The concern relates to the lack of expertise in rolling stock maintenance as the technical expert has left the company.
The reporter expressed a safety concern regarding the lack of expertise in the rolling stock maintenance area of the operator.
The reporter advised that the technical expert on rolling stock maintenance has recently left the company.
As a result of the technical expert’s departure, there is no-one within the operation with the competence in rolling stock related disciplines required to manage the maintenance of the rolling stock fleet in accordance with locomotive/rolling stock standards and the operator’s safety management system.
Reporter comment: This situation leaves the operator exposed in regard to rolling stock maintenance and comes with a serious risk to the safety of the rolling stock.
No response was received from the operator.
On Friday 10 October 2014, the ONRSR conducted a compliance inspection upon the operator. During the inspection, the operator was able to provide evidence and demonstrate that they have adequate staff and systems in place relating to the management and maintenance of rolling stock.
We note the concerns raised by the reporter and the ONRSR will consider the content of the report for further planning of compliance activities within upcoming audits and inspections.