Everything we do, every day has to be for the outcome of rail safety, that is absolutely paramount.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) is an independent body corporate established under the Rail Safety National Law (South Australia) Act 2012 - with its primary objectives being to encourage and enforce safe railway operations and promote and improve national rail safety.
ONRSR is an independent body corporate established under the Rail Safety National Law (South Australia) Act 2012 .
A national priority is defined as a rail safety area of regulatory focus that applies to multiple jurisdictions and operators and warrants a sustained period of regulatory attention.
ONRSR has responsibility for regulatory oversight of rail safety in every Australian state and territory, to promote and improve national rail safety and ensure the safety of the community.
We are always looking for the right people who will - through their work - contribute to our vision of 'safe railways for Australia'
The Rail Safety National Law was passed through the South Australian Parliament on 1 May 2012 replacing 46 pieces of State, Territory and Commonwealth legislation.
The Rail Safety National Law has been developed with the principles of shared responsibility and accountability.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) support ONRSR’s work with other agencies by recognising the roles of parties and facilitating coordination to improve regulatory efficiency and effectiveness.
ONRSR is responsible for the privacy and security of information while it is collected, stored on or passing through this site.
The Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) requires that a a person or entity must apply for and be granted accreditation by ONRSR before commencing railway operations.
The one stop shop for all operator essential forms for applications, notifications and other templates.
Rail transport operator compliance with their legislative obligations under the RSNL and with the terms of their accreditation and/or registration is central to rail safety.
Rail transport operators have mandatory reporting obligations in relation to their operations - whether it be notifiable occurrences, monthly or annual returns, annual activity statements or safety performance reports.
It is a legislative requirement of accreditation that rail transport operators (RTOs) have an appropriate safety management system (SMS) in place.
The secure digital channel that facilitates the easy and reliable online exchange of all accreditation, regulatory activity and regulatory reporting data between ONRSR and regulated parties.
A person or entity intending to seek accreditation can initiate the process by contacting ONRSR via this form.
Safety and safety improvement in the Australian rail transport industry is a fundamental objective of ONRSR.
ONRSR encourages industry to review and consider the Engineering Safety Management (iESM) guideline and how it may be applied, particularly in relation to the delivery of major projects.
Human factors is the discipline that applies knowledge of human capabilities and limitations to the design, operation and maintenance of technological systems.
The rail resource management (RRM) training package kit (non-technical skills) has been developed for Australian rail safety workers.
This page provides support and guidance for Tourist & Heritage and other smaller, less-complex operators in their efforts to demonstrate compliance consistent with their specific operations.
As of 10 March 2017 ONRSR will report on progress in implementing the NSW Government's response to recommendations contained within the Final Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Waterfall Rail Accident.
Select from our collection of published reports, guidance documentation, legislation, safety messaging, videos and digital animation content - including current and historical material.
The ONRSR Annual Report provides a detailed account of operational and corporate performance and our major achievements of the last financial year.
ONRSR's corporate goals set out in its Corporate Plan ensure that the ONRSR meets its obligations under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
ONRSR’s Rail Safety Report provides a national perspective of rail safety performance through the last financial year.
The ONRSR Way documents what type of regulator ONRSR is, how we operate and provides regulated parties and rail safety stakeholders general clarity around how ONRSR does business.
In addition to ONRSR’s regular written publications we also have video messaging and digital re-creation safety message animations available for viewing.
ONRSR publishes fact sheets for the rail industry and public on specific rail safety issues.
ONRSR guidelines provide key information and clarification to both the rail industry and public on legislative, regulatory and technical matters associated with safe railway operations.
Publicly available policies provide key headline information to industry on how ONRSR will administer the law in respect of particular subject areas.
The National Rail Safety Registers are updated regularly with details of issue of Accreditation, Statutory Notices, Registrations or Exemptions for rail transport operators accredited to operate in the jurisdictional areas for which the National Rail Safety Regulator has responsibility.
**Note: To open the Accreditation, Registration or Exemption Registers click to open a condensed view and use the arrow symbol to expand to full screen. The Register of Statutory Notices accessed via the link provided and will open in a pdf format.
ONRSR collects data from operators through notifiable occurrences, enabling us to identify safety concerns and work proactively with industry to resolve them.
These interactive charts offer detailed statistics relating to rail safety occurrences and include data to 30 June 2022. An update is being prepared to incorporate the new safety data collected since 1 July 2022.
This interactive chart contains a summary of drug and alcohol testing conducted by industry and include data to 30 June 2022. An update is being prepared to incorporate the new safety data collected since 1 July 2022.
These interactive charts offer industry safety performance data relating to some of ONRSR's current and recent national priority areas and include data to 30 June 2022. An update is being prepared to incorporate the new safety data collected since 1 July 2022.
These interactive charts provide a snapshot of Australian rail network statistics and include data to 30 June 2022. An update is being prepared to incorporate the new safety data collected since 1 July 2022.
Statistics (updated every six months) allowing operators to benchmark their safety performance against industry and sector averages.
All major railway projects will result in a requirement to either vary or obtain accreditation under the RSNL.
ONRSR endeavours to publish all its public presentations and other external case studies and papers it develops.
Historical presentations and other papers include those published by previous state and territory regulators before commencement of ONRSR on 20 January 2013.
The CEO Industry Reference Group comprising heads of various industry stakeholders meet three times a year to discuss important issues and strategies.
Chaired by Peter Doggett, Chief Operating Officer, the monthly NOC meeting, attended by all ONRSR General Managers as well as other key managers provides a key means of achieving national uniformity and consistency in operational matters across the country.
En-gaugement Forums (previously known as Operations Forum) are held at various times throughout the year and aims to provide ONRSR and rail industry representatives the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss localised operational rail safety and regulation issues specific to that region.
A rail transport operator (RTO) intending to vary its current accreditation can use this form to initiate the process.
From time to time, a change is to be made to an accredited rail transport operator (RTO)'s operations and on these occasions, ONRSR must be notified.
An RTO intending to seek exemption can initiate the process by using this form to contact ONRSR to discuss the specified railway operations, either current or proposed.
An RTO intending to vary its current exemption can initiate the process by contacting ONRSR to discuss the intended changes to railway operations and exemption requirements.
An accredited RTO may apply to ONRSR to surrender its accreditation.
The fees relevant to accredited rail transport operators, or those seeking accreditation, are outlined here.
Audits are programmed as part of ONRSR’s work program or may be triggered in response to a specific safety incident or emerging safety issue.
ONRSR may conduct inspections to assess whether a rail transport operator is in compliance with its obligations and responsibilities under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
There are four different types of notices that may be served under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL)
Rail safety officers undertake site visits to observe railway operations and railway premises to ensure Australia’s rail system is as safe as possible.
A road rail vehicle, or RRV, is a vehicle which can operate on rail tracks and a conventional road.
Accredited rail transport operators are required to report certain activity data to ONRSR each month.
A notifiable occurrence means an accident or incident associated with railway operations that must be reported to ONRSR.
Registered rail infrastructure managers are required to submit an activity statement to ONRSR annually.
Accredited rail transport operators are required to submit a Safety Performance Report to the Regulator on an annual (or otherwise agreed) basis.
Fatigue can be a major source of risk in a 24/7 transport industry like rail.
Under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL), a rail safety worker must not carry out or attempt to carry out rail safety work while there is any presence of alcohol or a ‘prescribed drug’ in their system.
A registered RIM proposing change to its operations, or the conditions or restrictions of its registration, may be required to submit a Variation to Registration if it proposes:
A Rail Infrastructure Manager (RIM) may surrender registration of its private siding.
The fees relevant to registered rail infrastructure managers of private sidings, or those seeking registration, are outlined here.
Departures from accepted practices, in particular the reversion to dated, sometimes analogue working arrangements – often due to last minute decisions, external pressures and/or unforeseen events, are becoming widely recognised precursors to a range of incidents.
There are more than 23,000 level crossings in Australia many of which involve interactions between rail operations, road traffic, cyclists and pedestrians every minute of every day.
Under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL), safety is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders (operators, workers and ONRSR) as well as those who supply or provide services.
With adherence to procedures and network rules so critical to safety in the industry, the competency of rail safety workers is of paramount importance. Incident analysis reveals that both a lack of worker competency and the poor management of systems designed to record qualifications and knowledge, can lead to an increased risk of hazardous events.
Safety messages are published by ONRSR periodically and are designed to focus on specific areas of rail safety concern, to share information between the regulator and the rail industry, and to identify positive steps to enhance rail safety.
Safety alerts are issued as needed to inform accredited rail transport operators and the broader rail industry of current and emerging safety issues.
Under the FOI Act, ONRSR has obligations to ensure that certain information concerning its operations is readily available.
The National Rail Safety Data Strategy 2018 – 2022 (the Strategy) champions a single relevant, consistent and quality national rail safety data set that is readily available to stakeholders to make rail safety decisions.
All our corporate and public reports and information is located here.
Fact sheets, guidelines and policies provide the rail industry and public with key information on specific rail safety issues and legislative, regulatory and technical matters associated with the administration of ONRSR.
All changes to the Rail Safety National Law and National Regulations are approved by the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meeting, which comprises each state/territory transport Minister.
ONRSR has developed these Safety Management System (SMS) modules to assist smaller, less-complex operators (including tourist and heritage) when developing or reviewing their SMS.
These are examples only and use of them is up to each organisation.
ONRSR reminds all rail transport operators to be aware of the inherent risks associated with undertaking emergency or unplanned maintenance.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators about a range of risks, causes and controls associated with short warning times at level crossings caused by wheel-rail interface issues.
ONRSR’s first digital animation for 2021 focuses on a worksite protection occurrence and provides key learnings and advice for operators in relation to work on track.
An ONRSR investigation into a recent runaway incident revealed a feature of the Wabtec air brake system that is now highlighted to rail transport operators.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators about a range of risks, causes and controls associated with train to train collisions.
The systems, machinery, hardware and software used to run rail operations are often necessarily complex, but ONRSR is becoming increasingly aware that operators are not always fully aware of the detailed operational specifications of their many and varied pieces of kit.
ONRSR identified track worker safety as one of its inaugural national priorities in 2016, ensuring the issue was the subject of a sustained period of regulatory attention.
In this, ONRSR’s second digital re-creation, we look at the issue of uncontrolled movements and what happens when rail safety workers take shortcuts and ignore processes and protocols.
ONRSR is advising operators to assess competency of network controllers following an emerging trend.
Training for an emergency situation is important so that it becomes routine, as much as possible.
This digital recreation explores the issue of a communications breakdown that resulted in a near miss for a track worker
Regardless of the current circumstances, the principles of risk management, risk control, and active supervision continue to be a legal and critical requirement even if there is a need to perform work in different conditions.
ONRSR’s rail safety officers (RSOs) are our primary interface with accredited rail transport operators and they are based in each of our offices around the country
ONRSR recently worked with the Australian Society of Section Car Operators to address an outdated safety management system and safety culture. The experience serves as an important reminder to all rail transport operators to ensure safety is always the top priority
rail transport operators are reminded that wheel loads effect safe guidance of vehicles on track with excessive loads leading to damaged rolling stock components and track structures.
This document shares findings made from a runaway incident that occurred on 31 July 2019 in Whyalla, South Australia that should be used as an input to the risk review processes for operators managing a similar operating scenario.
ONRSR has developed new guidance for rail transport operators about the potential causes of incidents where people get stuck in rolling stock doors. It includes information regarding the existing controls available to eliminate or minimise the risk.
ONRSR is emphasising to all Rail Infrastructure Managers (RIMs) the increased risks posed by poorly maintained track following a series of recent derailments.
ONRSR is reminding all operators of the importance of careful planning when carrying out Track Occupancy Authority and Local Possession Authority activities.
This safety message is directed to coal loading operators and any other rolling stock operators responsible for loading coal into wagons.
Following recent incidents and observations the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) is reminding all operators of the importance of a system engineering approach.
Some rail transport operators (RTO) may choose to apply arrangements from enterprise bargaining agreements to their fatigue risk management program. In this instance there are strict obligations that an RTO’s safety management system must meet.
ONRSR is reminding all rail transport operators to be aware of the inherent risks associated with undertaking emergency or unplanned maintenance.
An ATSB-identified limitation of use of the bio-mathematical model FAID has relevance to the rail industry.
Asbestos has recently been found in friction wear plates in the suspension systems of rail carriages.
A review of the metallurgical and associated factors covering eight wheel failure incidents, issued for the benefit of like-for-like railways.
Sets out ONRSR's road rail vehicle (RRV) human factors observations and analyses.
The ONRSR is concerned about the risk of permanently coupled pairs of freight wagons, which share a braking system, becoming uncoupled and resulting in a runaway. Rail operators are expected to reassess the risk/s associated with permanently coupled wagons and consider additional measures to mitigate these risks.
Australian rail operators may need to review and revise risk registers to manage the hazards associated with ‘shattered rim’ following two recent incidents, which may be indicators of a larger safety issue for the industry.
Investigation reports into rail accidents overseas can provide valuable lessons learned which, when applied, may reduce the risk of these incidents occurring in Australia.
The ONRSR has been working closely with the rail industry to assist in the identification and management of risks associated with the operation of Road/Rail Vehicles (RRVs).
The Module Interactive Diagram provides you with an overall view of the modules with a direct link to each - simply point and click to open the specific module you want to access.
ONRSR's collection of published presentations, case studies, papers and other historical resources including those published by previous state and territory regulators before commencement of the ONRSR
A Rail Infrastructure Manager (RIM) of a private siding that is, or is to be, connected to another railway or private siding must be registered for each siding it intends to manage.
ONRSR can grant exemptions to operators from the requirement to be accredited or registered.
A brand new digital resource for the rail industry is set to transform the management of safety at more than 20,000 level crossings around Australia.
ONRSR has thrown its weight behind TrackSafe’s Stand Back, Look Up, Stay Rail Safe, campaign, while also using this Rail Safety Week to highlight how its focus on a series of national rail safety priorities is helping keep Australians safe on the rail network.
The contractor management national priority has been scoped to include a 4-phase approach
ONRSR has today issued a new Safety Alert advising rail transport operators to review the risks associated with ‘long end leading’ locomotive operations.
In early June, ONRSR held the first of its new Engauge-ment Forums, meeting with representatives from accredited operators located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Previously badged as Branch Operations Forums (or BOFs), these face-to-face sessions are a great opportunity for industry representatives to get information most relevant to them.
Keep up with all ONRSR's news and information to the rail industry - current and earlier items located here.
For assistance and enquiries
For further information contact your local office
For enquiries regarding rail operations in South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
For enquiries regarding rail operations in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Ross Stargatt
Senior Manager, Strategic Planning and Communications
ONRSR, in conjunction with the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB), has released the results of a global investigation into how world standard technology can protect track workers in the Australian rail industry.
The National Rail Safety Data Strategy (the Strategy) is a joint project between the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA). The proposed data set has been developed jointly by ARA, ONRSR and industry representatives.
ONRSR has been progressing the development of a national cost recovery model based on risk and regulatory effort, on behalf of Transport and Infrastructure Ministers. This model represents a significant shift from current cost recovery arrangements.
On this page you will find links to tools and resources on a range of topics.
Worksite protection in Australia relies heavily on rules and procedures to protect people undertaking rail safety work.
The Contributing Factors Framework was developed by the former Rail Safety Regulators’ Panel and the use of it by the rail industry is voluntary but encouraged by ONRSR.
ONRSR has updated the Identifying Rail Safety Work under the RSNL Guideline which provides guidance on the term “rail safety work”, and outlines how rail transport operators (RTO) can identify rail safety workers as part of their risk management processes.
For enquiries regarding rail operations in South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
ONRSR has produced a new industry fact sheet covering its National Priority rail safety issue of control assurance.
ONRSR has issued a Safety Alert in response to several recent occurrences where level crossings were incorrectly isolated resulting in trains travelling through unprotected level crossings.
ONRSR will soon be releasing a consultation paper on our proposed cost recovery model.
ONRSR is providing more information to rail transport operators and network controllers about the common issues we have identified across network control operations in Australia.
ONRSR’s yearly account of rail safety has been released and as the first such report produced since becoming a fully national rail safety regulator, it provides the most comprehensive statistical picture of the Australian rail industry’s safety performance to date.
ONRSR’s ability to take a detailed and formal look at the circumstances behind a specific rail safety issue is a fundamental element of our broader role in administering Rail Safety National Law. But, exactly how does the national regulator approach investigations?
ONRSR has developed a Fatigue Risk Management Guideline to provide practical guidance to rail transport operators on how to manage the fatigue-related risks associated with rail safety work and set out ONRSR’s expectations for meeting the requirements of the RSNL.
ONRSR’s Annual Report 2019–2020 is now available to download.
ONRSR has partnered with the ARA and industry representatives to develop the National Rail Safety Data Strategy with the aim to deliver a relevant, consistent and high-quality national rail safety dataset that is readily available to stakeholders to make rail safety decisions.
It is timely to consider the value of in-cab video and audio recordings in providing critical information about the in-cab environment in the moments leading to a rail incident on Australia’s rail network. This has been highlighted following recent fatal rail incidents and also in response to a number of ATSB investigations, where this information would help provide investigators and the rail industry with critical information that may help to prevent a similar incident from occurring again.
ONRSR will be using the closing months of 2020 to undertake stakeholder consultation on a range of key policy matters affecting the Australian rail industry.
The ONRSR Major Projects Guideline is one of the most accessed of our industry resources and given the significant investments being made in major rail projects around Australia, it is more important than ever.
ONRSR has produced a draft Fatigue Risk Management Guideline to provide practical guidance to rail transport operators on how to manage the fatigue-related risks associated with rail safety work and set out ONRSR’s expectations for meeting the requirements of the RSNL.
ONRSR has developed two new fact sheets for industry to help ensure system upgrades – be they physical or digital - are implemented as seamlessly and safely as possible.
ONRSR is reminding operators of the requirement to verbally report Category A incidents immediately – also noting where two operators are involved, both operators must notify ONRSR.
Changes to the definitions of rail safety work in the Rail Safety National Law will take effect from 1 July 2020 (except in Western Australia). This follows the work of the National Transport Commission and agreement of State and Territory Ministers in November 2019.
With the gradual reopening of services and operations, ONRSR has prepared a Fact Sheet providing Tourist & Heritage operators with relevant information to assist them in complying with all requirements of their safety management system (SMS) after an extended shutdown of operations.
Australia’s leading authorities on rail safety will join forces to identify world standard safety technology that can be deployed to protect workers on our nation’s rail networks.
The ONRSR website has undergone some recent changes; including content updates of existing material and the introduction of new pages.
In response to feedback from Tourist and Heritage operators and, as part of broader stakeholder engagement, ONRSR has been working with the sector to roll out a number of initiatives to support the Tourist and Heritage sector and other smaller less-complex operators.
On a daily basis ONRSR engages with a multitude of rail safety stakeholders in carrying out its functions and pursuing its objectives under Rail Safety National Law.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has called on the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to immediately commission a fully independent audit of the railway track between Sydney and Melbourne.
ONRSR Chief Executive and National Rail Safety Regulator, Sue McCarrey has reflected on the past decade confident it will be remembered as one of the most telling periods ever for safety and efficiency in the Australian rail sector.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) will continue its pursuit of safe railways for Australia, buoyed by the key findings of the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report into National Transport Regulatory Reform.
Responsibility for rail safety regulation in Victoria will officially transfer from Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) from December 2.
Following consultation with NSW rail transport operators (RTOs) and third party testing service providers, ONRSR is introducing changes to the NSW drug and alcohol identity card issuing process.
If you transport dangerous goods by rail, then the following article may be of interest to you.
UPDATE: Please see updated information by following this link.
All rail safety stakeholders across Australia are welcomed to ONRSR’s brand new website.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators about a range of risks, causes and controls associated with short warning times at level crossings caused by train overspeed or procedural breaches.
The ONRSR Way documents what type of regulator ONRSR is, how we operate and provides regulated parties and rail safety stakeholders general clarity around how ONRSR does business.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators about a range of risks, causes and controls associated road vehicles or vessels striking rail bridges.
ONRSR is asking those rail transport operators (RTOs) – with Network Control centres – to ensure network controllers are properly trained in the event of runaway incidents.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has today issued a new Safety Alert advising rail transport operators that a check and verification process has revealed that a significant number of fraudulent competencies have been uploaded into the Rail Industry Worker (RIW) program.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators about a range of risks, causes and controls associated with passenger falls between the platform and train.
A review of research, and national and international best practice in relation to train visibility – commissioned by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has been completed.
Infrastructure and Transport Ministers have asked ONRSR to develop a code of practice for train illumination to reflect the findings of recent train lighting trials. A code of practice will set out best practice to the industry and is admissible in a proceeding as evidence of whether or not a rail operator has complied with a duty or obligation under the Rail Safety National Law.
A draft code is expected to be presented to Ministers in 2024 for their consideration and approval.
In late 2021, Federal and State Transport Ministers endorsed ONRSR’s policy to mandate in-cab audio and video on mainline passenger and freight trains.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators about a range of risks, causes and controls associated with sticking brakes on all types of rolling stock.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators (RTOs) about a range of risks, causes and controls associated with fires and explosions on passenger rolling stock.
Every two years ONRSR reviews its national priorities, those areas of regulatory focus that apply to multiple jurisdictions and operators and warrant a sustained period of regulatory attention.
ONRSR is reminding rail transport operators about a range of risks, causes and controls associated with fires in underground tunnels and stations (FTUGs).
ONRSR incident investigations have identified poor safety critical communications as a contributing factor to an increasing number of extremely serious occurrences across all sectors of the industry, ranging from authority irregularities to conflicting train movements, runaways and near-hits.
ONRSR’s first digital incident re-creation of 2022 details what can go wrong when safety culture is eroded and safety systems are not prepared, explained and executed correctly.
ONRSR, in conjunction with the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB), has released the results of a global investigation into how world standard technology can protect track workers in the Australian rail industry.
The NSW Rail Safety (Adoption of National Law) Regulation 2018 is being amended.
In this safety message - the first in a new series - ONRSR identifies a number of potential scenarios whereby informal or ad hoc processes and procedures can undermine a safety management system and create safety issues.
ONRSR has commenced its first prosecution against a rail safety worker for attempting to provide synthetic urine when directed to provide a sample for routine drug and alcohol testing.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) are today celebrating a major milestone following the official launch of Australia’s new rail safety data reporting scheme.
With oversight of rail safety across Australia, the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) deals with a myriad of safety concerns every single day - but few, if any, have drawn the national watchdog’s sustained focus like that of track worker safety.
ONRSR conducts regulatory activities, including audits, inspections and site visits, across multiple operators and sectors. In conducting these activities, ONRSR often observes and identifies common safety themes and issues.
In this series of safety messages, ONRSR highlights these issues, how they can potentially increase risks to rail safety and what better practice can look like to minimise the potential risks.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has today issued a new Safety Alert advising rail transport operators of the risk of unbraked runaway associated with coupling systems and braking systems fitted to infrastructure trolleys and trailers.
ONRSR is reminding operators of the importance of managing the risks of SPADs and what the consequences of not doing so can potentially lead to.
Australia’s National Rail Safety Regulator has thrown its support behind Rail Safety Week 2022 and its emphasis on the dangers of distraction.
For the past 2 years, ONRSR has been using digital re-creations of rail safety occurrences as an educational tool for rail transport operators. Recently, some rail transport operators have begun developing their own digital animations that detail the circumstances of incidents that have occurred.
As the saying goes, what can go wrong will go wrong and it’s this reality ONRSR wants rail transport operators to more actively consider when assessing what have been generally low safety risks.
ONRSR is highlighting the dangers of straying from documented processes when designing and maintaining operations and infrastructure.
Like the broader Australian rail industry, ONRSR has worked hard since its inception to provide career pathways for women into what were once male dominated roles.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has become aware of an accredited rail transport operator (RTO) receiving an email requesting payment of its Annual Fees Invoice to updated banking details. The email comes from an account purporting to be ONRSR.
In conducting ONRSR’s regulatory activities, ONRSR has found that some operators are undertaking a risk assessment as an administrative task or hurdle rather than as a process to support or guide their decision-making.
On the 20th of January 2013 the Curiosity Rover found signs that water once flowed on Mars. Elsewhere, Barack Obama was sworn in for a second term as President of the United States, and a little closer to home, a heat wave that had sparked bushfires across much of south-eastern Australia finally relented.
And on that same day, in a somewhat less seismic but nonetheless historic development, the doors opened at the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.
In preparation for the new national cost recovery model which, subject to Ministerial approval and legislative amendments, will come into effect from 1 July 2023, accredited commercial operators required to undertake the Management and Control assessments can do so via the ONRSR Portal. These will need to be submitted by 2 December 2022.
Following a highly successful eight-year tenure spent fostering Australia’s fledgling rail regulator into a nationally recognised safety authority, ONRSR Chief Executive Sue McCarrey will depart her post at the end of the year.
ONRSR is highlighting the risk of rolling stock runaways in yards and sidings and detailing a range of effective controls.
ONRSR is highlighting the risk of lineside fires and detailing a range of effective controls.
Our Prosecutions team enforces the RSNL in all participating jurisdictions in Australia.
Enforceable Voluntary Undertakings (EVUs) are formal written undertakings from a person in relation to a contravention or alleged contravention of the law.
The National Rail Safety Register of Statutory Notices issued for rail transport operators accredited to operate in the jurisdictional areas for which the National Rail Safety Regulator has responsibility.
ONRSR aims to facilitate an improvement to safety or compliance with the RSNL by giving direction to a rail transport operator or individual imposing sanctions or seeking court penalties for contraventions of the RSNL.
ONRSR’s enforcement decisions are made proportionate to the identified risk to safety, the seriousness of any perceived breach, and/or the level of non-compliance with legislative requirements. When presented with a potential breach against the RSNL, ONRSR has a range of powers, legislative sanctions and enforcement options available to secure safe outcomes and compliance with the law.
Enforcement action that involves the application of sanctions or penalties will typically be taken on completion of an investigation, which is principally undertaken to determine breaches of the RSNL. Operators should be aware that all enforcement options are always available to be utilised against all duty holders at any time. These measures are outlined below.
A train driver who put lives at risk after inexplicably “losing” four carriages and failing to take immediate action to secure and recover them has been issued a $30,000 fine for two breaches of Australia’s Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
New safety video produced by ONRSR on safety measures around level crossing isolation.
ONRSR deploys its investigative resources in order to establish whether a breach of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) has occurred.
Our safety animations are a very effective and popular way to provide information to operators and individuals alike. This time we have tweaked the format a little.
ONRSR has hosted representatives of some of the largest rail transport operators in Australia at a forum dedicated to optimising safety in one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors.
ONRSR has welcomed a conviction, under Rail Safety National Law, recorded against a rail safety worker whose actions endangered others at a Queensland worksite in 2020.
ONRSR is highlighting some of the key good practices and requirements for effective management of railway bridges.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has filed three charges against Queensland Rail (QR) following an investigation into a fatal train accident at Westwood, near Rockhampton in Queensland, in June 2021.
Rail safety workers using fraudulent qualifications will face fines of up to $10,000 under changes being made to Australia’s Rail Safety National Law.
ONRSR is highlighting good practices and requirements for effective management of railway track infrastructure
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has this week charged a Victorian train driver who it alleges exposed numerous passengers and crew to the risk of death or serious injury by recklessly passing through multiple red signals while talking on a mobile phone.
ONRSR has released a new rail industry fact sheet designed to clarify the requirements when persons, particularly rail safety workers, are compelled to answer questions by our Rail Safety Officers.
ONRSR is highlighting some of the key good practices and requirements for effective management of freight and passenger rolling stock.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has welcomed the finalisation of proceedings against a rail safety worker in New South Wales who pleaded guilty to three charges relating to serious and repeated breaches of Rail Safety National Law (RSNL)
ONRSR is again throwing its support behind the upcoming Rail Safety Week (August 7-13), using the important period to highlight the responsibility we all have for safety on the network.
ONRSR is highlighting some of the key good practices and requirements for effective management of railway Signalling, Communications, Electrical and Control Systems (SCE&CS).
A Victorian train driver who exposed his passengers, and those on another train, to the risk of a catastrophic collision while talking on his mobile phone has been fined $20,000 in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court.
ONRSR’s latest digital incident re-creation is based on a potentially disastrous incident that highlights the need for absolute vigilance in adhering to the fundamentals of a safety management system.
ONRSR is growing increasingly concerned about the prevalence of ageing infrastructure on Australian railway networks and is calling on operators to work closely with it to find appropriate solutions to address the issue.
As part of its responsibilities to ensure compliance with the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL), ONRSR undertakes enforcement action in instances where it considers a breach of the RSNL has occurred.
The search for Australia’s next National Rail Safety Regulator is over, with Dr. Natalie Pelham appointed Chief Executive of the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has welcomed a decision in the Brisbane Magistrate’s Court to fine a train driver for failing to attend a post-incident interview.
In this safety message, ONRSR is highlighting some of the ways rail transport operators and rail infrastructure managers can apply a human factors lens to maintenance.
ONRSR investigations and those conducted by other regulatory authorities have identified both good and poor practice when managing risks that arise when unexpected changes occur during railway operations.
ONRSR will use a court ruling into a fatal train accident to continue educating rail transport operators of the risks associated with long end leading locomotive operations and actions required to improve safety.
ONRSR was recently on site when Arc Infrastructure publicly revealed its Autonomous Rail Wagon (ARW) concept with a demonstration of the rolling stock’s capabilities at the Kenwick Rail Freight Facility in Perth.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator has deployed investigators to the scene of today's fatal accident near the South Australian and NSW border.
A person or entity intending to seek registration of a private siding can initiate the process by contacting ONRSR via this form.
Following the release of an ONRSR safety alert the Australian Skills Quality Authority is now investigating technical training providers who are registered training organisations delivering rail worker industry competencies.
A joint initiative of the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) to undertake a massive overhaul of industry rail safety data reporting has now been completed, marking a significant milestone for the Australian rail industry.
Accredited rail transport operators are required to report certain network and railway operations data, commonly referred to as the ontology data, to ONRSR each year.
ONRSR has welcomed the outcome of an appeal in the NSW Supreme Court by rail transport operator, Aurizon, against a decision that saw a variation to its accreditation denied on the basis of inadequate consultation with rail safety workers.
During regulatory activities and interactions, ONRSR identifies both good and poor practice from rail operators’ investigations reports.
During regulatory activities and interactions, ONRSR identifies both good and poor practice regarding rail equipment type approval.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and NSW Trains have been found guilty of breaches of Rail Safety National Law in relation to the derailment of a passenger train that killed two rail safety workers at Wallan, Victoria in February 2020.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has welcomed the Western Australian Parliament’s decision to approve the full application of Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has issued a new Safety Alert advising rail transport operators of the risk of uncontrolled movements associated with direct drive hydraulic pumps installed on Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs).
Safety case studies are published by ONRSR periodically and are designed to provide detailed insights into the specifics of a rail safety occurrence, the safety outcomes ONRSR has driven in the aftermath of the incident and the key learnings for accredited rail transport operators.
A current ONRSR investigation has highlighted a concerning issue where safety critical staff such as protection officers are not attending pre-possession planning meetings.
During regulatory activities and interactions, ONRSR identifies both good and poor practice when operators undertake changes to their railways.
At ONRSR we are always looking for ways to improve and support safety. The National Level Crossing Portal (NLXP) was originally developed to provide better information to support operators in their safety management decisions at level crossings.
The ONRSR Rail Locomotive Boilers Guideline provides rail transport operators with guidance on ONRSR’s expectations for demonstrating the safety of rail locomotive boilers. It also includes some guidance on the operation of reciprocating steam engines.
Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) is overseeing one of Australia’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects, comprising a 90-kilometre railway linking every major rail artery across the Victorian capital. Multiple early works sites have been established and the project is transitioning into major works delivery.
The national regulator will use improvements in the quality of rail safety data to re-focus its drug and alcohol testing regime, ensuring a more evidence-based approach to testing.
An Emergency Management Plan (EMP) is a written set of instructions outlining how a rail transport operator can manage emergencies including fires, collisions, derailments and evacuations.
ONRSR has welcomed the release of the National Transport Commission’s final report on its targeted review of the Rail Safety National Law.
As another financial year comes to a close, ONRSR is outlining to all accredited operators, and our wider stakeholder community, the details of changes to its annual fees for 2024-2025.
Simple mistakes are often to blame for incidents at Australian level crossings but stopping them is a complex problem.
ONRSR wants Rail Transport Operators to renew their focus on the quality assurance processes they have in place to ensure contracted maintenance work is carried out safely and effectively.
This brochure explains why a rail safety officer might visit railway premises and interact with rail safety workers;.
This brochure provides high-level information and guidance specifically relating to the use of road rail vehicles (RRVs) in railway operations.
Presentation by Sue McCarrey at the 2015 AusRail conference in Melbourne
This presentation was delivered by Rob Lewis, Director Sustainment Management on 22 November 2012.
In November 2016 the Transport and Infrastructure Council approved changes to ONRSR’s cost recovery model.
This presentation was delivered at a Road Rail Vehicle Workshop on 30 October 2012, outlining actions to improve safe operations.
This Safety Alert states that in the area bounded by Lithgow and Penrith, no train is to be authorised to pass an automatic signal at stop until the signaller has confirmed to the driver that the line ahead to the next signal is clear of trains.
This form is for use by Rail Infrastructure Managers.
Application form for review of a Reviewable Decision.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure an appropriate level of transparency with regard to the interpretation by the NRSR of what is meant by significant cost or expenses under the RSNL.
The purpose of this policy is to set out the principles for determining whether a rail transport operator has assessed the competence of its rail safety workers in accordance with the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
Rail transport operators must ensure that each rail safety worker, who is to perform rail safety work in relation to its railway operations, has the knowledge and skills necessary to enable the worker to carry out the work safely.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (the ONRSR) has prepared this guideline to promote the ongoing safety of rail infrastructure and rolling stock assets.
This initial consultation presentation was delivered by Peter Kohler and Andy Webb on 24 April 2013.
An incident on 2 February 2005 investigated by ATSB, reported that a number of factors that contributed to the incident may be relevant to other railway organisations that undertake shunting activities.
A safety investigation has now been completed by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and includes safety recommendations to improve railway operational safety.
This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom on 6 October 2011 into an axle failure and subsequent derailment on a narrow gauge heritage railway.
This Safety Alert states that Accredited Rail Transport Organisations either using hydraulically operated ballast regulators or engaging service providers who use these track machines need to be aware of the potential for this type of incident to occur.
This Safety Alert states that the basic safety principles include the seperation of people and trans, adjacent line protection and determination of a safe place or refuge.
This Safety Alert states that the intent of this RISN is to provide the widest possible advice regarding the risks identified above in relation to this practice. With effective procedures and well maintained equipment there is no reason people need to be exposed to this risk.
Branch Operations Forum 2015 - Derek Heneker - Central Branch Manager ONRSR - 9 December 2015
National initiatives and reforms: Overview - Melissa Radke - Acting Executive Director, Policy, Communications and Planning ONRSR
Risk-Based Regulation - Steve Bickley, Director Safety and Risk ONRSR - 9 December 2015
Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board Update - Paul Daly - RISSB CEO - 9 December 2015
ARTC presentation from the 2016 Central Branch Operations Forum.
2016 Central Branch Operations Forum presentation
2016 Central Branch Operations Forum presentation
2016 Central Branch Operations Forum presentation
2016 Central Branch Operations Forum presentation
2016 Central Branch Operations Forum presentation
2016 Central Branch Operations Forum presentation
This Safety Alert states that a derailment in WA on 31 May 2003 resulted from the effects on the track structure by up to 250mm "flats" that had developed on the wheels of the leading bogie of the offending wagon.
This Safety Alert states that an incident with potentially serious safety concerns occurred in WA following the runaway of a heavy duty rail mounted mobile flash welder truck. The investigation of the incident revealed that during the on-tracking process there was a period when the road wheels were above the road surface but not in contact with the rail wheels as they were being lowered, hence the transmission brake and road wheel brakes could not assist the rail wheel brakes in holding the vehicle on the prevailing gradient.
This Safety Alert states that there have been three catastrophic freight axle failures in NSW over the past six years with the most recent incident occurring at Coalcliff on 23 November 2011. In each of these incidents, the axles failed through fatigue as a result of a stress raiser (or initiator) such as a heavy impact mark or sharp transverse incision.
Amendments to RSNL from 2014
From 1 August 2016, changes to the Rail Safety National Law and National Regulations will apply. The changes were approved by Ministers in November 2015. A summary of the changes as they will apply to accredited and registered operators is provided here.
From 1 July 2017, changes to the Rail Safety National Law and National Regulations apply.
From 1 July 2019, changes to the Rail Safety National Law and National Regulations apply
This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.
This policy clearly articulates how the application of the compliance and enforcement measures as set out in the RSNL will be applied by the Regulator.
The framework provides rail transport operators, rail safety investigators and regulators with a structured coding system and process to consistently capture the systemic factors that contribute to rail safety occurrences.
Operators are required to specify the control measures they use to manage the safety risks associated with their railway operations.
This Safety Alert states that accredited operators and rail infrastructure managers should ensure that all personnel who might apply Controlled Signal Blocking are aware of, understand, and apply network procedure requirements.
This Safety Alert states that the Bureau of Metrology has reported that Queensland may experience above average tropical cyclone activity this coming season, with up to six cyclones developing in the Coral Sea. It is also likely to be wetter than normal in most parts. All railways in Queensland need to be prepared for the sudden impact of destructive winds, heavy rainfall with flooding and damaging storm surges.
This compliance code had effect in NSW until the repeal of the Rail Safety (Adoption of National Law) Regulation 2012 (NSW) in July 2018. It is provided here for historical and reference purposes only.
This presentation was delivered by Andy Webb, Head of Strategic Projects at the IRSE Technical Conference on 20 March 2015.
This presentation was delivered by Peter Doggett, Executive Director National Operations on 28 April 2015.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has become aware of an Emergency Order issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the United States. Emergency Order 26 – Emergency Order to Restrict On-Duty Railroad Operating Employees’ Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Distracting Electronic and Electrical Devices – outlines the potential safety implications of the improper usage of distracting devices.
Authorised persons must produce an identity card for inspection on request to any person required by the authorised person to submit to a test.
Form for the appointment of authorised persons as Drug and Alcohol Testing Officers.
From 1 July 2019, amendments to the Rail Safety National Law will enable the Regulator to undertake urine testing of rail safety workers.
Sub-delegation under section 124 of the Rail Safety National Law (NSW)
ONRSR notification form of non-negative or positive drug and alcohol test results, as required under regulation 28(2)(b) of the Rail Safety National Law (NSW).
The purpose of this form is to notify ONRSR if a drug and alcohol authorised person's identity card is lost or stolen, damaged or illegible or revoked.
This fact sheet outlines the process for RTOs and third party providers to appoint authorised persons and issue their identity cards to conduct D&A testing in NSW under the RSNL.
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide guidance to rail transport operators and rail safety workers on ONRSR’s testing program.
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide guidance to rail transport operators accredited for railway operations in NSW in relation to drug and alcohol testing under th RSNL.
This fact sheet provides guidance for Rail transport operators who carry legal responsibilities for minimising and reporting the risks of drugs and alcohol on their railway operations.
A rail transport operator must prepare and implement a drug and alcohol management program (DAMP) for rail safety workers who carry out rail safety work in relation to railway operations for which the operator is required to be accredited.
This poster provides a summary of ONRSR post incident testing processes and guidance for Rail Transport Operators and will be particularly relevant to Rail Transport Operators personnel who report notifiable occurrences and personnel involved in arranging post incident testing.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure an appropriate level of transparency with regard to drug and alcohol testing of Rail Safety Workers (RSWs) by the NRSR in accordance with the RSNL.
Rail safety workers have an important role in ensuring the safety of railway operations and carry specific legal duties under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
This Safety Alert states that during a recent program of replacing walkover seat mounts on an electric multiple unit, a rail transport operator noticed that blind fasteners did not appear to be formed and/or secured correctly for the proper installation of the seat mount to the carbody floor. At the time, it was also determined that there was no reasonably practicable technique for conclusively demonstrating that a blind fastener had been correctly formed.
This Safety Alert states that number of recent RRV incidents have resulted in either runaways and/or derailments due to the loss of braking capacity, the application of an insufficient braking force or the failure of the rail guidance equipment.
This Safety Alert states that there has been an increase in serious incidents relating to hi-rail operations in Australia over the past 12 months. Since January 2011, there have been 19 reportable high-rail vehicle related incidents in Queensland.
This Safety Alert refers to effective securement with handbrakes and stopblock functionality. It requires rail infrastructure managers and rolling stock operators to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of existing practices and procedures.
Element 2 - Tourist & Heritage - Safety Policy - Appendix A - Example Safety Policy Template
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This Safety Alert states that in the event of a serious incident or emergency involving railway operations, it is critical that accredited rail transport operators have in place effective emergency management plans.
This presentation was delivered by Simon Foster, Executive Director Technical on 27 August 2014.
This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom into an accident on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in which the train’s guard was fatally injured during shunting operations.
This guideline has been developed to provide practical guidance to rail transport operators on how to manage the fatigue-related risks associated with rail safety work and meet the requirements of the Rail Safety National Law 2012 (RSNL).
In NSW, additional requirements regarding the management of rail safety worker hours of work and rest apply to railway operations.
Instructions for use on the fault trees toolkit
For a copy of the fault trees (including human factors checklist)
Information on fees payable by rail transport operators and applications of annual fees, waivers, refunds and payment arrangements for fees administered by ONRSR.
Relevant fees and charges for Freedom of Information applications and processing.
This Safety Alert states that on 22 April 2008 a coupler from a CHQY hopper wagon dislodged resulting in a derailment approximately 55km south of Darwin.
This Safety Alert states that ITSRR’s investigation into the fatality of a rail safety worker that occurred at Ariah Park on 15 April 2006 has identified concerns with the management of the general public entering the rail corridor and danger zone when participating and witnessing heritage rolling stock events.
'Upstream duty holders', who generally do not require accreditation, still have general duties to ensure safety.
This Safety Alert states that all Hi-rail operators and maintainers are asked to ensure the 'fitness for purpose' of Hi-rail vehicles for operation in the rail mode.
This presentation by Michael Rogers, Chief Engineer at the Road/Rail Vehicle workshop on 30 October 2012.
This presentation was delivered by Jennifer Alcock, Human Performance Specialist to RTOs as a part of the Safety Improvement Projects on Human Factors and Fatigue between March and June 2014.
This rail safety worker guideline provides guidance on the term rail safety work, and outlines how RTOs can identify rail safety workers as part of their risk management processes.
This document provides guidance on the term rail safety work, and outlines how RTOs can identify rail safety workers as part of their risk management processes for railway operations in Western Australia.
This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2012 into a boiler incident on the Kirklees Light Railway.
This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.
This Safety Alert states that operators are requested to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and to make certain that systems are in place to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety of persons inspecting or maintaining wagons within maintenance facilities, especially when the movement of rolling stock is occurring.
An investigation by TAIC into an incident on 15 May 2003, has resulted in a safety alert issued by Transport SA with actions for operators and maintainers of passenger trains with bi-parting doors.
The Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) requires that rail transport operators (i.e. rail infrastructure managers and rolling stock operators) and road managers must enter into interface agreements to manage the risks to safety at interfaces.
The Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) requires that road managers and rail infrastructure managers enter into interface agreements to manage the risks to safety at interfaces.
The scheme for the fatigue management of drivers of trains intuitively seeks to guard against people who are involved in the operation of trains becoming overly tired.
A valuable resource document that will provide you with guidance on how to use the modules..
This presentation was delivered by Len Neist for the Introduction to Asset Management Workshop on 4 April 2012.
Outlines ONRSR’s expectations of investigation reports prepared by, or for, Australian rail operators into a rail occurrence.
This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania read the attached investigation reports released by the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (NSW) and the ATSB which relate to track worker fatalities at Kogarah and Newbridge both in New South Wales.
This Safety Alert states that all rail safety workers, including train drivers and those responsible for maintenance of rolling stock have a duty to comply with the SMS. Recently, there have been incidents where locomotives have been operated with train protection systems isolated in contravention of the railway’s SMS. In one case, confusion about respective responsibilities compounded the situation.
This presentation was delivered at the ITSR Road/Rail Vehicle Workshop on 31 October 2012, providing an overview of Road Rail Vehicle usage in V/Line, experiences, weaknesses and strengths to improve Road Rail Vehicle prognosis.
Workers contracted under labour hire arrangements who undertake rail safety work have duties under the RSNL.
Human factors investigation tool
Sets out ONRSR’s approach and broader expectations for improving the safety of railway operations with regard to existing railway crossings and the early design of future road and rail intersections.
This presentation was delivered by Simon Foster, Executive Director Technical on 6 March 2015 at the ARA Light Rail 2015 Conference.
This Safety Alert states that the operation of a locomotive boiler is considered by the Rail Regulation Unit to be high risk work. Therefore, it is essential that these risks are appropriately mitigated so far as reasonably practicable. To comply with its rail safety duties, the RTO must ensure the operator of a locomotive boiler is competent in its operation.
This Safety Alert states that West Coast Railway and Freight Australia have detected a number of locomotives with substantial cracks in the underframe bolster assembly on older locomotives. The classes are Victorian B and S Class manufactured by Clyde Engineering.
This Safety Alert states that concerns have been raised by members of the public that due to the build-up of dust and dirt contamination on railway rolling stock that the conspicuity of the reflective delineators (strips) fitted to both sides of railway rolling stock is being reduced.
Major project fees may apply to complex rail projects. There are two types of major project fees.
This guideline has been produced as part of ONRSR’s obligation to promote safety improvement in the Australian railway industry.
This Safety Alert states that the recent Canadian rail disaster involving a runaway of an unmanned train consisting of crude oil cars that derailed in the middle of the small town of Lac-Mégantic in Quebec has highlighted the need for rail transport operators to review their current operational arrangements for trains carrying dangerous goods.
Signals Passed at Danger (SPAD) Information Paper outlining an introduction SPAD, data collection and investigation processes, data analysis and mitigation of identified SPAD problems.
Guideline regarding the interpretation and application of the term ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’ in considering the standard that a duty holder is expected to meet under the RSNL and National Regulations.
This tool links to tool B – Appendix B – SPAD data collection tool B for rolling stock operators.
This report links to tool C – Appendix D – SPAD data collection tool C for Infrastructure Managers
This Safety Alert serves to remind accredited operators and railway infrastructure contractors of their responsibilities to appropriately control the risks associated with the operation of moving plant in the vicinity of people. All railway construction work and maintenance within the rail corridor must comply with applicable safe-working network rules, network procedures and operator specific procedures relating to the movement of rail mounted plant and moving plant on rail worksites. This type of work must also comply with the relevant OHS act, regulation and code of practice requirements relating to the movement and use of moving plant.
Providing a mechanism for identifying and focusing on the safety data needs of key stakeholders,
Oct-Nov 2020 - Industry consultation sessions
April 2021 - Industry Information Session
This document sets out the requirements for the reporting of notifiable occurrences, as required by s121 of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
This form is for use by rail transport operators when notifying the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) where a condition and/or restriction is noted on the rail transport operator's Accreditation notice, Registration notice or Exemption notice under the Rail Safety National Law s67(2)(a).
This guideline is designed to help rail transport operators provide ONRSR with the data required when reporting notifiable occurrences.
This glossary provides definitions for terms used in the requirements documentation for reporting notifiable occurrences, monthly activity and network and operational (ontology) information
The results of a global investigation into how world standard technology can protect track workers in the Australian rail industry.
This Safety Alert has been published following instances of one or more wagons in a coal train consist being less than safely loaded at a coal loading point on a railway balloon loop off the main line.
This Safety Alert states that there have recently been a number of incidents during infrastructure works, caused by incorrect operation of signalling systems in degraded modes or for track worker protection. One such incident occurred at Ringwood on 21 March 2010, where a metropolitan train sideswiped an infrastructure train.
This Safety Alert states that a child fell recently from an open window of an accredited operator’s passenger train suffering minor injuries and was admitted to hospital. A preliminary investigation revealed that the child was standing on a seat at an open window and may have overbalanced with the movement of the train.
This Safety Alert states that the Glenbrook rail accident has highlighted the need for rail personnel to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations to strictly adhere to the existing procedures covering passing signals at stop.
This Safety Alert states that a report has been received by the Office of Rail Safety (WA) relating to the loss of the service brake operation on a Plasser 09-16 Dual Cab Continuous Action Tamper due to the brake lever in the rear cab being knocked into the release position by loose luggage which was stowed in the unattended cab.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR requests that accredited persons and rolling stock maintainers in NSW read the attached safety alert issued by SCT Logistics in relation to a potential defect in CQMY wagon brake equipment. SCT Logistics has provided this alert to ITSRR for distribution to the rail industry.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR requests that accredited persons and/or rolling stock maintainers in NSW who operate and/or maintain heritage rolling stock develop and implement an appropriate NDT regime to confirm the structural integrity of drawhooks (over the entire length) and spoked wheels (includes the wheel rim, spokes and wheel hub).
ONRSR has released a new rail industry fact sheet designed to clarify the requirements when persons, particularly rail safety workers, are compelled to answer questions by our Rail Safety Officers.
A PDF copy of the presentation ONRSR has provided to participants in our interactive education sessions.
This Safety Alert states that the Pacific National has detected a number of Timkin E glass package unit bearings suffering from seal failure in their WA, VIC and QLD operations. Failure of this seal may result in excessive grease leakage and may expose the bearing to ingress of water and foreign bodies that can lead to premature bearing failure.
This Safety Alert states that the problems associated with the E Class Package Unit Bearings (PUB) supplied by Timkin appears to be wider spread than first reported with now approximately 4000 E Class PUB affected.
This presentation was delivered by Rob Andrews, Chief Executive and National Rail Safety Regulator, to university students at the Appleton Institute on 22 January 2014.
This presentation was delivered by Jennifer Alcock, Human Performance Specialist at the Victorian Workcover Authority for Health and Safety Week on 21 October 2014.
ONRSR is bound by the provisions for organisations under the Privacy Act 1988 (the Act), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and by confidentiality and oversight provisions under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) - a schedule to the Rail Safety National Law (South Australia) Act 2012.
This policy outlines ONRSR’s obligations in relation to personal information (information about individuals) under the Privacy Act 1988, including: what we collect and why; how that information is collected, stored and disclosed; and how individuals can access or correct the information that we hold about them.
This presentation was delivered by Andy Webb, Asset Management Specialist at the Asset management seminar on 22 November 2012.
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to remind all rolling stock operators of the prohibitions that continue to exist under the Rail Safety Act 2002 in regard to persons riding on rolling stock.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has issued this notice to remind all railway operators of the need to properly manage risks to the safety of railway employees when walking or working in the railway Danger Zone.
This Safety Alert states that rail transport operators should seek independent legal advice regarding the suite of legislation applicable to the particular circumstances relating to their railway operations.
Provides rail transport operators with guidance on ONRSR’s expectations for demonstrating the safety of rail locomotive boilers. It also includes some guidance on the operation of reciprocating steam engines.
This presentation was delivered by by Jennifer Alcock, Elizabeth Grey, Dr Barbara Klampfer, Louise Raggett and Adrian Rowland at the 3rd International Rail Human Factors Conference, London.
Guidelines designed to provide information to Accredited Rail Organisations (AROs) on the process for implementing and supporting Rail Resource Management training.
This presentation was delivered by Rob Andrews, Chief Executive and National Rail Safety Regulator at the RISSB Safety Conference on 27 March 2015 outlining reflections on a year of ONRSR.
This presentation was delivered by Sue McCarrey, Chief Executive on 26 March 2015 at the Rail Safety 2015 Conference.
This presentation was delivered by Rob Andrews, Chief Executive and National Rail Safety Regulator, to the Rail Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA)(Victoria and Tasmania Chapter) on 12 June 2013, introducing ONRSR and covering its approach to regulation, operations, risk based regulation and next steps.
This Fact Sheet is created for Tourist & Heritage operators with information to ensure they comply with all requirements of your safety management system (SMS) after an extended shutdown of operations.
ITSR report on the toolkit intended to be an investigation tool for track work incidents and accidents.
This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria has become aware that effective 28 March 2011, the United States Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) amended its railroad communications regulations by restricting the use of mobile telephones and other potentially distracting electronic devices by railroad operating employees, as posted in the Federal Register (Vol.75, Issue 186) on the U.S Government Printing Office website
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR requests that accredited persons and rolling stock maintainers in NSW read the attached safety alert issued by FreightLink in relation to a derailment in the Northern Territory. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that all wagons operating on FreightLink services that are fitted with murray keys (CHQY, CHSY, FQCY, FPPY) have the retainer pin assembly and associated components inspected to ensure the murray keys will not dislodge while in service.
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance in relation to the role and expectations of ONRSR officers in contributing to and supporting the processes by which decisions may be reviewed or appealed against.
Review of risks associated with long end leading locomotive operations
This Safety Alert states that there has been an increase in serious incidents relating to hi-rail operations in Australia over the past 12 months.
This presentation was delivered by Kirsty Baxter, Manager, Compliance Strategy & Planning on behalf of Transport Safety Victoria.
This Safety Alert states that PTSV has been notified that an incident occurred at Westmere at the Glenelg Highway level crossing on 4 February 2009.
This presentation was delivered by Rob Andrews, Chief Executive and National Rail Safety Regulator, at the RISSB Rail Safety Conference in March 2013, introducing ONRSR and covering regulation under the new law, the challenge of national consistency and next steps.
The purpose of this guideline is to assist Rail Transport operators (RTOs) in understanding ONRSR’s expectations for the safe operation of Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs, also known as Hi Rail or High Rail Vehicles) as part of an effective safety management system (SMS), consistent with the requirements of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
This presentation of a history of 'Road rail vehicles from then till now' was delivered in Sydney on 30 & 31 October 2012.
This presentation was delivered by Adrian Rowland at the road/rail vehicle safety workshops in May 2013 in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide.
This Safety Alert states that on 20 October 2005, in South Australia, a Toyota Land Cruiser road/rail vehicle’s rear track guidance system self-operated and lifted the rear rail wheels off the track and into the road travel position. While there were no persons in the vehicle at the time and no injuries or damage occurred, the incident had the potential to cause a serious accident.
This presentation was delivered by Lindsay Holt, Rail Safety & Compliance Manager road/rail vehicle workshops during May 2013 in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide.
This Safety Alert states that following a recent increase in the number of derailments due to roller bearing failures, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has issued this Safety Alert.
This presentation was delivered at the RRV safety improvement workshop held in Adelaide on 14 October 2013.
This Safety Alert states that the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator was recently notified of an incident in which rolling stock travelled over a derailer without derailing.
This Safety Alert states a major passenger operator recently suffered an axle failure on one of its electric multiple unit fleet.
This safety alert states that due to the design of the wheel transfer area of some mixed and dual gauge turnouts, rolling stock with wheelsets of 127mm rim width are at higher risk of derailment than wheelsets of 140mm rim width.
This Safety Alert states the ONRSR has been advised by Asciano of the idenfitication of an asbestos gasket in a valve on a Pacific National coal wagon.
Notice to rail transport operators, 24 August 2016.
ONRSR alerts all operators to the identification of Chrysotile (white asbestos) in the top coupler / yoke pin wear liner of the draft pocket on a locomotive.
This presentation was delivered by Rob Andrews, Chief Executive and National Rail Safety Regulator on 4 December 2013 at the RTSA SA Chapter AGM & Dinner, providing summary on the first year of ONRSR.
This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit requests that rail transport operators in Tasmania who operate hi-rail excavators and other road-rail equipment read the attached Investigation Report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in the United Kingdom on 11 July 2011 into the runaway and collision of a road rail vehicle (Hi-rail Excavator).
This Safety Alert states that rolling stock operators are required to reassess the adequacy and effectiveness of existing practices and procedures.
This Safety Alert states that investigations into occurrences involving the operation of hi-rail vehicles (rolling stock) have raised a number of safety concerns, including understanding of safe-working procedures and competency requirements.
This Safety Alert states that within the wider railway industry it is common practice for persons other than the seated rail traffic crew to be within the cabin of a locomotive or driving cabin. Situations such as training are common occurrences that call for the extra person/s to be within the cabin. The majority of locomotives and driving cabins do not allow for additional seating within the cabin and it is common practice for a folding seat, or similar, to be utilised to seat the extra person.
This Safety Alert requests rail transport operators in Tasmania read an investigation report released by OTSI into a collision between a rail motor (two car passenger train) and a hi-rail truck on the Zig Zag Railway.
Safety Alert Notice to rail transport operators - Isolation of level crossings on adjacent lines
Safety Alert Notice to rail transport operators - Use of rail vehicle lifting jacks
This Safety Alert states a PQMY container flat wagon suffered a significant fatigue failure at a sectional change in the under-frame (ie. main longitudinal beams).
This Safety Alert states that rail transport operators should examine all risks associated with using Road Rail Vehicles (RRV) to tow/push rolling stock.
A check and verification process has revealed that a significant number of fraudulent competencies have been uploaded into the Rail Industry Worker (RIW) program.
Risk of unbraked runaway associated with coupling systems and braking systems fitted to infrastructure trolleys and trailers.
Safety Alert highlighting concerns with two organisations and the manner in which they have issued safeworking competencies.
Advising rail transport operators of recent incidents involving rail equipment manufactured and/or supplied by Manco Engineering Group (Manco).
Advising rail operators of the risk of uncontrolled movements associated with direct drive hydraulic pumps installed on Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs).
An investigation into hi-rail derailment on 2 January 2005 has raised safety issues in the use of Aries equipment.
Stressing the importance of rail transport operators undertaking thorough assessment of Independent Competent Persons (ICPs) that certify rolling stock (including road rail vehicles) before engagement.
ONRSR alerts all operators on the actions that should be taken by rail transport operators utilising ECP braking systems.
Failure to adequately assure the safety of critical software can lead to serious safety incident
The purpose of this policy is to support the overarching ONRSR Regulatory Approach Document and state how the ONRSR intends to implement its safety improvement functions under the RSNL consistent with the co-regulatory framework for rail safety.
Guideline to provide accredited rail transport operators,and those seeking accreditation, with guidance on the legislative requirements for safety management and what the National Rail Safety Regulator (NRSR) looks for when assessing the safety management system, and how to prepare a safety management system that complies with the legislative requirements.
ONRSR has prepared this guideline to provide guidance on what information should be contained in the SPR and the reporting timeframes - and includes an example SPR that illustrates the type of information that should be contained in the SPR.
An incident on 7 September 2004 has raised a number of definciencies regarding the safe use, set-up, inspection and testing, and maintenance of hi-rail equipment.
This Safety Alert states that a coal train operated by Australia Western Railroad in Western Australia has experienced the loss of train brake due to a redundant brake pipe hose on a DBZ.
This Safety Alert states that a Safety Alert has been published in relation to the potential dangers from unsecured equipment including seating in passenger rollingstock, for the information of accredited railways and rail safety regulators.
This Safety Alert states that a recent Canadian rail disaster involved a runaway goods train comprising crude oil wagons that derailed in the middle of the small town of Lac-Mégantic in Quebec.
This Safety Alert states that there have been two recent incidents where self restoring switches have normalised without intervention by train crews and prior to the passage of the train that would normally have triggered the self normalising function.
The first version of this paper was distributed prior to the Sharing Practice Seminar hosted by the Independent Transport Safety Regulator (ITSR) in Sydney on 22 November 2012. The paper was revised following the seminar with key discussion points from the event incorporated into the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section.
This presentation was delivered by Peter Kohler and Andy Webb in April 2013, providing an introduction to OEM.
A Safety Policy is an overarching document that clearly and simply states the commitment to safety by the most senior body/person in the organisation.
Safety Culture is not easily defined but can be described as “The way that we do things around here” when we think about safety.
It is essential that the governing body of any operator has sufficient knowledge to manage their rail operations.
One of the key components of a safe workplace is that everyone who works there understands what they are required to do, how to do it, what they have authority to do, and what the roles and responsibilities of others are.
All operators must maintain an up to date awareness of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) and other relevant safety legislation such as Work Health and Safety laws for the location where they operate.
Policies and procedures that make up the components of a safety management system are usually created after risk assessments have been completed.
Every operator must review its safety management system on a regular basis to ensure that it still complies with the law and is working effectively.
KPIs are simply an agreed measure of something, and there are some principles that should be considered when deciding how to measure performance.
All operators are required to assess that their Safety Management System (SMS) remains appropriate and effective.
‘Corrective Action’ is the term given to any action that is identified as a weakness or deficiency in a Safety Management System.
Each operator is expected to have a component of their Safety Management System that describes how the operator manages change.
It is essential that once an SMS is established, changed or reviewed, a key group of people must be consulted.
The role that has the responsibility for the implementation of the SMS should ensure that internal communication procedures detailed in the SMS are followed.
This part of the SMS should describe how an operator provides training and awareness to rail safety workers on the content of the safety management system.
Managing risk is all about understanding what can go wrong when undertaking an activity, the consequences if something happens while doing that activity, the likelihood of something going wrong and what can be done to prevent or reduce the likelihood and consequence if something does go wrong.
‘Human Factors’ is the term that is used when we talk about what people do and why they do it.
It is essential that procurement and contract management procedures consider safety aspects.
The Safety Management System contains the technical engineering detail which describes the standards that railway infrastructure and rolling stock must meet to be considered safe for the railway operations
Process Control is the name for the processes and procedures that a rail operator has in place to inspect its infrastructure and rollingstock to make sure that these assets meet the standards set, and that they are fit for purpose.
Asset management is important because it is the approach used by a rail operator to ensure that physical assets remain safe, fit-for-purpose, and commercially viable through each stage of the life of the asset.
Safety Interface Coordination is the process by which the activities of two (or more) organisations at an identified location are managed to ensure the safety of railway operations.
Details on how to manage prescribed notifiable occurrences can be found in Regulation 57, and in Schedule 1 of the Regulations.
Anyone who performs rail safety work must be competent to do so.
Operators must be able to show how they have assessed the security level that applies to their operations.
The law requires all accredited operators to have a risk-based emergency management plan for their operations.
All operators must have a Health and Fitness program that fulfils the requirements of the National Transport Commission’s National Health Assessment Standard for rail safety workers.
All operators must prepare a Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (a DAMP), that describes the processes that they will follow to minimise the risk occurring from rail safety worker use of drugs and /or alcohol.
Every operator must be able to demonstrate that they are managing the risks associated with fatigue.
An accredited rail operator needs to have sufficient resources to run the railway safely.
This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.
This information is collected in accordance with the Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records & Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and will be treated confidentially.
An investigation of an incident involving a heavy track maintenance machine, a ballast regulator, on 1 June 2004 has identified a number of issues relating to this type of plant, and to the systems of work surrounding the ability to secure such items against unauthorised movement.
This presentation was delivered by Andy Webb, Acting Head of Strategic Projects on 27 November 2014 at the ASA Standards Briefing.
The rolling three-year Statement of Intent 2021–2024 reflects the intent and direction further detailed in ONRSR’s Corporate Plan 2021–2024.
Effective systems integration is essential to ensure that new technologies safely work together and with existing railway systems.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has received numerous reports on equipment being stolen from rolling stock in yards. These incidents related to safety critical equipment where rolling stock was part of operational consists rather than in yard storage.
Interface Agreement template for rail or road crossings.
This presentation was made the RISSB Safety Managers Group as consultation on the development of the ONRSR Annual Safety Report.
The ONRSR Way offers regulated parties and rail safety stakeholders clarity around how ONRSR regulates rail safety across Australia.
Presentation by Peter Kohler, Principal Analyst, Asset Sustainability at the Asset management seminar on 22 November 2012.
The SPAD risk ranking tool (SRRT) has been developed by the UK RSSB to assess SPAD risk.
This Safety Alert states that a signalling system is designed to provide for the safe operation of rail traffic. The system however may not safeguard completely the additional activities that occur on the railway such as occupation by track workers and track work, movement of on-track vehicles, non-signalled moves by trains and protection of obstructions.
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to emphasise certain requirements relating to track occupancy authorities (TOA), including the requirements for placing protection for fixed worksites by placing detonators and flags/lights, and the safety issues involved when a TOA is issued with a train already occupying the area covered by the TOA.
This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria has been notified of a safe-working irregularity, which occurred north of Seymour, on 25 July 2011. This incident resulted in a train entering a worksite that was protected under Rule 21 Section 15, Track Warrant Working of TA20 – ARTC Code of Practice for the Victorian Main Line Network.
This Safety Alert states that the Rail Safety Unit urges all rail operators to heed the Technical Alert issued by Sigra Rolling Stock Components.
This Safety Alert states that an incident with potentially serious safety concerns has occurred in WA following a train parting where the motive power and 27 wagons of an 83 mixed train consist continued forward without the driver responding to existing visual and audible alarms. This resulted in the rear portion (56 wagons) of the train being left on a running line creating a potential train to train collision risk for other trains. The risk is higher in dark territory.
Transport safety bulletins are published by ITSR under section 42L(2) of the Transport Administration Act 1988.
This presentation was delivered by Rae Fossard, Senior Training Package Specialist - Rail at Road/rail vehicle workshops in May 2013.
This Safety Alert outlines some of the limitations of fatigue models drawing on findings of a review of computer-based fatigue models undertaken by ITSR. The purpose of this alert is not to criticise fatigue modelling but to alert the rail industry of potential limitations in the use of such modelling, and to provide strategies for incorporating fatigue modelling into a fatigue risk management regime.
This Safety Alert states that rail transport operators that are using the FAID model should review the findings of the FRA report in conjunction with the previous information provided by ITSR (Transport Safety Alert no. 34) and consider the applicability of the findings for the context in which they are using FAID in their operations.
Provides guidance to rail infrastructure managers and road managers in meeting their obligations to enter into interface agreements for rail or road crossings on public and private roads under Part 3, Division 6 of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) has been notified of a safety issue with rolling stock fitted with the Wabcopac handbrake system.
This Safety Alert states that an incident involving an ARG JT42C S class (3300) locomotive, with a potential impact on GT46C Q class (4000), was centred on the WABTEC braking system.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has received advice from the Office of Rail Safety WA concerning a safety issue with the WABTEC braking system and in particular the securing of the independent brake handle on JT42C S class (3300) and GT46C Q Class (4000) type mainline locomotives.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has been asked by Pacific National (PN) to distribute the attached safety notice to NSW rail operators. PN's notice has been issued to notify on the recent discovery of Chrysotile (White) Asbestos in ‘YM’ (two piece) bogie side bearer fibrous wear liners. The purpose of this notice is to describe how to identify and manage fibrous bogie wear liners.
This Safety Alert states that the ITSRR has been advised by Pacific National of potential issues associated with bonded asbestos material on locomotives. The asbestos present in the locomotive electrical compartments has been identified as being “bonded asbestos material” and does not present a risk to health in a normal operating environment, provided that the material is not subjected to cutting, grinding, drilling or any other activity that may cause breakage or the release of fibres from a component.
Individuals with concerns of possible misconduct, maladministration, or other improper activity by ONRSR can report them in good faith.
This presentation was delivered by Julie Bullas, Executive Director, Policy, Communications and Planning at the Rail Track Association Australia Field Day on 25 February 2015.
Any person wishing to conduct works on or near a railway must notify the relevant rail infrastructure manager before works commence, if those works threaten or are likely to threaten the safety of the railway or the operational integrity of the railway.
This presentation was delivered by Alan Ross, National Rail Safety Manager at ITSR workshop.
This Safety Alert states that determining worksite protection is a cooperative process carried out between safety staff to ensure the identification of the safest method of protecting both trains and employees.
This Safety Alert states that a wrong side signalling failure occurred recently on a Pilbara railway when a US&S 'OS' Track Card performing the function of an Over Switch track circuit (directly connected to a Microlok 12V Vital Input 16 Board) failed to a high output state when the N12 and B5 connections became open circuit.
This Safety Alert states that Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) has been advised of a safety issue with a US&S 'OS' track card performing the function of an OS track circuit (directly connected to a Microlok 12V Vital Input 16 Board). In this configuration, a wrong side failure occurs when the OS track card is not properly seated in the back plane.
