RISSB Connect Edition 29, August 2023

PRODUCTS

AS 7451 Train integrity

AS 7451 Train integrity is now available for an 8-week public consultation.
 
The objective of this Standard is to describe train integrity requirements for Australian operations.  It includes minimum requirements for train inspection and carding requirements for vehicles requiring repair. The Standard applies to train configuration design, maintenance process, and operation of rail vehicles.

This Standard belongs to the suite of Australian Code of Practice (ACOP) publications that RISSB manages on behalf of the Australian rail industry.

This Standard also supersedes AS 7503.6 Train identification and integrity - Part 6: Whole of train, published in 2014
 
Through the ACOP publications, RISSB is driving national harmonisation and interoperability, moving the rail industry towards technical and operational consistency, improving safety, lowering costs and enhancing productivity.
 
For more information and how to comment on the draft, please download it here.

RISSB response to ATSB final investigation report - Wallan

RISSB acknowledges the ATSB final investigation report (published 9 August 2023) into the derailment of XPT passenger train ST23 at Wallan, Victoria, on 20 February 2020.

Tragically, two rail workers were killed, eight passengers were seriously injured, and 53 passengers plus five onboard crew suffered minor injuries.

RISSB has committed to consider the outcomes of this investigation in a review of the Australian Standards for body structural requirements (locomotive) and access and egress.

Additionally, RISSB is undertaking a review of all relevant RISSB products, including those relating to temporary safe working arrangements, to identify opportunities to reduce the risk and resultant severity of future incidents. 

The full report is available on the ATSB website.

AS 7637 Hydrology and Hydraulics Review

RISSB is seeking nominations from industry representatives and subject matter experts to review and update the AS 7637 Hydrology and Hydraulics Standard.

The purpose of AS 7637 Hydrology and Hydraulics is to specify the requirements for the adequate planning and design procedures, and the development of a Flood Management Plan and Emergency Response Plan to mitigate flood risk to railway infrastructure, rail traffic and personnel. This is especially important as the industry is subject to more frequent extreme weather events.

Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to submit nominations for subject matter experts to join this Development Group to contribute to the overall depth and quality of the product.

Further information can be found here. The closing date for nominations is Monday, 4 September 2023

An update on AS 7505 Signal detection and Interface 

The Development Group of AS 7505 Signal Detection and Interface are scheduled to meet at the end of this month to continue their review. Currently the review has moved to the appendices with their progress ongoing. The Development Group has representation from major Rail Transport Operator's (RTOs) including heavy haul.

Some of the changes undertaken in this review have been the inclusion of content from the now discontinued AS4292, some more information on the requirements for Axle Counters (at the request of the Train Control Systems Standing Committee), and further details around Interfacing with the signalling equipment in section six and associated appendices.

The Development Group are working towards having a final draft ready for Public Consultation by the end of the year.

This standard is expected to be an important reference as the industry seeks to improve interoperability.