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Safety alerts are issued as needed to inform accredited rail transport operators and the broader rail industry of current and emerging safety issues.
- Safety Alert - RSA-2019-001 - Identification of asbestos
17 January 2019
RSA 2019-001 - Identification of asbestos on locomotive main air reservoir gasket
- Safety Alert: Use of Electronically Controlled Pneumatic braking and Automatic Train Protection systems
20 November 2018
ONRSR alerts all operators on the actions that should be taken by rail transport operators utilising ECP braking systems.
- RSA-2018-001 Identification of Asbestos in Draft Gear Pocket Wear Liner
26 September 2018
ONRSR alerts all operators to the identification of Chrysotile (white asbestos) in the top coupler / yoke pin wear liner of the draft pocket on a locomotive.
- RSA-2016-01 Site specific risk assessments when using Road Rail Vehicles
25 August 2016
Notice to Rail Transport Operators, 24 August 2016.
- RSA-2015-01 Identification of asbestos gasket in coal wagon valves
19 January 2015
This Safety Alert states the ONRSR has been advised by Asciano of the idenfitication of an asbestos gasket in a valve on a Pacific National coal wagon.
- RSA-2014-03 Operational interfaces between Rail Infrastructure Managers and Rolling Stock Operators – mixed and dual gauge turnouts
20 August 2014
This safety alert states that due to the design of the wheel transfer area of some mixed and dual gauge turnouts, rolling stock with wheelsets of 127mm rim width are at higher risk of derailment than wheelsets of 140mm rim width.
- RSA-2014-02 Thermal spraying
3 April 2014
This Safety Alert states a major passenger operator recently suffered an axle failure on one of its electric multiple unit fleet.
- RSA-2014-01 Structural fatigue failure of wagon underframe
17 March 2014
This Safety Alert states a PQMY container flat wagon suffered a significant fatigue failure at a sectional change in the under-frame (ie. main longitudinal beams).
- RSA-2013-02 Coupling systems and brake systems fitted to infrastructure trolleys and trailers
18 November 2013
This Safety Alert states that Rail Transport Operators should examine all risks associated with using Road Rail Vehicles (RRV) to tow/push rolling stock.
Safety messages are published by ONRSR periodically and are designed to focus on areas of rail safety concern. Safety messages provide detail on specific safety topics, share information between the regulator and the rail industry, and identify positive steps to enhance rail safety.
- Safety message: Passengers caught in rolling stock doors - Risks, causes and controls
28 October 2019
- Safety Message - Track Condition and Derailment Risk
20 September 2019
ONRSR is emphasising to all Rail Infrastructure Managers (RIMs) the increased risks posed by poorly maintained track following a series of recent derailments.
- Safety Message: ONRSR Investigation Findings: Worksite Protection Incidents
8 August 2019
ONRSR is reminding all operators of the importance of careful planning when carrying out Track Occupancy Authority and Local Possession Authority activities.
- Safety Message: Unsafe Loading of Coal Wagons
1 July 2019
This safety message is directed to coal loading operators and any other rolling stock operators responsible for loading coal into wagons.
- Safety Message - Importance of a System Engineering Approach
26 March 2019
Following recent incidents and observations the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) is reminding all operators of the importance of a system engineering approach.
- Safety Message - Rolling Stock Maintenance - November 2018
1 November 2018
- Safety Message: Fatigue risk management programs and enterprise bargaining agreements
1 August 2018
Some rail transport operators (RTO) may choose to apply arrangements from enterprise bargaining agreements to their fatigue risk management program. In this instance there are strict obligations that an RTO’s safety management system must meet.
- Safety Message: Management of emergency working (unplanned works)
1 March 2018
ONRSR is reminding all rail transport operators to be aware of the inherent risks associated with undertaking emergency or unplanned maintenance.
- Safety Message: ATSB investigation report findings on use of bio-mathematical models of human fatigue – learnings for the rail industry
1 December 2017
An ATSB-identified limitation of use of the bio-mathematical model FAID has relevance to the rail industry.