SAFETY BULLETIN – NRB19-13 – ON-TRACK MACHINE RUNAWAY at TAUNTON OPERATING BASE (OB)

Overview

On Thursday 29 August, a Network Rail OnTrack-Machine (OTM) ran away from a connecting locomotive at Taunton Operating Base (OB), following a routine maintenance event.

In preparation for a shunting movement, a member of staff checked that the handbrake was applied and removed the scotches holding the OTM stationary for maintenance.

As a locomotive buffered up to the OTM, the OTM began to run away.

Fortunately, the OTM was stopped when a member of staff intervened by placing a scotch under a wheel of the OTM which prevented the OTM running away down the yard.

No one was harmed.

Early indications show that the handbrake had been applied prior to the locomotive buffering up to the OTM.

However, shunting staff were unaware that a defective brake cable had left the handbrake incapable of holding the OTM stationary.

A level 2 investigation has commenced into the circumstances around this serious incident, further safety advice will be issued should the investigation identify risks that require action by Network Rail staff or contractors.

Discussion Points

Whilst we investigate the incident please discuss the following with your team: