Safety and security issues, articles, discussion.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Johanna Marie ‏@JohannaMarie_ 2m

Emergency situation remains in place at a train derailment near Julia Creek in North West Queensland @SkyNewsAust

[ozbob]

Flooding in north-west Queensland is preventing clean-up crews from reaching a derailed freight train. https://t.co/0MJ9z3ZZit

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) December 28, 2015

[longboi]

Had an 260 series SMU on my morning service (normally an EMU or early IMU).

There was an automated announcement when approaching Bowen Hills to the effect of "see something suspicious, report to PoliceLink or staff, in the event of an incident call 000".

I've not heard this before, has anyone else?

Yes, it's been around for quite a while.  I remember hearing it several months ago.

I am happy to hear those announcements Keeps people aware and vigilant

Do they?

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Safety probe for Queensland acid train

... The national transport safety bureau will investigate how a freight train carrying more than 800,000 litres of sulfuric acid derailed in northwest Queensland.

Queensland Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe made the announcement late on Tuesday, three days after the 26-carriage train overturned at the Quarrells site, 20km east of Julia Creek.

"By engaging the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in these early stages we can ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated and that we receive the best advice in a timely manner," he said in a statement.

A preliminary report will be released in February and recommendations made before September next year ...

[ozbob]

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Independent investigation launched for Julia Creek derailment

The Queensland Government's rail safety regulator has engaged the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to conduct an independent investigation on its behalf into the train derailment east of Julia Creek on Sunday, 27 December.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the safety of Queensland's rail network and operations was top priority, which is why the Australian Transport Safety Bureau had been engaged early on.

"The Queensland Government is committed to providing a safe, reliable rail network throughout the state, not only for passengers and the community but also for rail operators," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"While it is too soon to speculate on the cause of the derailment, by engaging the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in these early stages, we can ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated and that we receive the best advice in a timely manner.

"The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will work closely with the relevant authorities to look into all aspects of the incident, and a preliminary report will be provide by the end of February with a full report and recommendations due before September, 2016."

Queensland Rail safety investigators will also attend the site to commence investigations as soon as it is safe to do so and will provide an interim report to the rail safety regulator.

Mr Hinchliffe said that while access to the site was challenging due to the floodwaters, investigators would start gathering information and contact relevant parties involved.

"Police currently have in place a two kilometre exclusion zone around the incident site, where one locomotive and 26 wagons derailed," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Police and authorities have had teams physically working on site commencing preliminary work this afternoon.

"Further details about the extent of damage to the infrastructure and the timeframes for the track reopening will be available once the recovery crew has access to site."

Freight trains and the Inlander passenger service on the Mount Isa line continue to be impacted as a result of the incident.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Freight train derailment: Emergency crews reach sulphuric acid spill site for first time

^ has some interesting drone footage

[HappyTrainGuy]

I assume that massive washout might have something to do with the derailment.

[ozbob]

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/blog/2016/01/01/update-four-emergent-situation-julia-creek/

Update four: Emergent situation, Julia Creek
QPS Media on Jan 1, 2016 @ 5:03pm   

An emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) in Julia Creek remains in place, but has been reduced in size.

The area around the Julia Creek train derailment site will be smaller to allow the Flinders Highway to reopen to traffic this afternoon.  It will now cover an area of 50 metres in all directions of the incident site and is closed to the public, with  24 hour security presence in place.

As before, the air space above the site remains closed as aerial access is still required for the containment and recovery phases of the operation.

While there is no danger for people travelling on the Flinders Highway, past the derailment site, police will enforce a reduced speed of 40km/hr.

Incitec Pivot Limited are following a strict water quality monitoring program, and relevant property owners can access information from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection if concerned.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) would like to acknowledge the efforts of specialist employees from Incitec Pivot Limited and Queensland Rail for their assistance.  This has allowed for the (earlier than expected) reopening of the Flinders Highway.

QPS also acknowledges the exemplary work of employees from the McKinlay Shire Council, Aurizon and Queensland Government partners, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Ergon and others that played a major role in ensuring the safety of the public.

Police encourage the public to check traffic and road conditions on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website before embarking on travel, to ensure the intended route is safe.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Track to be built around derailed train

A temporary track will be built to bypass the site of a derailed train in Queensland's northwest while the Flinders Highway has re-opened.

The train was carrying more than 800,000 litres of sulfuric acid, of which about 31,500 litres spilled when all 26 of the train's wagons overturned near Julia Creek last Sunday.

An exclusion zone around the site was reduced from 2km to 50 metres on Friday, allowing the Flinders Highway to re-open.

Queensland Rail staff, who weren't able to properly assess the site because of floodwaters and the exclusion zone, are now putting plans in place to build an 800m temporary track around the site.

Construction of the track, which would allow freight and passenger train services to resume, is expected to take about four days after planning approvals are granted and will coincide with the removal of the derailed train.

Buses will replace Inlander train services between Townsville and Mount Isa from Sunday.

Meanwhile, specialists are continuing to monitor water quality in the area.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection said this week they hold concerns about acidity levels in nearby Horse Creek and are looking at ways to neutralise the acid.

AAP

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/1/13/trains-resume-on-mount-isa-line?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Trains resume on Mount Isa line

Trains have now resumed on the Mount Isa line, after Queensland Rail crews worked around the clock to construct an 800 metre deviation around a derailment site near Julia Creek.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said around 50 Queensland Rail staff had worked a total 4,500 hours over the past five days to build the temporary track, which involved laying more than 4,000 tonnes of rock, 2,000 tonnes of road base, 1,000 sleepers, 1.6 kilometres of rail and 2,800 tonnes of ballast.

"We know communities in the North West rely on the Mount Isa line for passenger services and to transport freight, and so constructing this deviation and resuming trains as quickly and safely as possible has been one of our highest priorities," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Queensland Rail also appointed Golder Associates last week to undertake environmental monitoring and to deliver expert advice and ensure these works were undertaken safely and without further environmental impact at the site."

Regional General Manager North Queensland Michael Mitchell said the site originally proved challenging due to wet weather conditions, however as of last Thursday (7 January) crews were able to gain access to the rail corridor after building temporary access roads between the highway and the track using rock and road base.

"Local suppliers have been extremely supportive throughout the deviation works, with materials being sourced locally wherever possible, including safety fencing and plant equipment, lighting, ballast from Julia Creek and Barabon and rocks and road base from a local quarry," Mr Mitchell said.

"The first freight train travelled over the rail deviation at approximately 6.20pm last night, and the first Inlander passenger service is expected to depart Townsville station as scheduled on Thursday, 14 January at 12.40pm."

Mr Mitchell said with the deviation now open, Queensland Rail would continue to work closely with freight companies to accommodate additional freight movements on the Mount Isa line where possible.

"We recognise the importance of the Mount Isa line to the local economy, particularly in shipping freight to the Port of Townsville, and remain confident we can complete any additional freight movements before the end of the financial year," Mr Mitchell said.

With the deviation now complete, Aurizon and Incitec Pivot Ltd (IPL) will continue their work to safely recover the train and product.

Queensland Rail will continue to coordinate the efforts of all parties to seek to ensure this recovery work happens safely and without further environmental impact.

Queensland Rail is also continuing to work closely with Aurizon and IPL to keep the local community informed of the recovery process and environmental impacts through regular updates to local councils and nearby landholders.

[ozbob]

Twitter

QPS Media Unit ‏@QPSmedia 37s

Meet the new Railway Squad officers patrolling the rail network: http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/railsquad/2016/01/14/nine-new-railway-squad-officers-line/ ...



=======================

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/railsquad/2016/01/14/nine-new-railway-squad-officers-line/

The Railway Squad has seen in the New Year with an increase in officer numbers. Nine new Railway Squad Patrol Officers will commence duty in January taking one of Queensland Police Service's Specialist units to a strength of eighty officers.

These new officers bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. Queensland Rail and Queensland Police continue in their partnership in 2016, providing commuters with the confidence in their ability to continue to keep the community safe whilst they are on or around the Queensland Rail network.

These new members hail from as far north as Townsville and from other specialist areas such as the Public Safety Response Team and Tactical Crime Squads.

This increase in numbers will benefit the community, allowing officers to keep on top of crime and behavioural issues on your trains and at your stations. This recent expansion in numbers has been carefully planned in coordination with expectations of continual growth in areas such as the Moreton Bay Rail link, scheduled to open mid 2016.

So if you happen to be travelling on our trains, please feel welcome to speak with any our staff who are doing all they can to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Brisbane Times ‏@brisbanetimes 35s

Brisbane trains: Alleged trespasser arrested after delaying trains in CBD http://bit.ly/1OxCvaq 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Teen dies in Airlie Beach bus crash

A 19-year-old man has died and a 17-year-old man is in a critical condition after a horror bus crash in Cannonvale in Queensland's Whitsundays region on Tuesday.

About 1pm paramedics were called to Shute Harbour Road between Proserpine and Airlie Beach after reports a bus had rolled.

They arrived to find the bus on its side with 11 passengers, ranging in age from six months to 79, inside, next to a cane field.

Proserpine Ambulance Station officer in charge Gavin Cousens said it was a serious situation ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/airlie-beach-bus-crash-teen-dies-another-three-critical-after-rollover-20160216-gmvur2.html

[ozbob]

Twitter

Dr Stephen Rashford ‏@QASMedDirector now

@QldAmbulance Bus V car accident on Gold Coast this am.

[red dragin]

A Queensland Rail whistleblower has been the subject of disciplinary action for exposing the unsafe behaviour of a colleague.
Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-rail-whistleblower-disciplined-for-dobbing-in-colleague-20160219-gmykwm.html#ixzz40aZviEk9


I get QR's position and the Union's on this one.

[ozbob]

Media Release
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

$12.5 million investment on track to upgrade key level crossings

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $12.5 million to upgrade key regional level crossings across Queensland and install additional protection mechanisms to improve safety.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe announced the funding for key regional site following the tabling of the final report into the incident involving a bus and the Kuranda Scenic Railway train at a Cairns level crossing in June last year.

"I am thankful this incident was not more serious, however it reinforces the importance of promoting the safe use of our roads and rail network – particularly at open level crossings," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"While the Rail Regulator report found the Draper Street level crossing operated as designed and the train was driven appropriately, there is no doubt lessons can be learnt from the incident.

"The report identified some recommendations for both Cairns Regional Council and Queensland Rail to implement, which included maintaining regular contact and investigating the possibility of synchronising traffic and level crossing signals.

"Since the incident last year improvements have been made to the road markings at the crossing to help improve understanding of the need to stop for trains at the crossing.

"I am pleased that Queensland Rail and Cairns Regional Council are holding discussions about further possible enhancements to the Draper Street level crossing."

Mr Hinchliffe said work was already underway on a $1.5 million upgrade to the existing safety protection at the nearby Kate Street level crossing in Portsmith.

"Safety is a top priority for the Palaszczuk Government and level crossings are regularly reviewed to ensure the appropriate level of protection is in place," he said.

"This $12.5 million in funding will ensure key level crossings across the state will be upgraded from passive to active protection by June 2017, with more mechanisms installed like flashing lights and boom gates.

"The number of near miss incidents on the Queensland Rail network has dropped by 17 per cent during over the past two years, however we must remain vigilant when it comes to level crossing safety.

"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving safety at level crossings through investment in education and engineering upgrades and innovations, however it is up to motorists to obey the signs and signals."

The final report made a number of recommendations on Cairns Regional Council as the road manager and Queensland Rail as the rail infrastructure manager.

These recommendations talked about the two organisations working together to look at better coordination of the rail signals and the traffic lights, and whether there were any other safety measures that could reduce the risk of collision at this crossing.

[Otto]

Not sure if this is the right place to post Bob, but maybe the QLD Govt should follow S.A's lead ?

Up to 25 years for assaulting SA transport workers
https://www.railexpress.com.au/up-to-25-years-for-assaulting-sa-transport-workers/

[ozbob]

Thanks Otto 

[tazzer9]

Not sure if this is the right place to post Bob, but maybe the QLD Govt should follow S.A's lead ?

Up to 25 years for assaulting SA transport workers
https://www.railexpress.com.au/up-to-25-years-for-assaulting-sa-transport-workers/

Extend it to all public servants.   I personally think its ridiculous how assaulting a police officer is a far more serious crime than assault on anyone else.  Including other emergency workers, healthcare workers, security guards and transport operators. 

[SurfRail]

^ The idea (not saying I necessarily endorse it) is that by assaulting police you are interfering with the operation of the justice/legal system itself, which is an aggravating factor.

[#Metro]

Putting someone in jail for 25 years is incredibly expensive.

I would suggest conflict de-escalation techniques, self-defence and pepper spray as alternatives.

One of the key differences between BCC buses and TransPerth buses is that the driver cabs in Perth resemble a jail cell with mesh

wiring/bars and so forth. Brisbane has no such protection, IIRC drivers de-escalate situations instead.

[ozbob]

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/logan/2016/05/11/man-struck-train-beenleigh/

Man struck by train, Beenleigh
QPS Media on May 11, 2016 @ 4:39am   

Police are investigating an incident at Beenleigh overnight where a man was struck by a train.

Initial investigations indicate around 11.20pm the man ran around lowered boom gates and was crossing the tracks at Spanns Road when he was struck by the train.

The 22-year-old man was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with head injuries believed non-life threatening.

Initial investigations suggest the incident relates to an earlier traffic incident where a group of men in a four wheel drive had attempted to stop an allegedly stolen vehicle.

A collision between the two vehicles has led to the man running on foot whilst being chased by the four wheel drive onto the rail tracks between the boom gates. The train narrowly missed the four wheel drive but the man was struck.

No one was injured on the train.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Rail crossing safety better after Qld tragedy

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Queensland Rail warns young people to stay off the tracks after a frightening incident at Fruitgrove station

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Elderly man bashed on Surfside bus

[ozbob]

The Chronicle --> Train drivers offered counselling after head-on collision

A Gowrie Junction man cheated death by mere moments after he fell asleep while driving and came to a stop on a western Darling Downs rail line.

Authorities are investigating how the 39-year-old's car came to be embedded on the fenced-off rail line between Macalister and Warra early Friday morning.

Dalby police report the man had been travelling along the Warrego Hwy when his car veered off the road, through a fence and onto the Queensland Rail line and into the path of an oncoming coal train about 12.45am ...

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> QR issue warning after three near misses at Ipswich stations

QUEENSLAND Rail has issued a stern warning about not treating railways as playgrounds following a string of near misses at Ipswich stations.

In May Queensland Rail recorded three separate incidents putting children at risk of injury; two at Bundamba Station and one at Rosewood Station.

In one of those incidents a toddler nearly fell between the train and the platform. In another a teenage girl, who missed her train, ran across the rail tracks to speak to her friends on a different platform.

At Rosewood Station children as young as 12 were seen climbing on the handrail of the overbridge.

Queensland Rail General Manager Safety, Greg Fill, said trains can travel up to 100kms per hour and take hundreds of metres to stop.

"They can't swerve to avoid people," he said.

"Thinking you are fast enough to beat an oncoming train is just plain foolish, as is assuming that the train is stopping because there are many express services.

"We want young people to understand they are placing themselves and others in danger and that the consequences can be tragic.

"This includes youths taking short cuts across the rails between platforms to speak to their friends and children running their hands along incoming trains on the platform."

Mr Fill says safe conduct at train stations is a topic that should be raised by parents at home to ensure children understand the very real dangers of misbehaving on railways.

This year two people have suffered serious injuries from an electric shock after coming into contact with overhead power lines.

Late last year a man was electrocuted while working on graffiti along the track.

[techblitz]

another surfside bus fire today....that makes it 3 in 14 months.....

http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/students-escape-as-bus-engulfed-by-flames-at-arundel-state-school-on-the-gold-coast/news-story/40115d4feefd274604d344af96d0a157

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-catches-fire-at-nerang-on-the-gold-coast-20151030-gkn8aw.html

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/05/31/17/53/queensland-bus-driver-and-passenger-lucky-to-escape-fire

[verbatim9]

Those surfside busses are not very well maintained. A lot need replacing. I notice each time I catch them there is always Diesel fumes leaking into the interior and black diesel smoke emitting from the exhaust. A far cry from a clean transport future. "I dont know what example we are going to show the world with the comm games."

[SurfRail]

Those surfside busses are not very well maintained. A lot need replacing. I notice each time I catch them there is always Diesel fumes leaking into the interior and black diesel smoke emitting from the exhaust. A far cry from a clean transport future. "I dont know what example we are going to show the world with the comm games."

You keep saying that - I can guarantee you as somebody who clearly catches them more often than you that it is just wrong.  There is no measurable difference between buses here and anywhere else in the South-East.  I have quite literally never encountered diesel fumes inside a Surfside bus.  Your comments are not helpful, especially when the cause for this incident is unknown.

Operators lose buses to fire regularly - Perth has had a very bad run in particular.  The issue is that modern bus engines keep needing to run hotter and hotter to comply with emissions requirements.  Unfortunately this means fire suppression systems are going to become more and more necessary, and TransLink to my knowledge does not mandate their installation.

[verbatim9]

Those surfside busses are not very well maintained. A lot need replacing. I notice each time I catch them there is always Diesel fumes leaking into the interior and black diesel smoke emitting from the exhaust. A far cry from a clean transport future. "I dont know what example we are going to show the world with the comm games."

You keep saying that - I can guarantee you as somebody who clearly catches them more often than you that it is just wrong.  There is no measurable difference between buses here and anywhere else in the South-East.  I have quite literally never encountered diesel fumes inside a Surfside bus.  Your comments are not helpful, especially when the cause for this incident is unknown.

Operators lose buses to fire regularly - Perth has had a very bad run in particular.  The issue is that modern bus engines keep needing to run hotter and hotter to comply with emissions requirements.  Unfortunately this means fire suppression systems are going to become more and more necessary, and TransLink to my knowledge does not mandate their installation.

I wouldnt say it if I hadn't experienced it. Compared with maintenance with Brisbane City Council run busses. The Brisbane ones run cleaner and also quieter than Surfside busses.

[techblitz]

I have experienced fumes on the 760 twice....over the last couple of years....small percentage yes.....but it DOES happen and it does get the attention of the passengers onboard.......have yet to experience it on any other operators buses.

[James]

Operators lose buses to fire regularly - Perth has had a very bad run in particular.  The issue is that modern bus engines keep needing to run hotter and hotter to comply with emissions requirements.  Unfortunately this means fire suppression systems are going to become more and more necessary, and TransLink to my knowledge does not mandate their installation.

Just because other operators lose/have lost numerous buses to fire, doesn't mean it is acceptable. The problem should be fixed, otherwise in the long-term this is going to seriously damage the reputation of Surfside in the community. This isn't happening elsewhere in SEQ.

[tazzer9]

Those surfside busses are not very well maintained. A lot need replacing. I notice each time I catch them there is always Diesel fumes leaking into the interior and black diesel smoke emitting from the exhaust. A far cry from a clean transport future. "I dont know what example we are going to show the world with the comm games."

You keep saying that - I can guarantee you as somebody who clearly catches them more often than you that it is just wrong.  There is no measurable difference between buses here and anywhere else in the South-East.  I have quite literally never encountered diesel fumes inside a Surfside bus.  Your comments are not helpful, especially when the cause for this incident is unknown.

Operators lose buses to fire regularly - Perth has had a very bad run in particular.  The issue is that modern bus engines keep needing to run hotter and hotter to comply with emissions requirements.  Unfortunately this means fire suppression systems are going to become more and more necessary, and TransLink to my knowledge does not mandate their installation.

My limited experience of surfside bus lines is similar to that of verbatims.   I have noticed the fumes inside.   Not very pleasant and they do put out alot of black smoke, much more than any other bus company in SEQ.   I still think the best buses in SEQ are the ones run in the redlands area.

[#Metro]

Might be time for them to go electric then. Do the buses still have one door? Practice seems different to Brisbane.
The LRT power supply is there if they ever want to go trolleybus

[SurfRail]

Operators lose buses to fire regularly - Perth has had a very bad run in particular.  The issue is that modern bus engines keep needing to run hotter and hotter to comply with emissions requirements.  Unfortunately this means fire suppression systems are going to become more and more necessary, and TransLink to my knowledge does not mandate their installation.

Just because other operators lose/have lost numerous buses to fire, doesn't mean it is acceptable. The problem should be fixed, otherwise in the long-term this is going to seriously damage the reputation of Surfside in the community. This isn't happening elsewhere in SEQ.

We don't know what the problem is yet, or if it it something which can be fixed (or even needs to be).

[HappyTrainGuy]

BT buses not having problems.... haha. BT is keeping Barnes Towing in business haha.

[James]

BT buses not having problems.... haha. BT is keeping Barnes Towing in business haha.

I'd rather my bus break down than burst into flames personally. Imagine a bus catching fire on the inner SEB... that'd be one way to bring the bus network to a halt.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Train malfunctions at Narangba with a 10kg chunk of shrapnel punching through both sides of a crossing

COMMUTERS at a north Brisbane train station have had a lucky escape after a 10kg chunk of shrapnel punched through both sides of a pedestrian overpass, believed to be thrown from a freight train this morning.

About 8.30am, the Pacific National train experienced what witness Jason Radcliffe described was a major drive-gear failure, sending the 5-10kg chunk of steel shooting up between train freight cars at Narangba station.

Mr Radcliffe's photos show that the shrapnel shattered the reinforced glass and sheared through the aluminium facades on both sides of the overpass, leaving a hole the size of a basketball.

Fortunately, the cannonball effect of the flying shrapnel did not strike any pedestrians, he said.

"The station master and her assistant should be commended on their quick attention, isolating and making everyone safe," he said.

Mr Radcliffe is an specialist project engineer who regularly commutes to his workplace from the Naranba station.

He arrived just after the carnage and said the chances of an incident like that occuring was on par with 'winning the lotto'.

"Ordinarily, if something like this is going to fail, it will bounce up and down under the train," he said.

"It has swung vertically up from the train, clipped either the train or the carriage, over the top and richocheted onto the glass and out the other side onto the platform.

"If you look at the logistics of trying to make something do this, you would have more chance of winning the lotto."

Mr Radcliffe said the station overpass was always busy foot traffic, and the only thing that prevented a tragedy was that it didn't happen during the peak period.

"If it happened at 7.30am, you would have lost a couple of people," he said.

Queensland Rail and Pacific National have been contacted for comment.

[ozbob]

Two youths have been charged after rocks were placed along railway lines in Ipswich overnight. https://t.co/3jA12FaSQp

— QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) July 31, 2016