Possession Notice 35 – ASDC Compulsory Protection Requirements

This information has been prepared to inform Sydney Trains’ employees, contractors and TfNSW on general requirements to adhere to both the Sydney Trains Network Rules and Procedures and all applicable possession related procedures for the placement of possession protection during Local Possession Authorities.

Background
A possession incident occurred during a Local Possession Authority on the 7th September 2019 at Central, where Rail Track Signals and a red light possession protection were incorrectly placed on a live road by protection officers. The
subsequent investigation uncovered a number of contributing factors.
The investigation also established a series of non-compliances in relation to the Application of Possession Protection Operational Procedure (AMD-ASD-SOP-007).

Requirement
All Asset Scheduling & Delivery Coordination (AS&DC) staff, other Sydney trains employees or contractors engaged by ASDC when undertaking protection briefings are to reinforce and highlight at those briefings:

• Qualified workers who have been given a copy of and have signed that they fully understand their responsibilities to comply with the Application of Possession Protection Procedure then choose to ignore the requirements will be investigated under the Just Culture framework and the appropriate action taken.

The three type of Just Culture behaviours are as follows:

1. Human Error – when a person does something other than what they intended to do – unintentional error.
2. At-Risk Behaviour – unintentional risk-taking. When a person does something intentionally, but doesn’t appreciate the risk involved in their actions. When a group of people participates in this type of behaviour, it’s called a ‘norm’
3. Reckless Behaviour – intentional risk-taking. When a person acts in a way that purposely disregards the risk associated with their behaviour

• Highlight the requirement for Protection Teams to contact the Possession Protection Coordinator (PPC) or Possession Protection Officer (PPO) directly and not provide information through a third party when confirming protection has been placed.
• SL Lock numbers MUST be requested by either the PPC or PPO and MUST be provided by protection teams when placing or removing point clips on point ends.
• Recorded telephones MUST be used where available when conducting all Safety Critical Communication.
• The requirement for Protection Officers to maintain possession of provided maps and documentation which have been provided to assist on the correct placement of protection on their person.

The Final Word
Each and every person who manages or places possession protection has a responsibility to work in a safe manner and to be aware of, and comply with all applicable rules and procedures. Possession protection briefings must include the
above requirements.

Possession Protection Coordinators/ Possession Protection Officers are to please ensure that this Notice is highlighted and discussed with all teams managing and placing possession protection on behalf of AS&DC.

Moscow Mok
A/Associate Director, Asset Scheduling and Delivery Coordination
Date: 08-10-2019