The reporter has raised a safety concern regarding the failure to apply and follow speed reduction procedures during recent extreme heat conditions on [date].
The reporter advised that during extreme heat conditions, rail track can become distorted resulting in the possibility for train derailment.
The reporter states, [Operator] [section] train crewing officers, regional operational staff and supervisors failed to apply and follow [operating procedure]. Train drivers on affected sections of track, (specifically [Location 1], [Location 2] and [Location 3]) were not made aware of the implementation of the procedure and the associated speed restriction. This procedure is designed to ensure trains operate at a reduced speed (not above 90 km/hr) and that drivers and train crew are notified and acknowledge the restriction when commencing their shift. The reporter acknowledges the professionalism on the Network Controllers who advised train drivers operating on affected sections of track (that were not made aware at sign on), that the speed restriction procedure had been implemented mitigating the potential for derailment.
The reporter states, [Operator] does not appear concerned that the safety management system failed and further states they were unreasonably questioned by management to identify sections of track where the procedure was not applied during the extreme heat event. The reporter advised that the procedure requires a [notices record] issued to staff to be retained and that the logs at various depots are also retained with the signatures of those drivers issued with an [operating procedure] advice notice. This will reflect and identify the incidents of non-compliance.
The reporter further states, [Operator] failed to ensure that other operators (track recorder) were aware of the restriction and procedure being in place.
In response to REPCON No: RR2024-00008 [Operator] provides the following information:
- An [operating procedure] heat speed restriction was applied on [date] per the [company rules] and operating procedures [numbers] – [operating procedure]. Refer [operating procedure circular]. (Supplied to the ATSB and ONRSR).
- Preliminary internal review of distribution of the [operating procedure] notice in the [region] has been undertaken for the notice issued for [date].
- The procedures and steps relevant to the issuing of [operating procedure] notices from Train Control was found to have operated as intended.
- The procedures for local issue of [operating procedure] notices to drivers identified incomplete records of driver acknowledgement signatures confirming receipt of the notice.
- This has demonstrated that existing administrative practices and processes for the distribution and acknowledgement of [operating procedure] notices are susceptible to error and human factors.
- [Operator] has undertaken an assurance review of [operating procedure] distribution and acknowledgement previously. There has been limited application of the [operating procedure] process over the previous summer periods, contributing to possible loss of familiarity in application of the procedure.
- In addition to the procedural control for distribution of [operating procedure], Train Controllers were diligent in monitoring train speeds and ensuring drivers were aware of heat speed restrictions. Timetable alterations were also in place to reflect the reduced maximum speeds.
Per our safety management system requirements, [Operator] will use this opportunity to review the [operating procedure] distribution and acknowledgment processes to ensure the process remains fit for purpose, is robust and reduces risk to safety, so far as is reasonably practicable.
ONRSR confirms receipt of ATSB REPCON report number RR2024-00008, regarding procedures during extreme heat conditions. ONRSR has reviewed the reporter’s concerns and operator’s response including additional information. ONRSR will consider the matter raised in this REPCON report in the scope of a regulatory activity to be conducted on the operator as part of the National Work Program. Further information on how ONRSR regulates the Australian rail industry is in The ONRSR Way, available on ONRSR’s website.