Thursday, July 16, 2009

RE: Computer failure may have caused US train crash


“At the time of the crash, the train was also operating in automatic mode, meaning it was controlled primarily by computer. In that mode, the operator's main job is to open and close the doors and respond to emergencies.”
- Associated Press, 24 June 2009


In the deadliest accident in the 30-year history of the Washington DC Metro, a train plowed into a stopped train ahead of it at the height of the Monday evening rush hour, killing nine people and injuring more than 70.

In an interview, Debbie Hersman, an investigator with the US National Transportation Safety Board, said that the trains were in automatic mode, as was standard procedure. She also revealed that it wasn’t known if the emergency brake was used. She said, “It was unclear if the emergency brake was actually engaged when Monday's crash occurred. But the mushroom-shaped button that activates it was found pushed down in the operator's compartment.” However, Hersman stressed that it wasn't known whether the button was pressed before the crash, or in the aftermath. – AP


Automation of your processes does not ensure that your operations are disaster-resilient. It is impossible to predict or prevent all causes of system failure. Crews spent Tuesday pulling apart the wreckage and searching for bodies in a highly automated train. Authorities are still working to determine why the train's safeguards apparently did not kick in. There is a clear need for a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that can be called into action in unforeseen and unforeseeable contingencies.


When you are in a bottoming economy especially, you can’t afford to make mistakes. Companies have increased awareness and focus on business continuity and making sure that their operations are disaster-resilient. “I’m no longer surprised when my colleagues across the region talk about business continuity. The efforts and awareness on business continuity and managing emergency have indeed increased,” added Julius Seno, ConocoPhillips Indonesia in an interview with the Center for Business Strategy and Tactics, the organiser for this year’s Emergency Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery 2009.

EMPRR 2009 Global Summit & Exhibition (7-8 October 2009, Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Singapore) will gather leaders in emergency, disaster management and business continuity disciplines, policy makers, regional players, business owners and top corporate executives and aims to achieve a region of disaster-resilient nations and safer communities, through early warning systems and new technologies, strong global public-private partnerships and regional capacity-building. Delegates will also pick up early updates on current regional regulations, national government initiatives and industry partnerships on emergency management and benchmarking.

Please contact Paul Adams for information on sponsorships, exhibition, partnerships, speaking slots or delegate registration:
· Call +65 6844 2080
· Fax +65 6844 2060, or
· Email info@arcmediaglobal.com (subject line: EMPRR 2009)
· For more info, kindly visit www.arcmediaglobal.com/emprr09

Please include your name, job title, company name, direct telephone and email address in your fax or email, and we will call you back. Special super early bird discounts of up to 30% apply to sponsorship agreements and delegate registrations finalised before 30 June 2009.

We look forward to welcoming you in October in Singapore!


Sincerely,

Paul Adams
Marketing Manager
EMPRR 2009 Desk
AMG CBST

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