Track defect monitoring and reporting was not being conducted as specified in the Westrail Narrow Gauge Mainline Code of Practice, limiting the awareness of the deteriorating track condition and the need for reassessment of track operating limits.
The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken by Transfield Services will adequately address this safety issue
Transfield Services advised that a new documentation suite had been rolled out in June 2014, but had not been effectively implemented in the derailment area. As a result of this occurrence, this oversight has now been corrected. Transfield have also recommended that walking inspections of this area of track be carried out until the low leg of the curve in the area of the derailment is re-railed, with areas showing similar head wear being identified and assessed as soon as possible.
