NTSB Most Wanted 2015: PTC implementation; improved tank car and mass transit safety

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says rail tank cars that carry crude oil, ethanol and other hazardous materials across the country must do it more safely, which is why it is one of four new issues on the NTSB's Most Wanted List for 2015.

With more than 100,000 DOT-111 cars currently in use, according to the Railway Supply Institute, it’s crucial to strengthen existing rail tank cars and new rail tank car regulatory requirements. The NTSB recommends enhanced tank head and shell puncture-resistance systems and top fittings protection.

“One of the first steps the industry can take is to appropriately plan and select routes to minimize the amount of hazardous materials that travel through highly populated areas; and the use of rail technologies, such as positive train control (PTC), can help keep the train on the track,” the board noted.

Regulators, industry and emergency responders must prepare to handle the consequences of a rail tank car rupture, NTSB says. Regulators have taken steps toward enhancing the testing and classification of hazardous materials, and have required railroads to provide more information to State Emergency Response Commissions.

Also on the Most Wanted list are implementing PTC in 2015 and mass transit safety.

“The Most Wanted List is our roadmap for 2015,” said NTSB Acting Chairman Christopher Hart. “We want it to be a roadmap for policy makers and legislators, as well. These are safety improvements for which the time is ripe for action.”

In the aftermath of the Chatsworth tragedy, Congress enacted the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. The Act requires each Class 1 rail carrier and each provider of regularly-scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger service to implement a PTC system by December 31, 2015. Progress is being made toward this lifesaving goal.

Mass transit comprises light rail, commuter rail, subways, ferries, streetcars, buses and trolley buses. Although each system has unique equipment, operating environments and challenges, all can benefit from strengthening their organizational safety cultures, said NTSB.

“Mass transit agencies should work to identify, define, prioritize and mitigate the safety risks that threaten their operations and, therefore, threaten public safety. It is important to ensure efficient and effective communications and coordination among all stakeholders who are responsible for the design, maintenance, operation and safety of the system.
Moreover, it is important to ensure that system safety trends are identified accurately and that improvements are implemented rapidly with appropriate consideration given to the affected system elements,” stated NTSB.

The board notes that mass transit agencies also need to continually improve their understanding of the role of human error in accidents and near-accident scenarios; the improved knowledge should be put to work by refining and strengthening operational policies, practices and procedures to manage and mitigate the safety risks.

“This list is grounded in the accident investigations by which NTSB learns safety lessons and in the recommendations that are NTSB’s primary safety product,” Hart said. “At the NTSB, we want to make new strides in transportation safety in 2015 and we want to lay the groundwork for years that are even safer.”

 

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