北条鉄道株式会社

Between August 28 and 29, 2023, the Kinki Regional Development Bureau conducted a safety audit of Hojo Railway Co., Ltd. Based on the audit results, the bureau identified issues requiring improvement and issued directives for corrective actions. The company must investigate the root causes, including underlying factors, and implement measures to prevent recurrence. A report on the corrective measures is required by January 25, 2024. The audit findings include: 1. Lack of defined training procedures for personnel contracted for maintenance work, and inadequate management of education and training under Article 11 of the Implementation Standards Management Regulations. The company must establish training procedures and ensure personnel possess necessary knowledge and skills. 2. Non-compliance with track clearance and alignment standards, as inspections in March 2023 did not include proper clearance assessments or necessary adjustments. The company must review recent inspection results, promptly conduct clearance assessments, and carry out necessary adjustments. 3. Failure to perform regular inspections of track displacement at vehicle parking areas and platform gaps and heights at all stations, including Hojo-cho Station. The inspection cycle and methods are not specified in the relevant standards. The company must define inspection cycles and methods, conduct the inspections, and address any issues that hinder safe operations, including revising management systems. 4. Inadequate periodic inspections of crossing safety equipment and interlocking devices at Hojo-cho Station, including button operation status, display conditions, installation, damage, and wiring. The company must promptly address these deficiencies to ensure proper electrical equipment management. The company is required to report on the implementation of these corrective measures by January 25, 2024.