CBH Group to enhance rail visibility following successful trials

The CBH Group (CBH) will install new LED beacon lights on all current and future locomotives as part of its safety commitment to enhance train visibility in regional Western Australia.

The installation follows the successful completion of trials conducted with CBH’s rail service provider, Aurizon. Three trials were conducted to determine the safest and most effective configuration of LED beacon lights on the locomotives.

The new LED beacon lights will sit on the headboard of the narrow-gauge and standard-gauge locomotives, which will enhance the visibility of the train, without compromising the safety of road users or train drivers.

CBH will begin installing the panels from 1 October 2023, in line with scheduled maintenance and change out programs carried out by Aurizon. The roll-out is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.

CBH Chief Operating Officer Mick Daw said the recently purchased narrow-gauge and standard-gauge locomotives, from Wabtec and Progress Rail respectively, will meet these new safety specifications.

“Safety is a priority at CBH and we are pleased to be able to improve the visibility of our locomotives in the regional communities where we operate,” Mr Daw said.

“In addition, it’s great to be in a position to install the new LED beacon lights on CBH locomotives so soon after the trials.

“CBH will ensure that lighting on our new locomotives will meet or exceed this updated standard. Any safety improvements we make to our current locomotives and wagons will be implemented into the new fleet prior to them entering service.

“Improving rail safety requires a holistic view, from increased lighting on and visibility of rail rolling stock, to improving passive level crossings, as the State Government is doing, to making safety front of mind for those who interact with rail infrastructure – which are all required to drive the safety outcomes we need to see across the State.”

In addition, Aurizon is participating in a rail lighting study in conjunction with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, Monash University and Pacific National, using CBH locomotives with the co-operative’s support as case studies.

This week (7 to 13 August 2023) is National Rail Safety Week, which supports safety on and around rail networks across Australia. CBH is currently exploring ways to further contribute to community safety through community awareness and education programs focused on regional Western Australia.