27 Aug 2024
RISSB Connect Edition 76, August 2024
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Edition 76 August 2024 INSIDE THIS EDITION+ CEO message CEO MESSAGEThis is the last weekly edition of RISSB Connect – from September onwards, we will transition to monthly editions. This change aligns with some other valuable changes we are making to improve our member service offering and our new Work Plan which has an increased focus on how we help industry implement the products we develop. I also want to call out improvements we’re making to a very important part of our work – undertaking regular reviews of our products to ensure they’re up-to-date and capturing the most recent learnings. Historically we’ve taken a “cookie-cutter” approach whereby all products were reviewed at the same interval, and all reviews were a major undertaking. We’ve now developed an approach to ensure we’re able to capture key learnings quickly and efficiently. Our new “rapid”, “targeted” and “comprehensive” reviews will reflect the relevance of the subject matter and the extent of changes taking place. This approach means that RISSB can be far more agile in the way it undertakes the important task of product reviews, and in doing so is able to tailor resources and dedicate efforts to topics that have the greatest benefits for industry. To see our latest Work Plan click HERE or to see the recent webinar on the Work Plan click HERE. Damien White GENERAL NEWSNew AHP Program supports implementation of rail safety worker health assessments
Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) and Metro Trains Australia (MTA) have worked together to develop the new Authorised Health Professional (AHP) Program to manage and provide support for AHPs, while also facilitating access to suitably trained and experienced AHPs for Rail Transport Operators and rail safety workers. The new AHP Program has been developed in consultation with the National Transport Commission to address issues raised in the recent review of the National Standard for the Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers (the Standard). It has also drawn on input from Rail Transport Operators and the Chief Medical Officers Council to ensure the program meets the needs of AHPs and industry. The new AHP Program was launched in July this year ready for the introduction of the new Standard. There are steps AHPs need to take to ensure they are trained and authorised to carry out assessments under the revised Standard once it comes into effect later this year. 
These changes are designed to ensure the rail industry’s approach to rail worker safety remains contemporary, and supports the highest levels of safety for industry. For more information about the program, click HERE or reach out to contact@ahpprogram.com.au. PRODUCTSCall for Public Consultation – New Product - AS 7489 Rolling Stock Passenger Seating and Appointments A new Standard AS 7489 Rolling Stock Passenger Seating and Appointments is now open for Public Consultation AS 7489 Rolling Stock Passenger Seating and Appointments will fill a gap and provide a more consistent approach across the rail industry in the design and supply of passenger seating using an integrated human factors approach. RISSB is enthusiastic to issue this new Standard which forms part of the Government’s National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), a Ministerially sponsored programme of work being driven by the National Transport Commission (NTC) designed to stimulate domestic manufacturing, create local jobs, and shore up supply chains. The closing date for comments – Sunday, October 27, 2024 AS 7489 Rolling Stock Passenger Seating and Appointments will be available for public consultation for 60 days. Find out more information and how to comment on the draft by visiting our website here. 
TRAINING AND EVENTSBellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility in Perth supports local businesses enter rail industry General Manager Stakeholder Engagement Sharon Tang and Senior Standards Development Manager Cris Fitzhardinge visited Alstrom’s Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility in Perth last week. It was a wonderful opportunity to go through the facility and see how the project is supporting local businesses enter into the Australian railway industry and provide local content. A part of the larger WA Government MetroNet project, this facility is building the new C series suburban railcars and the new Australind interurban railcars. These new railcars will be used on the Yanchep – Mandurah line, allowing the current B series railcars to replace the aging A series railcars on other parts of the PTA network. They will also support the new lines to Ellenbrook and the Thornlie link. RISSB would like to thank Fabrice Ponti, Project Director, Alstrom and Lindsey White, Commercial and Controls Manager, Transperth Trains for taking us on the tour. 
ARA West Australian rail dinner opens new opportunities to connectOur team hosted a table at the Australian Railway Association (ARA) West Australian rail industry dinner in Perth last week, taking the opportunity to talk to some of our key members and network with others. The dinner had over 200 attendees, including many senior leaders from across the industry. The keynote address was delivered by the Hon Rita Saffioti, Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism. She spoke about the exciting pipeline of rail investment and the ongoing delivery at pace to increase connectivity between communities. RISSB continues to work with industry partners to support delivery of investment in rail. 
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