R97H0008 - Striking of a Public Highway Overpass - Iron Highway - Train No. CP 121-13 - Mile 102.9, Winchester Subdivision, Bedell, Ontario - 13 August 1997 (R98-02)
TSB Full Text Report (R97H0008):
http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/rail/1997/r97h0008/r97h0008.asp
TSB Recommendation R98-02
Trailer Securement System of Iron Highway - (Action Required, as presented in the TSB Report)
The Board recommends that:
The Department of Transport assess the trailer securement system and related safety inspections of the Iron Highway to ensure that the risks associated with the securement of highway trailers are appropriately addressed. (R98-02)
Transport Canada's Response (R98-02)
(signed by Minister on April 12, 1999):
Transport Canada (TC) accepts the Transportation Safety Board's (TSB) recommendation. TC Rail Safety Inspectors have monitored the corrective measures implemented by CP following the incident and they are of the opinion that these measures will improve the safety performance of the Iron Highway operation and thus reduce the risk of a recurrence of this type of incident. These actions include:
- routine inspections by CP inspectors and lubrication enhancement on the hitches from once annually to every six months;
- painting the hitch indicator yellow against a black background which assists CP inspectors' observation of the position of the indicator pins;
- since the incident, CP inspectors perform a pre-departure inspection of the Iron Highway train which includes hitches and indicator pins; and
- CP inspectors have been given enhanced training on the unique aspects of the Iron Highway equipment.
Transport Canada has been informed that Rail-Term employees have developed a proposed auxiliary locking mechanism to ensure that the LP-9 hitch device is secured and locked properly. In addition, it will help in preventing the lock indicator pin from being bent or damaged and thereby prevent the locking mechanism from becoming ineffective. The Iron Highway is a pilot project of CP Rail who leases the equipment from CSX and Trinity Industries of Dallas, Texas, manufactures the LP-9 hitches used on the equipment. Any modifications to the existing design would thus require the approval of all concerned parties. The auxiliary locking mechanism is only a concept at this time and it has not been approved.
In the course of future inspections, Transport Canada will monitor this situation closely.