SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
A range of improvements and innovations were introduced
during the year to increase the safety of our network for our
people and our customers. These have included improvements
to our rules, technology and the trialling of a track awareness
support system.
RULES
A number of operational and work on track rule changes
were introduced during the year, including improving the
track warrant system in Victoria, the uniform train headlight
rule and the introduction of improved speed signage in NSW.
Preparations for the roll-out of network-wide work on track
rules are nearing completion.
STANDARDS
The publication of the network-wide Route Access Standards
was an important development for our customers. This
document contains everything rail operators need to know
about ARTC’s tracks, structures and signals to design rolling
stock as well as to plan and operate trains.
New technology for managing track stability was also
introduced to avoid track buckles in summer, and avoid the
need for heat-related speed restrictions.
TRACK AWARENESS SUPPORT
SYSTEM (TASS)
ARTC commenced live field trials at various locations
on the network of a new safety technology, the Track
Awareness Support System (TASS) during the year. This
system uses technology to deliver an additional layer of
safety for track workers.
A GPS and 3G equipped beacon alerts everybody at a work site
when trains are approaching via a siren and flashing lights. The
beacons have been designed to be robust, portable, quick to
setup and easy to use.
TASS takes advantage of the infrastructure delivered as part
of ARTC’s National Train Communications System by using
the Telstra Next G network for data connections and GPS
reports from train ICE radios to detect the location of trains and
transmit them to the beacons when trains are approaching.
30
