14 Nov 2024
RISSB Connect Edition 79, November 2024
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Edition 79, November 2024 A message from our CEO | Damien White 
The interoperability reform work being led by the National Transport Commission (NTC) is continuing, and is being informed by learnings seen and heard by participants during the UK & Europe Study Tour hosted by the ARA in September. There’s often a starry-eyed story that Europe, who’s rail systems have to contend with different languages and cultures, have effortlessly implemented their advanced European Train Control System (ETCS) and other interoperability initiatives. The truth is much less rosy. Europe's journey took more than twenty years, and has plenty lessons for countries like Australia. Australia of course doesn’t have to contend with a language barrier, but our diverse rail “cultures”, caused by our vastly different and historically State-based rail technologies and rules, create some significant barriers to implementing changes such as a single train control technology for the National Network for Interoperability. Our State-based networks were developed at a time where interstate trade between the colonies wasn’t a high priority. And whilst physical breaks-of-gauge were more than just an inconvenience, we historically have found ways to deal with different safeworking systems, different safeworking rules – often at the expense of rail’s cost competitiveness, and likely introducing some safety risks along the way. Selecting and implementing any new train control technologies will be an enormously significant and complex task. And I suspect creating the right foundations that address the root causes of our historically disjointed approach will be equally so. However they will be fundamental in designing and getting industry and government endorsement on a new approach. I’d like to recognise the NTC’s collaborative approach in getting industry and governments together to navigate this difficult journey, and I’m confident the result will deliver a quantum change in the efficiency and capability of our industry. If you have the opportunity to be involved in the NTC’s engagement sessions please take that opportunity to get involved. LATEST NEWSIn its 7th year, Horizons 2025 open for registrationsHorizons 2025 is now accepting expressions of interest. With over 400 alumni and now in its 7th year, Horizons 2025 has expanded to include two forums in Perth for West Australian participants. We have started receiving applications - don't wait, join a program that 100% of participants this year rated as met or exceeded expectations!! 
Australian rail industry moves towards national standardsThe Harmonisation of Rail Standards Research Report outlines the case for consistent national standards which could save billions of dollars by streamlining standards, technologies and processes for operating the rail network. Twenty years ago industry established RISSB to support the harmonisation of standards, however, it clearly will take more than voluntary efforts to drive the required reform. We are working in partnership with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), National Transport Commission (NTC) and Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC) towards a national approach to harmonising standards and greater interoperability to support an efficient, safe and productive rail industry. 
Diesel-battery hybrid solution keeps Adelaide's main station fume freeA diesel-battery hybrid solution is helping Adelaide Metro keep fumes out of the city's covered main station. RISSB fully supports the use of new technologies and the reduction of carbon emissions and was thrilled to visit and tour the Adelaide Metro facility at Dry Creek, currently managed by Keolis Downer Rail (KDR). This site visit was a fantastic opportunity for RISSB to learn about the work that RISSB members have been doing to reduce emissions and introduce new technologies into the Australian Railway Industry. New edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers introducedThe National Transport Commission (NTC) has achieved a significant milestone this month with the introduction of the new edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers (the Standard). The revised Standard incorporates the latest evidence and expert advice to guide rail transport operators in managing risks. The new edition came into effect on 11 November 2024. According to the new Standard only Authorised Health Professionals (AHPs) trained in the new Standard and registered as AHPs with the new AHP Program can conduct health assessments. PEOPLE SPOTLIGHTPhil Ellingworth 
Phil received the 2024 Australasian Rail Industry (ARI) Career Achievement Award in recognition of over 42 years of dedicated service and significant contributions to the rail industry. Over those years, Phil says every job has brought new challenges which have built on prior experience – no job, or day for that matter, has ever been the same! He believes sharing knowledge and experience with our young emerging engineers and engineering leaders is critical for success in our industry. At Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), Phil is responsible for assuring all technical aspects of MTM’s operations is in accordance with rail safety national law. He leads a team of around 200 engineers and 25 graduates across a multitude of specialities, including track, civil, structural, electrical, signalling and rolling stock engineering. 
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTANRP 6001 Overrun of Limit of AuthorityThe Australian Network Rules and Procedures (ANRP) has issued an updated version of the ANRP6001 Overrun of Limit of Authority. This critical guideline establishes a structured protocol for managing situations where rail movements exceed their designated authority, providing clear roles and responsibilities for rail traffic crews, network control officers, and train controllers. The latest review of ANRP6001 aligns with updated rail safety and control standards, with enhancements including clarified emergency communication procedures, immediate stop actions for rail traffic crews, and specific authorisation protocols for resuming movement post-incident. These updates aim to boost safety and interoperability by enabling rapid, coordinated responses to overrun incidents and reducing risks of collision through well-defined communication steps and systematic emergency protocols. Rail organisations are encouraged to implement the updated standard by training personnel on these new procedures, enhancing communication systems, and conducting regular drills. This structured approach bolsters the safety and efficiency of Australia’s rail network, setting a consistent standard for rail traffic incident management. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rail First Asset Management is Australia’s leading provider of rail leasing, maintenance and manufacturing solutions. Rail First Asset Management offers customers freight locomotive and wagon leasing options, intermodal wagon manufacture for leasing, and leasing of hoppers for use in iron ore, ballast, grain or bulk commodities. Rail First Asset Management sites are strategically located in regional New South Wales and South Australia on the Australian rail network, with a support office in North Sydney. The company is continually expanding the scope of rail solutions to service a national customer base. RISSB PRODUCT UPDATESProgress report - New Code of Practice for Rail Vigilance Timing CyclesThe New Code of Practice for Rail Vigilance Timing Cycles development group, comprised of diverse industry specialists from across Australia and New Zealand, has met on five occasions over the past six months, and the project has now reached the sixth draft of the Code of Practice. The new Code of Practice will guide the configuration of vigilance systems that are instrumental in managing driver alertness and response, promoting an integrated approach to reducing operational risks. The diversity and expertise of the group have been invaluable in ensuring that the vigilance system is carefully considered as an integrated component of the broader driver safety system. This collaborative approach has enabled a detailed focus on the value of vigilance timing cycles as an integral element of driver safety. Current calls for Development Groups AS 7523 Rolling Stock Emergency Equipment Standard Comprehensive Review Current calls for Development Groups Guideline – Operating Road Rail Vehicles - Review Current calls for Development Groups AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility – Review 
RISSB NetworkGuideline for Monitoring Fatigue Risk Management Programs Development Group meetingThe Development Group for the Guideline for Monitoring Fatigue Risk Management Programs (FRMP) met on 22 October. Facilitated by Cris Fitzhardinge, RISSB's Senior Standards Development Manager, at this meeting the Group discussed the importance of not only monitoring the FRMP but actually using the data in an effective way. 
Human Factors Management Group meetingThe Human Factors Management Group met on 14 October. Chaired by Gareth Hughes from Transport for New South Wales, the Group received updates from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator. RISSB updates included SPAD Risk Management as well as the CoP Vigilance Timing Cycles. Darren Quinlivan from Metro Trains Melbourne led discussions on level crossings and data review. TRAINING AND EVENTSRISSB Annual General Meeting 2024The 2024 RISSB Annual General Meeting will be held on 28th of November 2024 at 9am (AEST)*. The meeting will be virtual, giving a greater number of members the opportunity to dial in and be part of the meeting. We encourage member organisations with voting rights to participate in the annual general meeting process and to vote on important matters. As with previous virtual AGMs held by RISSB, voting will be performed via the completion of a voting proxy form that has been provided as part of the Member's AGM pack. *NSW/Victoria/Tasmania/ACT 10am (AEDT), SA 9.30am (ACDT) and WA 7am (AWST)
NZ Rail Conference reportAttending the New Zealand Rail Conference on the 15th and 16th October was a fantastic opportunity to meet RISSB members in New Zealand and connect with other key stakeholders in the NZ rail industry. RISSB General Manager Products and Innovation Sudha Niles contributed to the panel discussion on the topic ‘The importance of interoperability in a co-regulated environment’ and later also presented on ‘Rolling Stock Registration – The Australian Challenge’ sharing RISSB’s insights. Our exhibition table was well attended – we thank everyone who dropped by for a chat to get to know RISSB and also enquire about training options. ARA South Australia networking dinnerRISSB hosted a table at the ARA South Australian dinner on 23 October at SkyCity Adelaide. Dr Natalie Pelham, CEO Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator delivered the keynote address to over 200 people in attendance. We thank our members and key stakeholders who attended the dinner with us – it was a good evening to network and talk business in a more informal setting. 
A visit to SCT's locomotive maintenance facilityAt RISSB we take every opportunity to meet our members and get a better understanding of their operations and challenges. While in South Australia last month, we were able to visit SCT’s Penfield Depot. We’re grateful to James Radford for giving us a guided tour of the locomotive maintenance facility. Visits like this one helps RISSB identify emerging trends on the ground which then helps plan our work with industry and governments to facilitate support through our products and services. 
RISSB MasterClass webinarsCountdown to the inevitable: resource scarcity, decarbonisation and the electrification of rail freight in Australia Harmonisation of Rail Standards Report webinar14 November 2024 | 2-3pm (AEST) Tracksafe Foundation knowledgeshare webinarRailway Crossing Safety Projects This online session includes 4 x 15 min presentations & QA on each of the following topics:
Industry's partner in co-regulation RISSB supports and works hand in hand with the Australian and New Zealand rail industry to provide the essential tools rail organisations need – good practice Standards, Codes, Guidelines and Rules.    
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