QR Corporate

QR Safety

P&O and QR join forces to create Western Sydney Intermodal Hub

P&O Trans Australia – the Kaplan/DP World joint venture – and QR today announced a logistics partnership resulting in the creation of a combine...
More»

QR signs up team to deliver Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion Project

A $1 billion expansion of the export coal rail network – the biggest rail project in Queensland in three decades – came a step closer today with th...
More»

Contractors

Track and trackside safety

When working on or near the track, a number of issues need to be considered. Some of these include:

Clear of the rollingstock gauge (clear of the track) between 2.5 and 3 metres from the track centreline.
Equipment must not be left unattended in this vicinity of the track;
Stopping distances of trains, eg. an electric train travelling at 100 km/h can take up to 700 metres to stop;
High visibility clothing must be worn within 10 metres of the nearest track centre line and must be reflectorised at
Night, in tunnels or when visibility is reduced;
Do not step on, but over rails;
Do not step between points; and
Be aware of trains/on-track vehicles on adjacent tracks.

Electrification safety

The overhead line equipment operates at 25,000 volts, 50 Hertz, alternating supply. The electrical system is continuously monitored and controlled by Electric Control Operators in control rooms in Brisbane (Mayne), Rockhampton and Mackay. Activities which need extreme caution and safety planning when working near overhead line equipment include:

Working within 3 metres;
Working above electric lines;
Climbing on rollingstock;
Loading/unloading trains;
Using machinery or cranes;
Repairing or replacing metal pipes or conduits;
Dealing with fires; and
Using water hoses.

The overhead line equipment must always be treated as powered and "live" unless it has been properly isolated and earthed by QR electrical staff. Nobody and no equipment is allowed within 3 metres of live overhead equipment without special precautions. If it is possible that equipment or persons could come inadvertently or deliberately within 3 metres, QR's staff must be informed:

Traction Power Engineer (South) Brisbane Public: 07 3235 1487
Traction Power Engineer (North) Rockhampton Public: 07 4932 0276

Level crossing

The safe clearance height for vehicles at level crossings is:

	Brisbane suburban area	Main line area

Open level crossing (Public roads)	5.0 Metres	5.2 Metres

Occupational crossings (Private roads)	4.1 Metres	4.3 or 5.1 Metres (as signed)

The height includes any loads that the vehicle is carrying, radio aerials etc.

Training

Due to the potentially hazardous nature of parts of the QR working environment, contractors must undertake the appropriate level of Trackside Safety Training and Basic Electrification Awareness training before working on or near the track.

The awareness training is designed for environments where work must be conducted within:

The QR track fenceline boundaries (and where there is no other physical barrier to prevent access to track);
10 meters of the track centreline (where boundaries are not readily identifiable); and/or
Electrified areas (i.e. any section of track equipped with overhead line equipment.

All contractors should clarify with the relevant QR Contract manager whether or not this training is neccessary for their working environment before nominating for the course.

Upon successful completion of this training, contractors are issued with a Pink Safety Accreditation Card. This card must be produced to access all relevant work sites. Safety accreditation is current for a period of 12 months. After this time reaccrediation is required.

Participants are charged for undertaking this training.

More information is available from QR's Training & Development Unit - Phone (07) 3235 7111.