Reducing Hazards Associated with Visual and Automation-Aided Track Inspections

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.

• Record URL:
  https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/reducing-hazards-associated-visual-and-automation-aided-track-inspections
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/55878
• Corporate Authors:

  Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Railroad Policy and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research, Development, and Technology
  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • France, Megan
  • 0000-0001-7224-3982
  • Melnik, Gina
  • 0000-0001-6006-5189
  • Safar, Hadar
  • 0000-0002-8881-4142
  • Multer, Jordan
  • 0000-0002-7818-110X
• Publication Date: 2021-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report; Technical Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Glossary; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 132p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automation; Hazards; Human factors; Inspection; Occupational safety; Productivity; Railroad tracks; Risk
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01773217
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FRA/ORD-21/18, Project RR04AA
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: May 26 2021 2:59PM