Historical resources

This Safety Alert states that in the area bounded by Lithgow and Penrith, no train is to be authorised to pass an automatic signal at stop until the signaller has confirmed to the driver that the line ahead to the next signal is clear of trains.

An incident on 2 February 2005 investigated by ATSB, reported that a number of factors that contributed to the incident may be relevant to other railway organisations that undertake shunting activities.

A safety investigation has now been completed by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and includes safety recommendations to improve railway operational safety.

This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom on 6 October 2011 into an axle failure and subsequent derailment on a narrow gauge heritage railway.

This Safety Alert states that Accredited Rail Transport Organisations either using hydraulically operated ballast regulators or engaging service providers who use these track machines need to be aware of the potential for this type of incident to occur.

This Safety Alert states that the basic safety principles include the seperation of people and trans, adjacent line protection and determination of a safe place or refuge.

This Safety Alert states that the intent of this RISN is to provide the widest possible advice regarding the risks identified above in relation to this practice. With effective procedures and well maintained equipment there is no reason people need to be exposed to this risk.

This Safety Alert states that a derailment in WA on 31 May 2003 resulted from the effects on the track structure by up to 250mm "flats" that had developed on the wheels of the leading bogie of the offending wagon.

This Safety Alert states that an incident with potentially serious safety concerns occurred in WA following the runaway of a heavy duty rail mounted mobile flash welder truck. The investigation of the incident revealed that during the on-tracking process there was a period when the road wheels were above the road surface but not in contact with the rail wheels as they were being lowered, hence the transmission brake and road wheel brakes could not assist the rail wheel brakes in holding the vehicle on the prevailing gradient.

This Safety Alert states that there have been three catastrophic freight axle failures in NSW over the past six years with the most recent incident occurring at Coalcliff on 23 November 2011. In each of these incidents, the axles failed through fatigue as a result of a stress raiser (or initiator) such as a heavy impact mark or sharp transverse incision.

This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.

This Safety Alert states that accredited operators and rail infrastructure managers should ensure that all personnel who might apply Controlled Signal Blocking are aware of, understand, and apply network procedure requirements.

This Safety Alert states that the Bureau of Metrology has reported that Queensland may experience above average tropical cyclone activity this coming season, with up to six cyclones developing in the Coral Sea. It is also likely to be wetter than normal in most parts. All railways in Queensland need to be prepared for the sudden impact of destructive winds, heavy rainfall with flooding and damaging storm surges.

This compliance code had effect in NSW until the repeal of the Rail Safety (Adoption of National Law) Regulation 2012 (NSW) in July 2018. It is provided here for historical and reference purposes only.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has become aware of an Emergency Order issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the United States. Emergency Order 26 – Emergency Order to Restrict On-Duty Railroad Operating Employees’ Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Distracting Electronic and Electrical Devices – outlines the potential safety implications of the improper usage of distracting devices.

This Safety Alert states that during a recent program of replacing walkover seat mounts on an electric multiple unit, a rail transport operator noticed that blind fasteners did not appear to be formed and/or secured correctly for the proper installation of the seat mount to the carbody floor. At the time, it was also determined that there was no reasonably practicable technique for conclusively demonstrating that a blind fastener had been correctly formed.

This Safety Alert states that number of recent RRV incidents have resulted in either runaways and/or derailments due to the loss of braking capacity, the application of an insufficient braking force or the failure of the rail guidance equipment.

This Safety Alert states that there has been an increase in serious incidents relating to hi-rail operations in Australia over the past 12 months. Since January 2011, there have been 19 reportable high-rail vehicle related incidents in Queensland.

This Safety Alert refers to effective securement with handbrakes and stopblock functionality. It requires rail infrastructure managers and rolling stock operators to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of existing practices and procedures.

This Safety Alert states that in the event of a serious incident or emergency involving railway operations, it is critical that accredited rail transport operators have in place effective emergency management plans.

This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom into an accident on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in which the train’s guard was fatally injured during shunting operations.

This Safety Alert states that on 22 April 2008 a coupler from a CHQY hopper wagon dislodged resulting in a derailment approximately 55km south of Darwin.

This Safety Alert states that ITSRR’s investigation into the fatality of a rail safety worker that occurred at Ariah Park on 15 April 2006 has identified concerns with the management of the general public entering the rail corridor and danger zone when participating and witnessing heritage rolling stock events.

This Safety Alert states that all Hi-rail operators and maintainers are asked to ensure the 'fitness for purpose' of Hi-rail vehicles for operation in the rail mode.

This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2012 into a boiler incident on the Kirklees Light Railway.

This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.

This Safety Alert states that operators are requested to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and to make certain that systems are in place to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety of persons inspecting or maintaining wagons within maintenance facilities, especially when the movement of rolling stock is occurring.

An investigation by TAIC into an incident on 15 May 2003, has resulted in a safety alert issued by Transport SA with actions for operators and maintainers of passenger trains with bi-parting doors.

This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation reports released by the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (NSW) and the ATSB which relate to track worker fatalities at Kogarah and Newbridge both in New South Wales.

This Safety Alert states that all rail safety workers, including train drivers and those responsible for maintenance of rolling stock have a duty to comply with the SMS. Recently, there have been incidents where locomotives have been operated with train protection systems isolated in contravention of the railway’s SMS. In one case, confusion about respective responsibilities compounded the situation.

This Safety Alert states that the operation of a locomotive boiler is considered by the Rail Regulation Unit to be high risk work. Therefore, it is essential that these risks are appropriately mitigated so far as reasonably practicable. To comply with its rail safety duties, the RTO must ensure the operator of a locomotive boiler is competent in its operation.

This Safety Alert states that West Coast Railway and Freight Australia have detected a number of locomotives with substantial cracks in the underframe bolster assembly on older locomotives. The classes are Victorian B and S Class manufactured by Clyde Engineering.

This Safety Alert states that concerns have been raised by members of the public that due to the build-up of dust and dirt contamination on railway rolling stock that the conspicuity of the reflective delineators (strips) fitted to both sides of railway rolling stock is being reduced.

This Safety Alert states that the recent Canadian rail disaster involving a runaway of an unmanned train consisting of crude oil cars that derailed in the middle of the small town of Lac-Mégantic in Quebec has highlighted the need for rail transport operators to review their current operational arrangements for trains carrying dangerous goods.

Signals Passed at Danger (SPAD) Information Paper outlining an introduction SPAD, data collection and investigation processes, data analysis and mitigation of identified SPAD problems.

This tool links to tool B – Appendix B – SPAD data collection tool B for rolling stock operators.

This report links to tool C – Appendix D – SPAD data collection tool C for Infrastructure Managers

This Safety Alert serves to remind accredited operators and railway infrastructure contractors of their responsibilities to appropriately control the risks associated with the operation of moving plant in the vicinity of people. All railway construction work and maintenance within the rail corridor must comply with applicable safe-working network rules, network procedures and operator specific procedures relating to the movement of rail mounted plant and moving plant on rail worksites. This type of work must also comply with the relevant OHS act, regulation and code of practice requirements relating to the movement and use of moving plant.

This Safety Alert has been published following instances of one or more wagons in a coal train consist being less than safely loaded at a coal loading point on a railway balloon loop off the main line.

This Safety Alert states that there have recently been a number of incidents during infrastructure works, caused by incorrect operation of signalling systems in degraded modes or for track worker protection. One such incident occurred at Ringwood on 21 March 2010, where a metropolitan train sideswiped an infrastructure train.

This Safety Alert states that a child fell recently from an open window of an accredited operator’s passenger train suffering minor injuries and was admitted to hospital. A preliminary investigation revealed that the child was standing on a seat at an open window and may have overbalanced with the movement of the train.

This Safety Alert states that the Glenbrook rail accident has highlighted the need for rail personnel to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations to strictly adhere to the existing procedures covering passing signals at stop.

This Safety Alert states that a report has been received by the Office of Rail Safety (WA) relating to the loss of the service brake operation on a Plasser 09-16 Dual Cab Continuous Action Tamper due to the brake lever in the rear cab being knocked into the release position by loose luggage which was stowed in the unattended cab.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR requests that accredited persons and rolling stock maintainers in NSW read the attached safety alert issued by SCT Logistics in relation to a potential defect in CQMY wagon brake equipment. SCT Logistics has provided this alert to ITSRR for distribution to the rail industry.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR requests that accredited persons and/or rolling stock maintainers in NSW who operate and/or maintain heritage rolling stock develop and implement an appropriate NDT regime to confirm the structural integrity of drawhooks (over the entire length) and spoked wheels (includes the wheel rim, spokes and wheel hub).

This Safety Alert states that the Pacific National has detected a number of Timkin E glass package unit bearings suffering from seal failure in their WA, VIC and QLD operations. Failure of this seal may result in excessive grease leakage and may expose the bearing to ingress of water and foreign bodies that can lead to premature bearing failure.

This Safety Alert states that the problems associated with the E Class Package Unit Bearings (PUB) supplied by Timkin appears to be wider spread than first reported with now approximately 4000 E Class PUB affected.

This presentation was delivered by Andy Webb, Asset Management Specialist at the Asset management seminar on 22 November 2012.

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to remind all rolling stock operators of the prohibitions that continue to exist under the Rail Safety Act 2002 in regard to persons riding on rolling stock.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has issued this notice to remind all railway operators of the need to properly manage risks to the safety of railway employees when walking or working in the railway Danger Zone.

This Safety Alert states that rail transport operators should seek independent legal advice regarding the suite of legislation applicable to the particular circumstances relating to their railway operations.

This presentation was delivered by by Jennifer Alcock, Elizabeth Grey, Dr Barbara Klampfer, Louise Raggett and Adrian Rowland at the 3rd International Rail Human Factors Conference, London.

This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria has become aware that effective 28 March 2011, the United States Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) amended its railroad communications regulations by restricting the use of mobile telephones and other potentially distracting electronic devices by railroad operating employees, as posted in the Federal Register (Vol.75, Issue 186) on the U.S Government Printing Office website

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR requests that accredited persons and rolling stock maintainers in NSW read the attached safety alert issued by FreightLink in relation to a derailment in the Northern Territory. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that all wagons operating on FreightLink services that are fitted with murray keys (CHQY, CHSY, FQCY, FPPY) have the retainer pin assembly and associated components inspected to ensure the murray keys will not dislodge while in service.

This Safety Alert states that there has been an increase in serious incidents relating to hi-rail operations in Australia over the past 12 months.

This Safety Alert states that PTSV has been notified that an incident occurred at Westmere at the Glenelg Highway level crossing on 4 February 2009.

This Safety Alert states that on 20 October 2005, in South Australia, a Toyota Land Cruiser road/rail vehicle’s rear track guidance system self-operated and lifted the rear rail wheels off the track and into the road travel position. While there were no persons in the vehicle at the time and no injuries or damage occurred, the incident had the potential to cause a serious accident.

This Safety Alert states that following a recent increase in the number of derailments due to roller bearing failures, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has issued this Safety Alert.

This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania who operate hi-rail excavators and other road-rail equipment read the attached Investigation Report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom on 11 July 2011 into the runaway and collision of a road rail vehicle (Hi-rail Excavator).

This Safety Alert states that rolling stock operators are required to reassess the adequacy and effectiveness of existing practices and procedures.

This Safety Alert states that investigations into occurrences involving the operation of hi-rail vehicles (rolling stock) have raised a number of safety concerns, including understanding of safe-working procedures and competency requirements.

This Safety Alert states that within the wider railway industry it is common practice for persons other than the seated rail traffic crew to be within the cabin of a locomotive or driving cabin. Situations such as training are common occurrences that call for the extra person/s to be within the cabin. The majority of locomotives and driving cabins do not allow for additional seating within the cabin and it is common practice for a folding seat, or similar, to be utilised to seat the extra person.

This Safety Alert requests rail transport operators in Tasmania read an investigation report released by OTSI into a collision between a rail motor (two car passenger train) and a hi-rail truck on the Zig Zag Railway.

An investigation into hi-rail derailment on 2 January 2005 has raised safety issues in the use of Aries equipment.

An incident on 7 September 2004 has raised a number of definciencies regarding the safe use, set-up, inspection and testing, and maintenance of hi-rail equipment.

This Safety Alert states that a coal train operated by Australia Western Railroad in Western Australia has experienced the loss of train brake due to a redundant brake pipe hose on a DBZ.

This Safety Alert states that a Safety Alert has been published in relation to the potential dangers from unsecured equipment including seating in passenger rollingstock, for the information of accredited railways and rail safety regulators.

This Safety Alert states that a recent Canadian rail disaster involved a runaway goods train comprising crude oil wagons that derailed in the middle of the small town of Lac-Mégantic in Quebec.

This Safety Alert states that there have been two recent incidents where self restoring switches have normalised without intervention by train crews and prior to the passage of the train that would normally have triggered the self normalising function.

The first version of this paper was distributed prior to the Sharing Practice Seminar hosted by the Independent Transport Safety Regulator (ITSR) in Sydney on 22 November 2012. The paper was revised following the seminar with key discussion points from the event incorporated into the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section.

This presentation was delivered by Peter Kohler and Andy Webb in April 2013, providing an introduction to OEM.

This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.

This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.

An investigation of an incident involving a heavy track maintenance machine, a ballast regulator, on 1 June 2004 has identified a number of issues relating to this type of plant, and to the systems of work surrounding the ability to secure such items against unauthorised movement.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has received numerous reports on equipment being stolen from rolling stock in yards. These incidents related to safety critical equipment where rolling stock was part of operational consists rather than in yard storage.

Presentation by Peter Kohler, Principal Analyst, Asset Sustainability at the Asset management seminar on 22 November 2012.

The SPAD risk ranking tool (SRRT) has been developed by the UK RSSB to assess SPAD risk.

This Safety Alert states that a signalling system is designed to provide for the safe operation of rail traffic. The system however may not safeguard completely the additional activities that occur on the railway such as occupation by track workers and track work, movement of on-track vehicles, non-signalled moves by trains and protection of obstructions.

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to emphasise certain requirements relating to track occupancy authorities (TOA), including the requirements for placing protection for fixed worksites by placing detonators and flags/lights, and the safety issues involved when a TOA is issued with a train already occupying the area covered by the TOA.

This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria has been notified of a safe-working irregularity, which occurred north of Seymour, on 25 July 2011. This incident resulted in a train entering a worksite that was protected under Rule 21 Section 15, Track Warrant Working of TA20 – ARTC Code of Practice for the Victorian Main Line Network.

This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit urges all rail operators to heed the Technical Alert issued by Sigra Rolling Stock Components.

This Safety Alert states that an incident with potentially serious safety concerns has occurred in WA following a train parting where the motive power and 27 wagons of an 83 mixed train consist continued forward without the driver responding to existing visual and audible alarms. This resulted in the rear portion (56 wagons) of the train being left on a running line creating a potential train to train collision risk for other trains. The risk is higher in dark territory.

Transport safety bulletins are published by ITSR under section 42L(2) of the Transport Administration Act 1988.

This Safety Alert outlines some of the limitations of fatigue models drawing on findings of a review of computer-based fatigue models undertaken by ITSR. The purpose of this alert is not to criticise fatigue modelling but to alert the rail industry of potential limitations in the use of such modelling, and to provide strategies for incorporating fatigue modelling into a fatigue risk management regime.

This Safety Alert states that rail transport operators that are using the FAID model should review the findings of the FRA report in conjunction with the previous information provided by ITSR (Transport Safety Alert no. 34) and consider the applicability of the findings for the context in which they are using FAID in their operations.

This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) has been notified of a safety issue with rolling stock fitted with the Wabcopac handbrake system.

This Safety Alert states that an incident involving an ARG JT42C S class (3300) locomotive, with a potential impact on GT46C Q class (4000), was centred on the WABTEC braking system.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has received advice from the Office of Rail Safety WA concerning a safety issue with the WABTEC braking system and in particular the securing of the independent brake handle on JT42C S class (3300) and GT46C Q Class (4000) type mainline locomotives.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has been asked by Pacific National (PN) to distribute the attached safety notice to NSW rail operators. PN's notice has been issued to notify on the recent discovery of Chrysotile (White) Asbestos in ‘YM’ (two piece) bogie side bearer fibrous wear liners. The purpose of this notice is to describe how to identify and manage fibrous bogie wear liners.

This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has been advised by Pacific National of potential issues associated with bonded asbestos material on locomotives. The asbestos present in the locomotive electrical compartments has been identified as being “bonded asbestos material” and does not present a risk to health in a normal operating environment, provided that the material is not subjected to cutting, grinding, drilling or any other activity that may cause breakage or the release of fibres from a component.

This Safety Alert states that determining worksite protection is a cooperative process carried out between safety staff to ensure the identification of the safest method of protecting both trains and employees.

This Safety Alert states that a wrong side signalling failure occurred recently on a Pilbara railway when a US&S 'OS' Track Card performing the function of an Over Switch track circuit (directly connected to a Microlok 12V Vital Input 16 Board) failed to a high output state when the N12 and B5 connections became open circuit.

This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) has been advised of a safety issue with a US&S 'OS' track card performing the function of an OS track circuit (directly connected to a Microlok 12V Vital Input 16 Board). In this configuration, a wrong side failure occurs when the OS track card is not properly seated in the back plane.