There was an unapproved practice occurring during Track Work Authority of asking the Outer Handsignaller to remove Railway Track Signals from the track as a train was closely approaching in order to let it run free, which placed the Outer Handsignaller at risk of being struck by the train.
Sydney Trains have included this issue in their change request process for Network Rules. The amendment will be to reinforce the existing requirement in step 12 of NPR 702 as it relates to a TWA using an inner and outer handsignaller protection, in that both the inner and outer protection must be replaced immediately after the passage of each rail traffic movement.
Sydney Trains acknowledged through correspondence that the practice of asking the Outer Handsignaller to remove protection while a train is approaching is not an approved practice within the rules and procedures for Track Work Authority.
Sydney Trains have included this issue in their change request process for Network Rules. The amendment will be to reinforce the existing requirement in step 12 of NPR 702 as it relates to a Track Work Authority using an inner and outer handsignaller protection, in that both the inner and outer protection must be replaced immediately after the passage of each rail traffic movement.
ATSB notes that Sydney Trains are taking action; this action, when completed, should address the safety issue.
