RISSB Connect Edition 59, April 2024

Edition 59 April 2024 

INSIDE THIS EDITION

+ CEO message
+ RISSB Rail Safety Awards 2024 finalists have been announced
+ ARA QLD Rail Networking Dinner
+ Undertake a Derailment Investigation
+ Call for Public Consultation – AS 7495 – Rolling Stock Communications Equipment
+ Member Spotlight

CEO MESSAGE

The countdown to the RISSB 2024 Rail Safety Conference is well and truly underway, and likewise for the 2024 RISSB Rail Safety Awards.  We received more than 50 nominations for awards in the following categories;

• Safety Leadership Program
• Frontline Worker Safety Initiative
• Community Safety
• Emerging Leader
• Industry Safety Professional of the Year

And I must say that it’s been a genuine honour to have been on a judging panel for these awards. The level of energy, passion, subject matter expertise, collaboration, and in many cases tenacity to identify and drive change opportunities is truly impressive. And these submissions are evidence of an industry with a strong culture of leading and encouraging ongoing improvements in safety. Our industry has come a long way, and our leaders recognise that there’s always more that can be done.

So, on the evening of the 30th of April we’ll be announcing the winners, and we’ll also be recognising the very inspiring efforts of many people in our industry to improve the safety of our workplaces and communities.

Damien White
RISSB CEO

RISSB Rail Safety Awards 2024 finalists have been announced

RISSB is pleased to announce the following finalists for the Rail Safety Awards 2024:

Winners will be announced on Tuesday 30 April 2024 at the Rail Safety Conference awards dinner.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide a nomination and congratulations to all the finalists. Good luck!

Products

Call for Public Consultation – AS 7495 – Rolling Stock Communications Equipment

The review of AS 7495 – Rolling Stock Communications Equipment is now open for a 60 day Public Consultation.

AS 7495 Rolling Stock Communications Equipment identifies the different types of communications equipment used on rolling stock, defines the high-level functional requirements and performance-based outcomes for the equipment while also considering the asset lifecycle requirements. The Standard applies to communications equipment requirements for new and modified locomotive, freight, passenger, light rail and infrastructure maintenance rolling stock.

The purpose of this Standard is to support the National Rail Action Plan objectives of interoperability, harmonisation and increasing opportunities for ANZ based suppliers to be integrated into the rolling stock equipment supply chain.

For more information and how to comment on the draft, please visit our website here. Comments must be received by Friday, 21 June 2024.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON
Puffing Billy Railway Board

Puffing Billy is Australia’s premier preserved steam railway, located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges. Built in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived in the hills, the railway is now a major tourist attraction that invites visitors to come and experience a century old tradition every day of the year, except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 300 volunteers.

Puffing Billy Railway operates exclusively under the authority and sole governance of the Puffing Billy Railway Board, ensuring its role as the sole operator of the railway.

The Puffing Billy Railway Board has been a participating member of RISSB since 2018.

They recently announced that they have been awarded a Federal and Victorian Government grant to support their project to create a Heat Refuge for the dedicated volunteers of Puffing Billy Railway.

For more information click here.