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Lessons Learned from Accident Investigation of Longer, Heavier Trains

Lessons Learned from Accident Investigation of Longer, Heavier Trains. International Heavy Haul Association Jonathan Seymour, Board Member Transportation Safety Board of Canada Calgary, Alberta June 20, 2011. Outline. TSB mandate Watchlist : Critical Safety Issues 2 Case Studies

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Lessons Learned from Accident Investigation of Longer, Heavier Trains

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  1. Lessons Learned fromAccident Investigation ofLonger, Heavier Trains International Heavy Haul Association Jonathan Seymour, Board MemberTransportation Safety Board of Canada Calgary, AlbertaJune 20, 2011

  2. Outline • TSB mandate • Watchlist: Critical Safety Issues • 2 Case Studies • Other investigation findings • Lessons learned • Progress • Looking ahead

  3. About the TSB Mandate: To advance transportation safety in the air, marine, rail, and pipeline modes of transportation that are under federal jurisdiction by: conducting independent investigations identifying safety deficiencies identifying causes and contributing factors making recommendations publishing reports

  4. WATCHLIST Fishing vessel safety Emergency preparedness on ferries Passenger trains colliding with vehicles Operation of longer,heavier trains Risk of collisions on runways Controlled flight into terrain Landing accidents and runway overruns Safety Management Systems Data recorders

  5. Watchlist (cont’d) • Nine Watchlist issues underpinned by: • 41 recommendations • Many investigation findings • “Inappropriate handling and marshalling can compromise the operation of longer, heavier trains.”

  6. Why This Is An Issue Aerial photo of derailed cars, Cobourg. ON

  7. Case Study #1: Brighton • Eastbound Train • 137 cars (11 845 tons, 8850 feet) • 3 head-end locomotives • Over 50% cars – loads • Majority of loads marshalled on rear • Territory • Undulating terrain • Multi-track – passenger and freight trains

  8. Brighton: Train/Track Profile

  9. Brighton: Findings • Broken knuckle at 107th car = emergency • Rear collided with head-end portion • Resultant in-train forces led to derailment • Bail-off of independent brake did not reduce forces to a safe level • Simulation: Different marshalling would have led to significantly reduced forces

  10. Case Study #2: Drummondville • Eastbound Train • 105 cars (10 815 tons, 7006 feet) • 5 head-end locomotives • 50-car block of loaded grain cars on rear end • Broken knuckle at 75th car • Territory • Single track • Freight and passenger train operations daily

  11. Drummondville: Train Profile

  12. Drummondville Findings • Marshalling was a factor • Front portion was on ascending grade • Rear portion was on relatively flat segment • high buff forces from heavy rear marshalling plus late bail off of independent brake • Simulation: Reverse marshalling would have meant minor buff forces.

  13. Other Investigation Findings • Inappropriate throttle, dynamic and automatic brake use • Emergency braking initiated from head end only • Non-alignment control couplers • Long & Short car combinations • Use of distributed power • Technology can mitigate risks

  14. Lessons Learned • Size and tonnage not sole factors • Key Lesson • Need to effectively manage in-train forces and how train interacts with track • Systemic approach needed by operators

  15. Progress by Industry • Both major players taking action • Computerized marshalling management systems • Enhancement to train braking system • Greater use of distributed power • Enhanced training and job aids for locomotive engineers • Growth in use of technology

  16. Progress – Regulator • Transport Canada: • Expressed support for TSB views • Sponsored research (Train separation on Kingston Subdivision) • Sponsored research (How to improve handling longer trains)

  17. Progress: a TSB Perspective • Many safety communications, including: • 2004 Recommendation to TC • 2007 Board Concern communicated • 2010 TSB Watchlist • 2011: Significant advances

  18. What’s Next? • Operators responsible for managing safety • Regulators responsible for overseeing safety • TSB will continue to: • monitor progress • investigate occurrences • publish our findings • make appropriate recommendations • advocate for necessary changes

  19. Summary • TSB Watchlist, concerns about LHT • Key Lesson from Brighton, Drummondville • Need to effectively manage in-train forces and how train interacts with track • Additional investigation findings • Progress: • major players are taking action • TC supports our views • TSB will monitor, report publically, advocate for change to address safety deficiencies

  20. Questions?

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