Executive summary
On Sunday 28 June 1998, at approximately 1650 hours, Train 902, the northbound Southerner express passenger, derailed at Islington at slow speed. The rear of the train was routed to the down main when motorised points moved under the train. There were no injuries.
Causal factors were non-compliances with intended procedures for points operation. Safety issues identified were the suitability of those procedures and the effectiveness of compliance monitoring. A number of safety actions were taken by the operator and 5 safety recommendations were made to address the safety issues.
Related Recommendations
Clarify procedures for restoring power to points motors following planned works requiring power outage.
Revise Rail Operating Code Section 2, Part 9 to give clear guidelines to all staff involved in the hand operation of motorised points,
Make sufficient radios available for staff required to carry out isolation, hand operation and power restoration of motorised points to communicate effectively with Train Control.
Take steps to identify and correct the repetitive non-compliance with Tranz Rail rules and procedures for safe operation identified during the investigation of this incident.