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Degraded rail joint was not detected
Date issue released
Safety Issue Description

V/Line's track inspection regime did not identify the degraded condition of the mechanical rail joints.

Issue number
RO-2013-021-SI-01
Transport Function
Rail: Infrastructure
Issue Owner
V/Line Regional Network and Access
Mode of Transport
Rail
Issue Status Justification
Ensuring that track walking inspections are scheduled and carried out regularly and the provision of specific inspection criteria would enhance the probability of identifying defects in joints and fastenings.
Proactive action
Action number
RO-2013-021-NSA-057
Organisation
V/Line Regional Network and Access
Action date
Action Status
Closed
Action description
V/Line has introduced processes to ensure that track walking inspections are carried out at frequencies specified by their maintenance regime. In order to improve the detection of track defects V/Line is providing maintenance workers with specific inspection criteria related track infrastructure including joints and fastenings in their work orders.
ATSB Response
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by V/Line Pty Ltd addresses this safety issue.