News & events
You can also follow ONRSR's RSS news feed
- ONRSR's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
02 Apr 2020 2:38pm
- Stakeholder Survey Generates Invaluable Insights
16 Mar 2020 10:47am
- ONRSR calls for independent track audit
28 Feb 2020 2:46pm
- ONRSR Chief hails the decade of delivery
24 Jan 2020 3:45pm
- ONRSR Welcomes Productivity Commission Draft Report
14 Nov 2019 9:59am
- ONRSR formalises jurisdiction in Victoria
05 Nov 2019 10:25am
Safety alerts & messages
Alerts
Safety alerts are issued as needed to inform accredited rail transport operators and the broader rail industry of current and emerging safety issues.
- LATEST
Safety Alert - Use of rail vehicle lifting jacks
16 April 2019
Safety Alert Notice to Rail Transport Operators - Use of rail vehicle lifting jacks
- 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.
Messages
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.
- LATEST
Safety Message - Safety Management System Case Study - ONRSR and ASSCO
10 February 2020
ONRSR recently worked with the Australian Society of Section Car Operators to address an outdated safety management system and safety culture. The experience serves as an important reminder to all rail transport operators to ensure safety is always the top priority
- Safety Message - Load distribution for Road Rail Vehicles
13 December 2019
Rail Transport Operators are reminded that wheel loads effect safe guidance of vehicles on track with excessive loads leading to damaged rolling stock components and track structures.
- Lessons Learned: ONRSR & GWA - Whyalla Runaway Incident
20 November 2019
This document shares findings made from a runaway incident that occurred on 31 July 2019 in Whyalla, South Australia that should be used as an input to the risk review processes for operators managing a similar operating scenario.
- Safety message: Passengers caught in rolling stock doors - Risks, causes and controls
28 October 2019
ONRSR has developed new guidance for rail transport operators about the potential causes of incidents where people get stuck in rolling stock doors. It includes information regarding the existing controls available to eliminate or minimise the risk.
- 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.
