7522 and associated standards. The work was structured into 2 phases. The process was undertaken by collaboration between engineering and business unit personnel to ensure alignment and standardisation of solutions. As multiple locomotive classes and different business units are involved, based on the priority list, multiple stages of the process were undertaken simultaneously. 

The first phase involved gap analysis between the old and new AS 7522 Access & Egress Standard to identify the changes and understand the new requirements. Each class of locomotive was audited to identify compliance gaps. Once the compliance gaps were determined, engineering developed high-level solutions and indicative costings to carry out the work. These solutions were presented with recommendations to affected business units for endorsements. This provided a correlation between design, approval and implementation which would expedite the process. Once the desired solution was agreed and approval for the proposed solution was received, the program moved into Phase 2: Implementation.

Phase 2 was to develop a detailed engineering solution. Using Aurizon’s management of change system, the locomotive class solutions will go through a trial then installation process to ensure the solution is completed and fit for purpose while meeting the compliance requirements.

While in-service fleet auditing is still underway, the first 3 priority groups have been completed, which covered 12 locomotive classes, including the 2800 class locomotives. 

Specifically, for the 2800 class: 

• The windscreen design has been finalised, and locomotive aperture design modifications are underway to accommodate the new pop out windscreens. Prototype fit up commencement expected mid-June 2026, with rollout commencement expected October 2026.
• The detailed design phase for the emergency lighting is progressing and prototype light fittings received. It is intended to have standalone independent battery‑powered emergency lighting, which will automatically turn on when main batteries are no longer available or become disconnected, emergency lighting to remain for an extended period as per Standard requirements. Prototype fit up commencement expected August 2026, and rollout commencement expected November 2026. 
• Side windows and mirrors are to be modified to ensure the side windows meet the requirements of an emergency exit, currently in detailed design phase. Prototype fit up commencement expected mid-June 2026 and rollout commencement expected mid‑July 2026.
• Suitable portable ladders are to be available on all locomotives to assist in the safe egress from the locomotive cab when required, currently in the detailed design phase. Prototype fit up commencement expected mid-June 2026 and rollout commencement expected mid-July 2026.

Windscreen prototype fit up has also been completed for the FQ class locomotive, with rollout commencement expected in June 2026. Prototype windows are also in fabrication for the GWA class, with an expected fit up date in July 2026 and rollout commencement expected in October 2026.