Southern Shorthaul Railroad's (SSR's) training and assessment did not include coupler functionality and the process to ensure correct coupling had occurred. Further, an underpinning procedure for the stretch test (effectively coupled) process did not exist.
ATSB/OTSI is satisfied that SSR’s updated work instructions and training materials in relation to automatic coupler functionality, and the process for determining a positive coupling has occurred, has adequately addressed the safety issue.
On 30 January 2024, SSR advised that it had raised a corrective action to update WIM 63008 (Train inspection) and its TLI4074 training and assessment materials to include coupler functionality. Further, it planned to update WIM 63001 (Policies and general train operations work instruction manual) and its TLI4074 training and assessment materials to include requirements for a ‘stretch test’, ‘ease up’ and ‘ease off’.
On 19 June 2024, SSR issued notice 62533 (coupler functionality & shunting movements), which described coupler componentry, the safety design feature of the set shelf and visual limitations of the status of the locking block on bottom lifter operated automatic couplers. In addition, the process for conducting a ‘stretch test’, ‘ease off’ and ‘ease up’ was defined. Similarly, at that time SSR’s TLIC4074 (shunt, couple and uncouple rail vehicles) learner resource materials were also updated with this information.
SSR advised that WIM 63001 and WIM 63008 will contain this information when they are next updated.
