Recommendation: 2011-001

Basis for Recommendation

The necessity to disengage the points handle for the no. 2A points when not in use was not addressed in the operating instructions for the Depot and the verbal instruction to disengage the points handle was not enforced. As a result, the risk of accidental operation of the points due to their ease of use was not adequately controlled. Therefore the RAIU make the following safety recommendation:

Recommendation

Iarnród Éireann should ensure that the risks relating to use of spring assisted manual points are identified and that appropriate control measures are implemented based on the risks identified;