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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Reducing Hazards Associated with Visual and Automation-Aided Track Inspections

Document Series:
Technical Reports
Author:
  • Federal Railroad Administration
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-21/18
Office
RDI-21
Subject:
Track
Keywords:
Track research, track inspection, inspection, automated inspection, automation-aided inspection, railroad, track safety, safety, human factors, passenger rail, systems-theoretic process analysis, STPA, STAMP, systems-theoretic accident model and process,
Document
Reducing Hazards for Track Inspection.pdf (3.58 MB)

Railroads are increasingly using automated track inspection technologies to augment the work of track inspectors in support of safety and productivity. The current study documents a human factors hazard analysis intended for both railroads and others interested in understanding hazards associated with track inspection, with and without the use of automation. The report makes recommendations to mitigate potential risks associated with railroad systems using only visual inspection, as well as potential risks associated with railroad systems using automated track inspection technologies along with visual inspection. 


Last updated: Tuesday, May 11, 2021