The use and maintenance of towing adapters and other auxiliary devices used for connecting trains

The equipment used in temporary transfers, such as towing adapters, has not always been handled as critical to safety in rail traffic. The towing adapters used in the transfer of the metro did not have a maintenance programme, and the adapters had not been identified. This meant that it was not possible to confirm whether the adapter was functional. As a component, however, the adapter is just as critical to safety as the actual automatic coupling of a train or locomotive.
There were no separate instructions on the use of the adapter; in that respect, the instructions of the automatic coupling were followed. This meant that it was not possible to take the special characteristics of the adapter into account.

Railway operators should ensure that the towing adapters and other auxiliary devices they use for connections have been identified and are included in the maintenance programme and that there are instructions for their use.

The structure of a device and the way it is used must be taken into account in drawing up instructions and a maintenance programme. The potential changes in the safety features of the equipment in particular must be taken into account and managed.

The equipment used in temporary transfers, such as towing adapters, has not always been handled as critical to safety in rail traffic. The towing adapters used in the transfer of the metro did not have a maintenance programme, and the adapters had not been identified. This meant that it was not possible to confirm whether the adapter was functional. As a component, however, the adapter is just as critical to safety as the actual automatic coupling of a train or locomotive.
There were no separate instructions on the use of the adapter; in that respect, the instructions of the automatic coupling were followed. This meant that it was not possible to take the special characteristics of the adapter into account.