2 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

WMATA news release, 9/21/17 8:51 am:

 

Metro advises customers to expect shorter trains, possible crowding as safety concern is reviewed

 

Following a safety concern for maintenance workers raised by ATU Local 689, Metro voluntarily initiated a "safety stand-down" that resulted in the temporary suspension of mechanical inspections on 7000-series railcars. The concern raised by the union involved procedures for inspecting ground brushes, which are part of the train's undercarriage that return negative electrical current to the rails. The issue does not pose a hazard to passengers.

Railcars must undergo a daily inspection in order to operate. The suspension of maintenance inspections, a voluntary action taken by Metro until the safety concern is resolved, has had the effect of fewer railcars being available for passenger service. As a result, Metro customers today may experience:

• Fewer 8-car trains.
• Longer waits between trains.
• Possible crowding.

Metro has scheduled meetings with the railcar manufacturer and union representatives this morning to review and discuss the union's concern. An update is expected in the early afternoon today.

 

 

 

 

[CNJRoss]

WMATA news release, 9/21//17 11:53 am:

 

Metro completes review of safety concern raised by union, 7K inspections to resume

 

Metro has completed its review of a safety concern raised by ATU Local 689 regarding inspection procedures for an electrical component on 7000-series railcars. The review, conducted with Metro engineers and engineers from the railcar manufacturer, found that the inspection procedures currently in place are appropriate and consistent with manufacturer guidelines. As such, mechanical inspections of 7000-series railcars will resume this afternoon following additional safety briefings with employees to reinforce these procedures.

"Part of creating a safety culture means taking immediate action to address concerns raised by employees. If a concern cannot be immediately resolved or requires further investigation, sometimes additional steps—such as a safety stand-down—must be taken in an abundance of caution," said Metro Chief Safety Officer Patrick Lavin. "We encourage the reporting of safety concerns, and thank our customers for their understanding as we place safety first."

Overnight, consistent with Metro's position that "safety trumps service," the transit agency voluntarily initiated a "safety stand-down," temporarily suspending mechanical inspections of 7000-series cars until the union's concern could be reviewed. The action resulted in about 18 percent fewer trainsets being available for service this morning.

 

The resolution of this matter means approximately 20 additional 7000-series trains will be available for the afternoon rush hour, and customers can expect a relatively normal afternoon commute. (The proportion of six-car trains versus eight-car trains may be slightly higher than normal this afternoon as Metro works to resolve the inspection backlog and place more cars in service.)

 

[CNJRoss]

The Washington Post,​9/21/17:

Normal Metro service returns after urgent action on electricity ‘hazardous condition’

 

 

Metro’s new 7000-series trains will return to service after an electricity-related “hazardous condition” prompted the transit agency’s largest union to launch an emergency safety stand-down, causing hundreds of the railcars to be pulled from the system for the Thursday morning commute.

 

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 launched the urgent safety measure after learning that a mechanic had received an electrical shock last Saturday as he performed an inspection on a 7000-series railcar.

 

SNIP

 

The “safety stand-down” followed an incident last Saturday in which a mechanic was shocked at a West Falls Church rail yard while he worked on a 7000-series car. According to an incident report obtained by The Washington Post, the mechanic indicated that the shock was “light” and left no visual burns, and he was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital for evaluation.

 

After the incident, all maintenance work ceased on the train while the situation was assessed. According to the report, “it appears that car R7022 lost all grounding capabilities,” indicating that the car had electrical current running through it.

 

More here.