Rail Accident Reconstruction of “Black Box” EDR Data
It is vital to ensure that the EDR “Black Box” has been properly installed and maintained so that the post-event information which is provided by data download is accurate. Asking these foundation questions associated with the data download will provide a level of confidence that the data files from the EDR accurately reflect the specific data channels recorded.
Rail Event Data Recorder — Data File Integrity Elements
- What is serial number and production date of locomotive
- How long has this locomotive been in service with this railroad
- Was the locomotive in service with another railroad before placement into service
- Was rail event recorder (Event Data Recorder – EDR) in locomotive when manufactured
- Identify all input and output devices connected to EDR
- Was EDR installed by current railroad operator
- What is the maintenance history of subject EDR
- What technicians have serviced subject EDR
- What is the EDR training history of the service technicians
- Provide all subject EDR: installation/service/maintenance/upgrades/bulletins
- What is the damage history of the locomotive
- Has the locomotive received a major overhaul, if so provide time and equipment details
- Have the wheels of the locomotive been replaced
- Upgrading locomotive data system to increase accuracy, from 1/100 mile to 1 foot, would be expected to require upgrade of hardware and software.