Changed level crossing isolation arrangements were not effectively reflected in program documentation, nor effectively disseminated to all those potentially affected. An earlier internal audit of the project also identified instances of scope changes not being documented.
The safety actions undertaken by the Western Program Alliance and Alliance member Metro Trains Melbourne should reduce the risk associated with this safety issue. The safety issue is categorised as partially addressed due to ongoing safety actions.
The Alliance advised that it took immediate proactive safety action by disseminating an MTM bulletin outlining explicit instructions regarding the Test & Commissioning Plan (TCP) and ensuring comprehensive awareness by all Alliance staff through pre-start and toolbox briefings.
Additionally, the Alliance implemented an updated MTM project assurance framework. It reported continuing to ensure that updated and newly created frameworks, processes and procedures were implemented, and requirements complied with. These initiatives included the successful implementation of overhauled Inspection Test Plans on subsequent Alliance projects.
The Alliance also advised that it has kept abreast of MTM’s involvement in the Signalling Strategy Taskforce (SST) which aims to reform signalling standards. The SST is described in a following section, ‘Other relevant safety initiatives’.
Safety actions taken by Alliance member Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) contribute to addressing this safety issue on WPA projects and are likely to benefit other projects involving MTM. Actions include the updating of the MTM project assurance framework and associated procedures, and active participation in the Signalling Strategy Taskforce.
As a participant in the Signalling Strategy Taskforce, MTM is contributing to the development of consistent signalling practices and enhanced competency frameworks.
