Concern regarding driver training for an upgraded/altered section of track at [Location]
The reporter advises that a section of track at [Location] has recently been upgraded as part of the level crossing removal works. The reporter states that the track section is a grade separation, involving a new station with downhill gradients on approach from both directions, minor repositioning of a signal and the conversion of some signals from an automatic type to a home type signal.
Following a Route Risk Assessment (RRA), [Operator] determined that the combination of the acknowledgement of the train services document and a cab video were adequate training to mitigate any risks for drivers operating trains over the altered track section.
The reporter is concerned that despite the RRA determining a cab video was required as part of the training requirements for drivers, this was not made available until four days after the track was opened, meaning drivers operating this section of track for 4 days had not received the appropriate training tools deemed necessary by [Operator's] own risk assessment to mitigate the risks of the altered line, yet had been driving on this track, with passengers, regardless.
The reporter states there were no additional risk controls put in place to assist drivers with identifying and responding to risks and hazards of the altered line. The reporter states they were not confident they were adequately informed of the risks of the newly altered track section after reading the booklet provided, and the RRA was not readily available. When the RRA was requested, it was difficult to obtain.
The reporter states that concerns around driver training have previously been raised in 2019, after [Operator] determined drivers were deemed competent on altered sections of track, despite drivers stating they were not confident in the threats and mitigating controls of the track. The ATSB confirms this concern was reported (by a different reporter) to REPCON in December 2019. RR2019-00050 refers.
The reporter advises that in 2019 [Operator] laid out a minimum standard for its process in evaluating, creating and delivering driver training in regard to new or upgraded sections; however, these processes appear not have been followed 3 years later. The reporter is concerned that these types of issues will continue in future track upgrades unless [Operator] implements a more transparent and robust process.
A RRA summary report for the level crossing removal project at [Location] was completed to summarise a workshop held on [date]. The workshop was held in accordance with the requirements of [Operator's] procedures and included various train driver representatives including principal drivers, on the job trainers, training officers and driver subject matter experts.
The accepted controls associated with the project change for train driver readiness were a route booklet and a post-commissioning route video (described in the Risk Assessment Summary report as Cab video – post-commissioning).
Other controls implemented to ensure the safety of train operations, train drivers and passengers as part of this project change include the removal of the level crossing, compliance with signalling and track design standards, safe braking overlaps, signalling system design and signal sighting requirements.
Due to the nature (risks associated) of the level crossing removal, no training (transfer of a new skill) was required for train drivers prior to operating across the section. This is because the changes resulted in an improvement in safety risk to train operations, train drivers and passengers by the removal of the level crossing. The risk assessment process also determined that a competent train driver could operate on the route with the provision of a route booklet to familiarise themselves with the changes. The main reason for this being that the existing signals remained in their current position and the station and platforms were not moved in a horizontal direction, i.e. the platforms were lowered in the current position.
The cab video identified by the reporter was not required to be viewed by drivers prior to operating over the route post-removal of the level crossing. This video is provided to drivers as reference and by the nature of being a post-commissioning video of the change, it is not a prerequisite.
The reporter, as with all other train drivers, is able to raise concerns with their line manager, principal drivers, training officers or on-the-job trainers if they are not confident to operate on any section of track. Appropriate support would have been provided had these concerns been raised.
The RRA was provided to all attendees at the Route Risk Assessment workshop and was provided when requested. It is not a requirement of the RRA process that drivers are provided with a copy of the RRA Summary Report.
The signal sighting issue was identified during test train operations on [date] and any risks associated with signal sighting were mitigated by the introduction of the temporary speed restriction (TSR). TSRs are deliberately not shown in route booklets for project changes, as they are temporary in nature and any changes to this temporary restriction would invalidate the route booklet.
Additionally, if an unrelated TSR was implemented, it would not be shown in the route booklet and may cause further confusion by having some TSRs shown and others not. TSRs are managed through a separate process involving safeworking circulars and trackside signage.
It is acknowledged that some drivers have concerns in relation to driver readiness associated with level crossing removal projects. The evidence indicates that the introduction of over 30 project changes by assessing train driver readiness requirements in accordance with training procedures has improved i.e. there has been zero signals passed at danger (SPAD) associated with project changes.
ONRSR has reviewed the reporter’s concerns and the operator’s response. The process followed by the operator regarding driver training for reconfigured sections of track will be considered in the planning of future regulatory activities as part of the ONRSR Work Program.