Edition 104, March 2021 INSIDE THIS EDITION+ Blockchain Webinar Tuesday, 23 March 2021
+ 2021 RISSB Rail Safety Conference - New Ideas, New Perspectives And New Directions
+ Train Whistle Noise Webinar Available On Demand
+ Chief Medical Officers Council To Meet On 31 March
+ Occupational Health In Rail Forum 30 March
+ RISSB Training Programs Taking Shape
+ AS 7636 Railway Structures Development Group Update
+ Safety Critical Communications Code of Practice Development Group Update
+ Welcome New Members
+ ARRM Publishable Precursors
+ RISSB Chooses To Challenge
+ Meet The Next Generation Of Leaders
Blockchain Webinar Tuesday, 23 March 2021Blockchain was first developed in 1991, but didn’t get its first real world gig until 2009, with the launch of Bitcoin. Even twelve years later it feels as though we’ve barely scratched the surface of what is possible with this technology and how it can be applied in a rail environment. This webinar presentation aims to demystify blockchain technology for the mystified and presents a well-publicised rail case study on how 17,000 tonnes of almonds was shipped from Australia to Germany using blockchain technology. Webinar presenter Simon Blyth, CEO and Founder of the LX Group, has over 15 years of experience developing internet of things (IoT) applications. Drawing on this experience, Simon will discuss how IoT and specifically blockchain could be used within the rail industry; the considerations for tracking goods through these technologies and the advantages of improved process and insight over time. Attend this webinar if you want to: * Get an
introduction into the foundations of IoT Technology and the concept of blockchain * Understand supply chain accountability and the impact on traditional stakeholders such as legal, financial and insurance service providers * Learn the details of ‘The blockchain enabled global trade experiment’ * Learn about Oracles - the importance of trust beyond the ledger * See potential applications and use cases in rail outside the supply chain. Please click on the blue 'Register to Attend' button below this story to secure your spot.
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS2021 RISSB Rail Safety Conference - New Ideas, New Perspectives And New DirectionsThe 2021 RISSB Rail Safety Conference will be big and bold. Key highlights of this year's conference include:
* 6 keynote speakers including Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the American Association of Railroads; Suzanne Holden A/CEO of Sydney Trains; and George Bearfield, Director of Health, Safety and Cyber Security, Rock Rail (UK)
* 2 star-studded panels
* 6 streams on important industry topics relating to rail safety
* 2 workshops
* A number of optional site visits.
You can either attend in-person or virtually. Visit www.railsafetyconference.com.au to find out more about this conference. Train Whistle Noise Webinar Available On DemandIf you missed this week's popular Train Whistle Noise webinar presented by Dr Todd Bentley, don't worry because you can stream it on demand for free, by going to www.rissb.com.au/home/webinars/. Just click on the 'Watch' link near the title of Todd's presentation.
This week, Todd presented an overview of a white paper that highlights some of the key challenges facing industry and communities, and recommends possible approaches for the rail industry moving forward. INDUSTRY CONNECTIONSChief Medical Officers Council To Meet On 31 MarchThe Chief Medical Officers Council will meet in Melbourne and virtually on Wednesday, 31 March. A packed agenda includes matters such as national blocks, AHP auditing, colour vision testing and potential changes to the National Standard for Health
Assessment of Rail Safety Workers (due to be reviewed in early 2022). Occupational Health In
Rail Forum 30 March Around 30 people will be attending an Occupational Health in Rail Forum scheduled for Tuesday, 30 March at V/Line or remotely. The forum agenda will include discussion of topics such as drug and alcohol testing, the impacts of COVID-19, medical categories assessment, an update on the RIW card system and processes, Authorised Health Professionals, and the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers. RISSB Training Programs Taking Shape RISSB is finalising a number of online training courses including Fundamentals of Rail Safety, Fundamentals of Risk Management and
Protection Officers Communications.
These will all be available soon!
PUBLICATIONSAS 7636 Railway Structures Development Group UpdateThe Development Group met last week to commence the detailed review of this Standard. Over 150 changes or updates have been suggested by the group, all of which will be systematically worked through over the coming weeks.
A revised draft will be developed following these discussions for further consideration in late April. Safety Critical Communications Code of Practice Development Group UpdateThe Development Group convened last week to discuss the role of the lead communicator in safety critical communications and guidance regarding reassessment and training.
This revised draft is currently being considered by the Development Group with a further meeting to finalise the wording planned for late March.
It is anticipated that the Code will be available for public comment in late April. GENERAL NEWSWelcome New MembersA warm welcome to our two newest members - JMD Railtech and Exectronics.
JMD Railtech
JMDR is a Railway Engineering (Signals & Systems) Company with 370+ staff globally offering: * An experienced team capable of delivering high quality works from concept to completion including Design, Construction, Wiring, Testing & Commissioning, Safety Assurance and Audit work for both greenfield and brownfield areas. * A proven track record of working successfully with many large rail organisations in Australia, UK, India and South East Asia.
www.jmdr.com
Exectronics
Established in 1989, Exectronics is Australian owned and operated. With an ethos of integrity at its core, the company specializes in all aspects of power — utilization, protection and management. The Managing Director and other key personnel have over 50 years combined experience in railway electrical engineering. This background and knowledge enable us to achieve our aim of building strong customer relationships which in turn gives you the confidence in not only the quality and performance of our products but our support and trouble-shooting capabilities.
www.exectronics.com.au ARRM Publishable Precursors Did you know that you can query ARRM to find out the risk estimate for publishable precursors?
For example, you can examine the risk of derailments and compare the estimates for precursors such as broken rails, axle bearings, safe working breaches and several other causes.
If you’re interested in finding out more please email arrm@rissb.com.au RISSB Chooses To ChallengeLast Friday, RISSB's Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Deb Spring, joined three other influential and empowering women on stage at Torrens Connect's International Women's Day event. Reflecting on the road ahead while looking in the rear view mirror, Deb spoke about bygone eras, the roles women have played in rail and how the gender gap can and should be closed, before concluding with personal pledges from inspirational women
in rail who are choosing to challenge the status quo. A big thank you to Magda Robertson, General Manger of Torrens Connect for inviting us to be a part of this significant event.
So, this year, what will YOU #ChoosetoChallenge?
MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
Each week we'll introduce you to the future leaders attending Horizons Program 3.0. This week, we'd like you to meet Nguyen, Elizabeth and Damian.
Nguyen Ta | Wheel-Rail & Brakes EngineerAurizon I provide mechanical engineering services related to Rollingstock Bogies & Brakes to support the movement of heavy haul freight. While not new to transport, I am relatively new to the rail industry (1 year) with my previous background designing suspension in the automotive industry (11 years). Back in Uni, my favourite course was vehicle dynamics and I am glad to be able to continue my passion in the working environment.
Elizabeth Marsh | Safety Risk and Assurance Manager - Strategic ProjectsQueensland Rail I’m Elizabeth Marsh, the Safety Risk and Assurance Manager for Queensland Rail’s Strategic Projects team.
I have worked for Queensland Rail for nearly 12 years. The key focus of my current role is overarching asset acceptance, operational readiness and accreditation strategies for a range of major externally delivered rail projects delivering assets to Queensland Rail.
When I’m not at work, you will usually catch me watching one of my two football teams, Manchester United and Brisbane Roar, play.
Damian Hong | Senior Engineer Arup Hi, I’m Damian Hong and I work within the rail team in the Arup Sydney Office. I’m a civil engineer by trade but have been operating as a track engineer since graduation. I’ve been in the rail industry for almost 12 years spanning across the UK, Europe and Australia and have worked on a variety of interesting rail projects over that time. Through Horizons 3.0, I hope to meet like minded people in the industry whilst making new
friends. Outside of work, I like to travel (pre-covid!) and dabble in photography.
RISSB – Industry’s Partner in Co-Regulation
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