Safety Issue
Network rules and procedures were deficient with respect to
ensuring the registration of leading locomotive radios on the
CountryNet communication system prior to departure. This increased
the risk of trains entering the network without being registered on
the CountryNet communication system and therefore not being
contactable using the primary communications system during
emergencies.
Action taken by/response from the Australian Rail Track
Corporation
Following the incident Australian Rail Track Corporation began
recording all incidents where trains were found to be non-compliant
with regulation 60A. During the period 1st November 2006 and 30th
June 2007, 371 incidents were recorded and reported to ITSRR.
Safety Recommendation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the
Australian Rail Track Corporation continue to take action to
address this safety issue.