Executive summary
On Thursday 12 May 2005, at about 0410, Train 211, a southbound express freight service, passed signal 8L at the north end of Rangitawa at Stop. The train continued on the main line until the locomotive engineer regained situational awareness and stopped the train.
Train 230, a northbound express freight train, was approaching Rangitawa from the south end and had been signalled to enter the loop at the time. When Train 211 passed Signal 8L at Stop, the signal governing the entry of Train 230 into the loop reverted to Stop and Train 230 stopped about 100 m short of the signal.
Safety issues identified included:
• the reporting of sudden incapacitation through fatigue while on duty
• fatigue awareness and management.
Two safety recommendations covering these issues were made to the Chief Executive of Toll NZ Consolidated Limited.
Related Recommendations
ensure that the alertness management training programme includes provision for ongoing refresher training