Safety is an initiative that ties up with the national strategy to mitigate the risk of incidents that include public injuries and fatalities as a consequence of railway operations. The objectives of the campaigns are to demonstrate that taking risks at level crossings is dangerous and can be fatal if traffic rules and safety messages are not abided by. TransNamib has observed with serious concern that significant train accidents continue to occur on our rail network especially at level crossings, which has highlighted specific issues that need our prompt attention.
The railway line runs through towns, farms and communities without any barricades on its sides that would hinder humans and animals from crossing the line anywhere they may wish. This poses risk of rail accidents
The company has erected rail traffic signs for the train driver to operate the trains safely. Before each level crossing about 150 meters whistles boards are erected. This is to warn motorists as well as the pedestrians that there is an oncoming train in the section is about to cross that particular level crossing. The whistle is always blown ± 150 meter before the train approaching the level crossing. The train drivers are trained safety operating procedures and it is compulsory to be in-force by train drivers to warn any obstruction on the railway line to refrain from being on the railway line. This is done to avoid any collision. The train can’t stop immediately due to the freight as the train brakes are applied gradually to avoid derailment and possible capsizing.
Railway Safety Regulator
Safety Management System
TransNamib’s rail safety management system is governed by the Rail Safety Authority which regulates train operations in Namibia. The system is obliged to ensure compliance with the following legislation:
- National Transport Services Act, 1998 (28 of 1998)
- Labour Act 2009 (no 11 of 2009)
- Petroleum Products and Energy Act, 1990 (13 of 1990)
- Explosive Act 1956 (26 of 1956)
- National Railway Regulatory Act of the RSA (16 of 2002) regarding cross-border operations in conjunction with Transnet.
- SARA Standard; TransNamib Rules and Regulations Rail Safety Authority Policy Road Traffic Act.
