Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures

Document Information

• Version: V 5.1
• Effective Date: December 2015
• Publisher: Safety, Environment, Quality and Risk Group
• Authorised by: Group Manager Safety and Accreditation, Sydney Trains

Copyright

• Copyright belongs to Sydney Trains, 2015

Incident Reporting

• Report all incidents, accidents, and near misses, regardless of severity.
• Report immediately, or as soon as practicable to the supervisor.
• Use the Incident Reporting Form, available on the Sydney Trains intranet.
• Report details include:
  • Date and time of incident
  • Location of incident
  • Description of the incident
  • Injuries sustained
  • Persons involved
  • Witnesses
  • Cause of the incident
  • Action taken
  • Recommendations for further investigation
  • Relevant documentation

Incident Investigations

• Sydney Trains has a process for investigating and analyzing incidents to determine the cause.
• Participation in investigations is crucial as findings result in safety actions to prevent future similar incidents.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• All personnel must wear appropriate PPE for all tasks.
• Supervisors provide instructions on the correct use and care of PPE.
• It is the responsibility of each worker to use and maintain PPE in accordance with procedures.

Railway Track Signals

• Also known as detonators.
• Small explosive devices attached to the rail.
• Used to warn drivers of rail traffic.
• The number of detonations indicates what action the driver must take.
• When not in use, they must be secured in a locked cabinet or container.
• Only trained personnel should use Railway Track Signals.

Track Configurations

• Sydney Trains network uses various working configurations that determine the direction of rail traffic.
• Include:
  • Single lines
  • Double lines
  • Bidirectional lines
  • Multiple lines
  • Parallel lines

Fixed Signals

• Convey information to drivers about the route and the indication of the next signal.
• Typically located on the left-hand side of the track in the direction of travel.
• May also be positioned above the track on a gantry, or on the right-hand side.
• Bidirectional areas have signals on both sides of the line.
• All fixed signals have an identification sign with letters and numbers.
• Up direction signals display even numbers, Down direction signals display odd numbers.

Trackside Telephones

• Located on signals and trackside infrastructure across the Sydney Trains Network.
• Connect to a signal box or control center.
• Network control officers can be contacted by using any trackside phone.
• Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of these phones at new locations.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

• Minimize risk by:
  • Regularly inspecting work environments for hazards.
  • Consulting supervisors to ensure good housekeeping, safety signage, and adequate lighting.
  • Reporting any slips, trips, or falls immediately to the supervisor.
  • Educating new employees, contractors, and visitors about hazards present in the work area.

Rail Industry Terminology

• Railway Track Signal - A device fixed to the rail that explodes upon impact and attracts the attention of drivers and track vehicle operators. Also known as a detonator.
• Automatic Signal - A signal that is typically controlled by the operation of track circuits.
• Ballast - Blue metal used as the foundation for track.
• Competent Worker - A worker certified as competent to carry out the relevant task.

This quiz covers the essential procedures for reporting and investigating incidents within Sydney Trains. Participants will learn about the required details for incident reporting, as well as the systematic process for carrying out thorough investigations. Understanding these protocols is critical for maintaining a safe work environment.