SBB train doors: BAV orders measures to be taken
The Federal Office of Transport requires SBB to take measures to ensure the safe operation of the doors on EW IV coaches. SBB must quickly improve the display in the driver's cab for the closing status of the doors and replace the door control system in the medium term. In addition, the FOT is ordering a comprehensive external audit of the rolling stock maintenance processes.
An investigation has been launched by the Swiss Safety Investigation Authority (Sust) into the tragic accident in Baden at the beginning of August, in which an SBB train attendant was trapped in the door of an EW IV car and died. On Wednesday, the Interim Report has been published. It is addressed to the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) and contains two recommendations. The FOT implements the two recommendations of Sust vis-à-vis SBB as follows (FOT decree see here):
- In its investigation, Sust states that the existing parallel circuit for the doors of EW IV can lead to the doors being reported to the train driver as closed, although this is not the case. Sust recommends that the FOT demand that SBB adjust this system. The FOT demands that SBB adapts this system by the end of October so that it indicates the correct status of the doors to the locomotive driver.
- Sust notes that the anti-trap protection on the doors of the EW IV does not function reliably. It recommends that the FOT order SBB to replace the current system with a more reliable one. The FOT requires SBB to show by the end of October how it will replace the door control system on the EW IV with a plan of action and timetable.
- Until these two measures have been implemented, SBB must examine and implement alternative operational measures.
- It also has to check the clearance process for risks.
Over 300 defects
After the accident, SBB identified more than 300 defects during a special inspection of EW-IV doors. The defects identified have varying degrees of safety relevance, but the defect rate is nevertheless high. For the FOT, the question arises as to why SBB did not discover these defects during the ordinary maintenance and inspections. The FOT therefore requires SBB, in addition to the measures recommended by SUST, to have the organization and processes of vehicle maintenance reviewed by an external company. By the end of October, SBB must submit specifications and a schedule for this external audit to the FOT. SBB must also check whether similar risks exist in comparable wagon fleets.
Source: BAV
