17 Jan 2024
MEDIA RELEASE – Evolution of train visibility Standard continues
The Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) has released the latest version of its train visibility Standard, the next step in an ongoing process to optimise the safety benchmark.
Following a review, informed by extensive research and testing by the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (MIRT) and two rounds of Public Consultation, AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility was released to the rail industry on 21 December 2023.
RISSB Chief Executive Officer, Damien White, said the release of the revised Standard was just the first step in the review process which will continue throughout 2024.
“We were eager to get the revised Standard out to industry as soon as we could, so that the significant safety improvements can be realised and implemented as quickly as possible,” he said.
“The rail industry now has access to the very latest, evidence based, fit for purpose improvements to the Standard, which have been validated through an engineered testing process.”
The improvements to the Standard include:
- Design principles that consider the visibility of rolling stock from a road users’ perspective, visibility during day and night, and other environmental factors.
- Technical requirements for the use of LED light technology.
- Additional technical requirements for visibility lights.
- Detailed maintenance requirements for lighting fixtures, reflectors, and clarifications of operator responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of lighting and livery.
With further testing of the effectiveness of additional lighting on trains currently underway, RISSB will be revisiting AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility again later this year.
“RISSB is driven to deliver successful technical innovation and improvements for a safer, more productive, and more sustainable rail industry. We look forward to continuing to work with industry to ensure our Standards represent best practice,” Damien White said.
“So when MIRT finalises the next round of testing and trials of concepts such as side and beacon lighting in coming months, we will be looking at how the Standard can be updated.”
“Once again this will include detailed consultation with stakeholders and another period of Public Consultation.”
RISSB is committed to improving safety outcomes at level crossings by working closely with the National Level Crossing Safety Committee, regulators, governments, operators, and other interested parties, in the development of supporting Standards, Codes, and Guidelines.
Media contact
Elizabeth Chilton, Communications Advisor, RISSB
Email: echilton@rissb.com.au
Mobile: 0458 809 792
Other important information
RISSB is a non-government, member-based, not-for-profit that develops Australian Standards, Guidelines, Codes of Practice and Rules on behalf of the Australian rail industry. All submissions received throughout the Public Consultation period are reviewed by the members of a Development Group. Following the review and any amendments, the revised Standard is endorsed by the Development Group and is approved for publication.