On Thursday 1 September 2005 at about 1625, a rake of 6 wagons that was left unattended on the Down main line during a shunting movement within station limits at Mercer, ran away to the south. The wagons were stopped after they had travelled about 450 metres towards Koheroa Road level crossing.
Favourable track gradients and the actions of a staff member prevented the wagons rolling any further. There were no injuries or equipment damage.
Safety issues identified included:
• the training, certification and assessment processes for new personnel
• brake application and communication standards during shunting operations
• the old wheel-type handbrake.
A related safety issue identified included:
• the criteria for conveying wagons with brakes cut out.
Because of the safety actions taken by the Chief Executives of Toll NZ Consolidated Limited and ONTRACK, no safety recommendations have been made.
