SAFETY INVESTIGATION AT KESR AFTER STEAM CRANE INCIDENT

Safety systems and paperwork are being reviewed at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in the wake of an incident with a steam crane. The incident occurred in the locomotive yard at Rolvenden in March, when the 10-ton crane was being used to lift the boiler of Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST Works No. 1955 Charwelton – the engine being due to receive a newbuild boiler as part of its overhaul. Because the weight of the boiler was underestimated, the crane’s ‘overload safety device’ – the outriggers designed to prevent it tipping over under heavy load – was not used. As a result, its wheels lifted off the rail for a short distance – estimated at less than a foot – until the boiler touched the ground, but no injury or damage resulted. The railway submitted a full report to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which was accepted. The KESR has also given an undertaking not to use the cranes again until they are fully certified and staff assessed. An internal investigation by the railway highlighted issues with training and certification of staff, recording of competency, planning lifts, ensuring that the safety overload equipment is in working order and used, and use of load weighing equipment. A review of the KESR’s Safety Management System was already under way when the incident occurred, and the ORR has arranged a visit to review its safety systems and documentation. KESR Chairman Ian Legg stated: “This is a routine visit; however, the management team are giving it the attention it deserves. We know that some records are out of date, but most of what we do is in good order. The new Safety Management System should be in place by the time of the visit and work will then concentrate on those areas with weak documentation.”