Use of location markers and track elements in the voice communications between centralised traffic control and the trackwork supervisor

Implemented

Rail R

Accident

11.8.2020

2020-S24

Suosituksen perustelu

The trackwork supervisor did not check the location based on track elements or location markers before going on the track. Neither did the traffic controller use them to confirm the location of trackwork during voice communications. On sections of line, the location markers and the numbers of electric-railway poles are often the only way to confirm the location. The TURO instructions do not allow their use to state the location. Neither do the instructions require centralised traffic control to use track elements and location markers in confirming the location of trackwork. According to the rail traffic and shunting work safety rules, location markers or track elements must be used to pinpoint the location.

Recommendation

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency harmonises the location instructions for the railway network so that location markers are used in addition to the track elements in the voice communications between centralised traffic control and the trackwork su-pervisor, if necessary.

Suosituksen tarkennus

Using track elements and location markers would make the location of trackwork concrete. If they are not used, the voice communications between centralised traffic control and the trackwork supervisor remain too vague.

Toimenpide-ehdotukset

The trackwork supervisor did not check the location based on track elements or location markers before going on the track. Neither did the traffic controller use them to confirm the location of trackwork during voice communications. On sections of line, the location markers and the numbers of electric-railway poles are often the only way to confirm the location. The TURO instructions do not allow their use to state the location. Neither do the instructions require centralised traffic control to use track elements and location markers in confirming the location of trackwork. According to the rail traffic and shunting work safety rules, location markers or track elements must be used to pinpoint the location.