Railway audit protocols

Overview

The purpose of a self audit program is to provide a railway with a systematic way to measure compliance to Alberta railway legislation.

It was recognized that the size and complexity of railways in Alberta vary considerably. In order to facilitate the audit program, 3 categories have been developed. The first step you should take is to determine what category is right for your operation.

Category 1

• self-switches railway cars with an locomotive or rail car mover
• industrial, public and heritage railways
• self-audit every year then requires an external audit in the third year that is submitted with operating approval renewal application

Category 2

• does not self-switch cars by a locomotive or rail car mover
• any site that transloads dangerous goods regardless of car count
• self-audit every year then requires an external audit in the third year that is submitted with operating approval renewal application
• transload 100 or more cars per year

Category 3

• does not self-switch cars with an engine
• transloads 99 cars or less per year
• does not transload dangerous goods
• self-audits every year, submits third year self-audit with operating approval renewal application

Audit modules

Below are sample audit modules to use depending on the category of rail operation.

For category information, refer to Self Audit Program Guideline for Alberta Railways.

1. Overview
2. Training
3. Track
4. General Operating Instructions 
5. Railway Emergency Procedures
6. Occurrence Investigation 
7. Audit Lead Sheet
8. Findings and Corrective Actions
9. Statement of Authenticity
10. Pre-Audit Observation

Category 1 – Additional required modules

1. Locomotive – Applicable for the engine(s) in service
2. Rail Car Mover – Applicable for the engine(s) in service
3. Medicals – Required

Category 1 and 2 – When applicable

1. Dangerous Goods
2. Automated Crossings
3. Non-Automated Crossings
4. Passenger Handling
5. Steam Locomotive

Contact

Connect with Rail Safety:

Email: [email protected]