30 Jan 2025

Code of Practice Vigilance Systems and Timing Cycles – New Product

The closing date for comments – Friday 28 February, 2025.

The Code of Practice – Vigilance Systems and Timing Cycles is now open for Public Consultation.

How this product helps the rail industry 

The objective and improvement approach of this CoP aims to guide rail transport operators (RTOs) and system designers in developing effective vigilance system and timing cycles tailored to specific operational contexts. Design priorities include addressing human factors, integrating advanced technologies (e.g., onboard train protection systems, ATP, ETCS, and real-time alertness monitoring), and mitigating risks from timing cycles and penalty brake applications. Learnings from reports by ITSSR (2004) and the ATSB Jumperkine safety investigation (2024) have been included in this CoP.

The document maintains alignment with Australian Standards, promoting consistent safety practices and interoperability across rail networks. It also prioritises Rail Traffic Crew (RTC) well-being by mitigating physical risks, such as musculoskeletal injuries, through ergonomic design and scheduled breaks.

Futureproofing is another focus, with recommendations for adopting adaptive technologies like biometric monitoring and machine learning to improve system reliability. Stakeholder collaboration is integral, with provisions for engaging all parties in design, testing, and refinement processes. Overall, the CoP advances rail safety, operational efficiency, and worker health while preparing the industry for evolving challenges.

About

The Code of Practice (CoP) Vigilance Systems and Timing Cycles supports the Australian and New Zealand Rail Industry by addressing safety, efficiency, and compliance through a structured risk based framework.

It establishes guidelines for designing vigilance systems to improve RTC alertness, reducing risks of collisions, derailments, and other incidents. Emphasising human factors, the CoP addresses challenges like workload, distraction, and habituation, optimising RTC performance and engagement. Despite their long-standing role in rail safety since the 1960s, vigilance systems face critical design limitations that compromise their effectiveness in maintaining continuous RTC alertness.  

How to contribute

Code of Practice – Vigilance Systems and Timing Cycles will be available for public consultation for 30 days. All interested parties are encouraged to provide comments during this time.

The draft standard is available to download here.

To make comments on the draft, please use the commenting tools in Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader to comment in-line with the text.

Please return your PDF with comments to ihodges@rissb.com.au by Friday 28 February 2025.

As the rail industry’s accredited Standards Development Organisation (SDO), RISSB continues to collaborate with government, rail operators and industry leaders to improve the efficiency and harmonisation of the Australia and New Zealand’s rail network, ensuring national interoperability, safety and sustainability into the future.