Critical Analysis of Train Derailments in Canada through Process Safety Techniques and Insights into Enhanced Safety Management Systems

Abstract

Canada’s rail transportation network is a critical part of Canada’s integrated supply chain which connects industries, consumers, and resource sectors to ports on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. One transportation activity that is essential to most industries, especially oil and manufacturing, is the rail transport of dangerous goods (DG). Although rail transportation of DG is beneficial to Canada’s economy, not paying attention to the safe transportation of these types of goods can have irreparable effects on the economy, human lives, and the environment. Recent rail accidents, such as Lake Wabamun in 2005 and Lac-Mégantic in 2013, have shown that there is still room to increase the safety of transportation of DG by rail through improving railways’ safety management systems (SMS). As a result, investigations to increase the safety of rail transportation of DG have been started. This work is part of these initiatives focusing on enhancing railways’ SMS, particularly DG main-track train derailments. The current study applied detailed root cause analysis (RCA), the bow tie analysis (BTA), and incident databases to identify the main causes and consequences of these types of accidents (2007–2017). Then, the relationship between these factors and gaps in SMS elements were identified and the frequency of each factor was investigated. The results showed that the main gaps are related to process and equipment integrity, incident investigation, and company standards, codes, and regulations. Furthermore, some useful recommendations are presented to improve the management of each SMS element and reduce these gaps.

Assessing the Risks Associated with the Canadian Railway System Using a Safety Risk Model Approach

“…A study done by Kyriakidis et al ( 30 ) identified distraction/loss of concentration, safety culture, proper communication between employees, workload, training, and stress as the most significant contributors to the operators’ performance in the rail industry. Esmaeeli et al ( 31 ) discussed some of the appropriate strategies that can be implemented to reduce the employees’ errors. For instance, conducting regular team meetings to strengthen teamwork ( 32 ), providing practical training alongside the online training ( 33 ), and regular assessment of employees’ competencies to ensure that individuals are capable of properly applying their knowledge in practice.…”

Assessment of UAS Photogrammetry and Planet Imagery for Monitoring Water Levels around Railway Tracks

“…The level of water near a railway track is a major factor affecting the safety of train passage and cargo, and current monitoring techniques are limited in spatial and temporal coverage. Railway operators need to identify the development of problematic water levels in the area surrounding the track in a timely manner to avoid incidents that can potentially cost human life and damage the environment [9]. Current inspection methods in Canada, include visual observations by trained inspectors walking/driving along the track to identify indications of water problems.…”

Metallographic examination as the feedback between product quality and manufacturing

“…С каждым годом в реализации этого процесса все больше места отводится различным автоматизированным программам, позволяющим не только проектировать изделия с учетом обеспечения прочности, но и полностью разрабатывать технологии их изготовления [1][2][3]. Тем не менее случаи выхода из строя изделий или даже возникновения аварийных ситуаций происходят достаточно часто [4][5][6]. Как правило, для установления объективных причин наступления таких инцидентов назначают проведение металлографической экспертизы (МЭ).…”