Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC)

The audit includes 13 findings. Metrorail is required to propose corrective action plans to address each finding no later than 30 days after the issuance of this report wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

During this audit, WMSC personnel observed unsafe practices contrary to Metrorail policies and procedures at every observation activity conducted wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

We performed this audit through in-depth interviews, field observations, and document and data reviews. Metrorail has established policies and procedures, rules, training, and oversight of its RWP program, but there are still deficiencies that put the safety of workers at risk.

WMSC Issues Safety Audit of #WMATA Metrorail Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Program: wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

WMSC Public Meeting of the Commissioners - June 11, 2024

Watch the recording here of today’s (6/11/24) WMSC public meeting on our safety oversight work of the #WMATA Metrorail System: www.youtube.com/live/K94KZ8y...

WMATA is required to propose Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) to address each finding and respond to each recommendation no later than 30 days after the issuance of this report wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

We encourage you to read the full report to understand these issues and the extensive work that led to each finding and recommendation: wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

The three recommendations relate to tracking shelf-life of railcar parts that decay, proactively sharing training records with supervisors, and conducting a railcar maintenance staffing assessment to account for current facilities, railcars, maintenance requirements, and other operational changes.

Other findings include: Metrorail is not following its operational certification requirements for Car Maintenance Road Mechanics, not following industry standard electrostatic discharge protection practices, and is using equipment that is not calibrated in accordance with its policies and procedures

The audit found that Metrorail is not meeting life-safety and occupational safety and health requirements in railcar maintenance facilities. These include requirements of Metrorail’s hot works program, fall protection requirements, and safe crane lifting practices.

The findings include that Metrorail is not carrying out railcar maintenance and inspection tasks as specified by its procedures, is training personnel on outdated procedures, and is not identifying and mitigating hazards related to railcars and railcar personnel.

This audit also includes seven findings and three recommendations: wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

Digital indicator gauges and calibration blocks have been manufactured and are being used, and have successfully detected railcars with wheelsets beyond Metrorail’s safety requirements, allowing those wheelsets to be removed from service.

Among the positive practices identified in this audit, Metrorail developed under the WMSC’s oversight a digital indicator gauge along with associated procedures for performing accurate back-to-back measurements.

The scope of this audit includes Metrorail’s maintenance and engineering practices related to railcars, those vehicles designed to carry customers, and associated shop equipment.

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission performed this audit through in-depth interviews, site visits, and document and data reviews conducted through December 2023

WMSC issues Audit of #WMATA Metrorail’s Revenue Vehicles (Railcar) Program: wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

Watch the recording of today's (4/9/24) public meeting on our WMATA Metrorail oversight work: www.youtube.com/live/zgYxsOR...

This order requires Metrorail to:
·         identify employees Metrorail designated as certified but who have not been properly certified
·         conduct proper certifications of those employees within 90 days
·         develop corrective action plans

Specific examples of safety events such as train movement that risked collisions involving personnel who were not certified in accordance with Metrorail safety training procedures are included in the order: wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

The WMSC communicated these deficiencies to Metrorail on multiple occasions in 2023, and in 2024.

These tasks are specifically included in the certification process that Metrorail has developed to provide for the safety of Metrorail riders and personnel.

The WMSC’s review demonstrates that Metrorail is designating train operators as certified despite their certification documents indicating that those individuals had not attempted or successfully completed required tasks.

WMSC issues order on #WMATA Metrorail’s noncompliance with its train operator certification requirements wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

The WMSC is investigating the events leading to the evacuation of a train and Eastern Market Station this afternoon (2/15/24).

Metrorail addressed one of the findings of the current audit prior to issuance of this report.

The WMSC appreciates the action by the leadership of the Office of Power to address this safety issue in a timely manner.

The audit identified three findings and identified three existing CAPs addressing findings from the WMSC’s 2021 Audit of High Voltage and Traction Power that required modifications (the WMSC conducts safety audits over a three-year cycle).

WMSC Issues Safety Audit of #WMATA Metrorail Power Systems: wmsc.gov/wp-content/u...

The WMSC Commissioners meet today (1/23) at 12:30 p.m. Join the meeting live on YouTube or Zoom: wmsc.gov/meetings/

The audit demonstrates that Metrorail has implemented some improvements since the previous WMSC audit (issued in 2021) and the WMSC’s August 4, 2022 Train Control Room maintenance and cleaning order, but the audit also demonstrates that Metrorail is not carrying out some key safety commitments.