Applied Rail Accident Investigation

Short course/CPD

Applied Rail Accident Investigation

Course date: 03 Sep 2012 - 21 Sep 2012

Course overview

The Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre is proud to offer a new course for those who work in the rail transport safety industry. The course content has been carefully developed in close collaboration with the accident investigation community and with the endorsement of the Centre’s Industry Advisory Board.

The Centre’s experience in delivering aircraft accident investigation courses since 1977 and multi-modal accident investigation courses since 2004 is combined with the considerable expertise and experience of investigators, operators and researchers to deliver a level of training that is second to none.

Prior to attending this course, delegates must have completed the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course that runs every January and May, which prepares them with the basic investigation skills. Delegates who have completed their initial training elsewhere and are able to demonstrate a suitable level of competence may be accepted onto this course in exceptional circumstances. The Applied Rail Accident Investigation course concentrates on applying techniques to the specialised aspects of rail operations and types of accidents. The course includes a week-long accident investigation simulation exercise where delegates can apply the new skills learned.

The course is assessed, with successful completion counting towards the postgraduate programme in Safety and Accident Investigation.

View the Applied Rail Accident Investigation course brochure.

Location

Cranfield University is located at the very heart of the UK – within the innovation triangle between London and the cities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Our central location provides easy access from the M1, excellent main line rail service as well as proximity to key international airports. Set in rolling countryside, Cranfield offers a rich, rural landscape complemented by thriving towns and picturesque villages.

Road: We are just 10 minutes from Junctions 13 & 14 of the M1 motorway. There is free parking on campus.
Rail: Milton Keynes or Bedford
Air: London Luton (22 miles), Heathrow (50 miles) or Birmingham (70 miles).

View our location maps.

Course fee:

£4315

Accommodation fee:

£1653

£480

Accommodation is on a full-board basis from the evening before the course commences until the afternoon of the last day. The course fee includes refreshments and lunch during the day. The accommodation fee includes all other meals. Details of accommodation will be provided in the delegate information pack.

Speakers

One of the key benefits of this course is our ability to bring together a world-class group of experts to share their experiences with delegates. This includes accident investigators and experts in:

Accident investigation in and outside the UK
Human Factors in rail operations
Accident pathology
Disaster management and family assistance
Regulation
Media relations
Railway engineering.

How to register

Further information

For more information on this course or booking details please contact:
Academic Operations Unit
T: + 44 (0) 1234 754192
E: shortcourse@cranfield.ac.uk

Course Booking Conditions

Course description

Who should attend?

The course is designed for those who may have to conduct, or participate in, a rail accident investigation. This may be in the role of official investigator for a State or as a representative of a manufacturer, operator, service provider or regulator.

All lectures and workshops will be in English and due to the intensity of the course, those without a thorough knowledge of English would be at a severe disadvantage. There are no formal qualifications for entry, but course numbers are limited and preference will be given to applicants best able to benefit fully from the course.

Course content

The three-week course is designed to provide a practical approach to the specifics of investigating rail accidents. The technical, operational and human performance aspects of railway accidents are explored in the sessions including:

Hazards at rail accident sites
Investigating level crossing accidents
Investigating accidents to persons caused by rolling stock in motion
Investigating derailment accidents
Investigating collision accidents
Investigating fires and suspected foul play
Safety equipment and evacuation in trains
Crashworthiness and survivability aspects.

The module will be complemented by technical visits to forensic laboratories and rail infrastructure facilities. This module also features major case studies together with practical exercises including a one-week investigation simulation exercise. The exercise covers aspects such as team management, site safety and security, media management, site management, physical examination of wreckage/track, documentation investigation, accident site photography, wreckage plotting, witness interviewing, analysis techniques, formal report writing and development of safety recommendations. (Please note that the accident investigation simulation exercise will take place off-campus).

View the Applied Rail Accident Investigation course brochure.