All Aboard Vic Safety Train

Rail operators in Melbourne are bringing their training up to speed after unions raised concerns about hazardous materials being transported on suburban lines.

Victoria's Rail, Tram and Bus Union has been meeting with the three major rail operators in Melbourne since last month's London bombings to discuss improved training for rail workers to deal emergency situations involving chemical materials.

Rail Secretary Victor Moore said systematic safety training of rail staff had slipped since the Victorian rail system was privatised in the 1990s.

He said signal operators and stationmasters in particular needed training in case something went wrong.

"All that needs to happen is for a train carrying toxic material to go over and a signalman who hasn't been properly trained to deal with the situation, for a tragedy to happen," Moore said.

Victorian train operators Connex and V/Line have begun to investigate the level of hazardous material training among their employees, while Pacific National's procedures are largely adequate at this stage.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:35 EST