Executive summary
On Tuesday 27 April 1999, Train 8203, a southbound Porirua to Wellington electric multiple unit train, departed Takapu Road at about 0800 hours. Due to partially locked-on brakes on the fifth car of the six-car consist, acrid fumes given off from the composition brake blocks entered the three rear cars. The resulting strong smelling "haze" caused discomfort and anxiety to passengers as the train passed through two tunnels on the way to Kaiwharawhara.
Safety issues identified were the appropriateness of the training of passenger train staff in managing foreseeable operating irregularities and the lack of certification of part-time staff with respect to their role in such circumstances. Two safety recommendations were made to the operator.
Related Recommendations
Introduce a certification system for part-time ticket assistants, including re-certification at similar intervals to other full-time operating staff, to ensure continued competency in their role in event management to safeguard passenger safety.
Arrange for the training of staff employed as train crew on passenger trains to include sufficient event management training to ensure they are competent to respond appropriately to foreseeable events which could adversely affect passenger safety.