Executive summary
On Tuesday, 9 May 2000, at about 1430, a collision occurred between a rail-mounted excavator, operating as a hi-rail vehicle, and Train 688 at 216.5 km between Waipunga and Waikoau on the Palmerston North - Gisborne Line. The excavator was operating outside its authorised work area and beyond the agreed "check call" time with the train controller when the collision occurred.
There were no injuries.
Safety issues identified included the accepted use of check calls between train controllers and track users instead of the required off track and clear times when authorising time on track, and the appropriateness of the training and experience of contract staff operating hi-rail vehicles.
Two safety recommendations were made to the operator.
Related Recommendations
introduce procedures for certified staff operating HRVs to also be certified as to their local knowledge of the work area involved before they are permitted to work unaccompanied.
decide what role check calls have during controlled on track time for HRVs, track maintenance gangs and other track users and issue clear instructions covering any permitted use