Overview
This memo aims to provide information regarding the recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and offer solutions and suggestions pertinent to the situation. It will provide specifics on the occurrence, explain various strategies to stop it from happening again and recommend potential next steps. These approaches include automation, constant maintenance of the trains, and ensuring the operations comply with the established safety policies and standards. As a result, the primary objective of this memorandum is to stop any similar incidents from happening in the future.
Introduction
The Ohio Train Derailment involved a train carrying hazardous material derailing and spilling hydrochloric acid and other substances near a residential area. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene to help evacuate the area (Rick). The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now investigating to determine the cause of the derailment and assess the spill’s impact. Residents in residential areas have been advised to stay indoors and avoid contact with hazardous materials. The EPA monitors air quality and has set up a hotline for anyone needing assistance.
Details
The train derailment is among the significant incidents in the US, leading to the destruction of properties and pollution of the environment. It happened near the intersection of State Route 170 and North Market Street in East Palestine, Ohio (Rick). The train, operated by CSX Transportation, carried hazardous materials, including chemicals used in industrial processes, when the derailment occurred (Rick). The incident caused extensive property damage, including the destruction of a local bridge and significant environmental contamination. In response to the event, residents were evacuated, and state and local roads were closed (Rick). The incident disrupted freight rail traffic in the area, as nearby tracks were damaged in the derailment.
The derailment was due to a broken wheel on one of the rail cars. According to Mogila et al., the fractured wheel caused the cars to move off the tracks, and the resulting derailment created a powerful force that caused the vehicles to move in different directions. Additionally, the train was traveling at an excessive speed, which likely contributed to the severity of the incident (Mogila et al.). Poor track and rail maintenance may have been a factor, as the broken wheel may have resulted from wear and tear over time. Other potential causes include a human error or mechanical failure.
Solutions to the Derailment
Maintenance
One of the strategies to prevent the re-occurrence of train derailments is improving the maintenance and upkeep of railroad tracks. Railroad tracks should be inspected and maintained routinely, and any potential safety concerns should be addressed as soon as they are identified (Aldrich). This may involve checking for broken rails, worn tracks, and other potential hazards. In addition, all personnel at ODOT should receive the appropriate training to ensure they are aware of the possible risks. Therefore, making sure that the rail tracks are properly maintained will prevent the occurrence of such derailments.
Moreover, adequately maintained tracks can reduce the risk of derailment due to excessive wear and tear or faulty track beds. ODOT needs to develop a maintenance policy that incorporates regular inspections of the railway tracks, cars, and any other equipment involved in the railway system (Aldrich). The policy should include preventive maintenance to identify and address any potential faults before they can lead to derailments. The policy should consist of safety protocols and procedures that should be followed to ensure that the railway system is operating safely and securely. Additionally, ODOT should ensure that all staff involved in railway operations are trained and knowledgeable of proper safety protocols and procedures. They are supposed to incorporate a system of quality control and assurance to ensure that all railway system components are operating and maintained correctly.
Compliance With the Rules and Standards
The second strategy is for railroad companies to prioritize compliance with all relevant safety regulations and standards. This includes taking measures to reduce the risk of derailment, such as appropriately controlling the speed of trains and securing the cargo (Aldrich). It involves ensuring all necessary safety equipment is in place and operating effectively. Additionally, railroad companies should routinely review and update their safety procedures to ensure they comply with the most recent regulations and standards. Thus, ODOT should ensure that the railroad operations adhere to the set rules likely to prevent future derailment.
ODOT needs to guarantee they can comply with all relevant safety regulations and standards by conducting regular inspections and maintenance. This will ensure that potential issues can be identified and addressed before becoming a safety hazard (Aldrich). Furthermore, the company can invest in setting measures that promote regular checks to detect potential safety issues before they become a problem. For example, regular employee training on safety procedures can also help to certify that any derailment risks are minimized. With compliance with security standards, railroad companies can help to reduce the risk of derailment and ensure their passengers are kept safe.
Use of Automation
Automation is an essential concept in the modern transportation industry, and the Ohio Department of Transport (ODOT) should use the latest technology to improve safety and prevent future derailments. Automation can increase operational efficiency, reduce the amount of human intervention required, and increase the accuracy of decision-making (Aldrich). Implementing automation into the ODOT system would allow for better tracking of rail cars and trains and improved monitoring of rail conditions and other environmental factors. Automation would allow for more accurate predictions of potential derailments, helping to ensure that the proper protocols are adopted to prevent them.
Using robotics and artificial intelligence can help reduce human error that can lead to derailments. For instance, robots can inspect tracks and determine potential hazards, such as broken rails, loose bolts, or uneven ground. AI-driven predictive analytics systems can recognize patterns in train traffic and inform operators about potential issues before they happen (Aldrich). This technology can identify areas of the track that are more prone to derailment and provide better recommendations for preventative maintenance.
Technology is an essential tool for enhancing safety and avoiding future derailments. Automation can assist in improving the accuracy of decision-making, reduce human intervention, and provide better monitoring of the environment (Aldrich). ODOT should take the necessary steps to implement the latest technology to ensure the safety and reliability of its trains and rail systems. Automation can reduce the risk of derailment and ensure the safety of passengers and staff. By leveraging the latest technology, the organization can provide a safer and more efficient transportation system for its customers.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Ohio Train Derailment in East Palestine was a tragic event that caused extensive damage to property and the environment. The incident was caused by a broken rail, and the resulting derailment caused a massive fire, destroyed property, and put lives at risk. To prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future, measures must be taken to ensure compliance with safety regulations, automation of railway systems, and regular maintenance of railway infrastructure. Compliance with safety regulations will help prevent dangerous situations, while automation and regular maintenance will ensure that the railway system is properly functioning and reduce the risk of derailment. Through implementing these solutions, Ohio’s railway system can become even safer, helping to avoid similar tragedies.
One of the recommendations is that the ODOT should create a comprehensive database of all railway lines in the state, including their safety ratings, inspection records, and maintenance schedules. Previously, the organization did not have a system for storing data to enhance safety. An updated database will ensure that all railway operations are held to the same safety standards.
In addition, the department should actively monitor railway safety ratings and issue warnings and citations to companies that do not comply with safety standards. A team responsible for compliance and maintenance should be formed to handle the operation. Therefore, the department should incentivize railway operators to reach a higher safety standard.
The second recommendation is that Ohio Train Derailment should consider adopting automation systems to detect potential derailments before they occur. This is important because advanced tech systems were not being used in the organization. A comprehensive automated system should be incorporated into Ohio’s railway lines, which should include sensors, cameras, and other advanced technologies to detect potential safety issues. This system should be monitored on a regular basis to make sure that it is functioning correctly. In addition, the system should be regularly updated to take advantage of the latest technology.
The Ohio Train Derailment requires improved maintenance practices to make sure that the incident does not happen again. Despite having a plan for checks, they needed to be more focused on enhancing safety. They should develop a comprehensive maintenance plan for all of the railway lines in the state, which should include regular inspections as well as repairs and enhancements to the infrastructure.
For the purpose of ensuring that all railway lines are in suitable operating condition, the maintenance plan should be routinely examined and kept up to date. In addition, the department should incentivize railway operators to adhere to the maintenance plan and ensure that any potential safety issues are resolved promptly by ensuring that they are given adequate attention.
The derailment brought to light the necessity for improved communication and collaboration between government agencies and the companies that operate railways. ODOT did not have a specific team responsible for the safety of its operations.
It is recommended that the ODOT establish a safety team in order to make this process easier. The group ought to consist of representatives from all of the railroad operators operating within the state, as well as representatives from the department and any other relevant government agencies. Therefore, the team should be in charge of developing and enforcing safety standards within the organization.
Work Cited
Aldrich, Mark. Back on Track: American Railroad Accidents and Safety, 1965-2015. Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018.
Mogila, V.I., et al. “To the Emergency Stop of the Train in Case of Derailment.” Scientific News of Dahl University, 2021. Web.
Rick, Mullin. “Safety Questions Remain after Ohio Train Derailment.” Chemical & Engineering News. 2023, pp. 3–3. Web.