Response to RAIB recommendations to drive down derailments
A tanker train derailed near Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, in August 2020, resulting in a significant spillage of fuel and a major fire.
The derailment was caused by a locked wheelset. The locked wheel slid along the railhead and damaged the wheel treads. This resulted in the wheels failing to safely negotiate a junction, damaging the point work, and causing the third wagon to derail.
RAIB made nine recommendations in its report, with two assigned to RSSB. RSSB was asked to work with specific industry stakeholders to respond to recommendations 6 and 8.
In response to RAIB’s report, RSSB established a steering group as well as two working groups, one assigned to each recommendation.
The groups had representation from the National Freight Safety Group, the Freight Technical Committee, the Rail Wagon Association, Network Rail, RSSB, and entities in charge of maintenance.
The working group for recommendation 6 developed a guidance note, which was published in June 2025. The working group for recommendation 8 produced a technical note, which was published in September 2024.
RSSB also held a series of workshops to support cross-industry collaboration.
The outputs have enhanced stakeholders’ understanding of how to mitigate derailments caused by locked wheels and similar factors.
This should lead to an estimated 20% reduction in network derailments and around £1.7m savings in derailment management and recovery costs over 5 years.
Workstream 2 of the Wagon Condition Programme will further support the 20% reduction target including off-network derailments. It will develop a new rail industry standard (RIS) for train preparation and service delivery in collaboration with the freight sector. The RIS will introduce a consistent approach to freight train preparation for entering the network.