Qualitative risk assessment for hydrogen and battery locomotives

Railway companies in Canada are examining the proposition of using hydrogen and battery locomotives for railyard switching, long-haul freight and passenger rail applications. A system-level risk assessment of hydrogen and battery locomotive (hydrail) technology was undertaken to categorize the hazards, list potential causes, effects, and consequences, provide recommended mitigations, and assess the risks. The methodology outlined herein is applicable and can be iteratively implemented in scenarios involving the planning of novel hydrogen and battery applications.