There was an identified gap in the knowledge of track maintenance personnel that was probably the result of deficiencies in training and development. In addition, network standards for the assessment of track lateral stability, including creep management, provided limited information and tools for maintenance personnel.
The proactive safety action should address the safety issue.
V/Line advised that weaknesses in the training material for the adjustment of jointed track had been rectified, including the development of a rail adjustment training manual covering the maintenance of track stability and the management of stress in rails.
Maintenance personnel had undergone additional training to address identified gaps and capability improvements were being underpinned by specialised in-field mentoring.
In addition, the network standard NIST-2708 for the inspection and assessment of lateral stability has been reviewed, updated and re-issued.
