AS 7495 Rolling Stock Communications Equipment

The objective of this Standard is to identify the different types of communications equipment used on rolling stock, define the high-level functional requirements and performance-based outcomes for the equipment while also considering the asset lifecycle requirements.

The Standard supports the adoption of advancing technologies in communications equipment.

Equipment identified in this Standard supports communications equipment requirements already defined in other Standards, codes of practice and guidelines.

This Standard is intended to complement the rolling stock compliance certification process outlined in AS 7501, including all vehicle types such as new, modified and heritage rolling stock.

AS 7495 identifies the different types of communications equipment used on rolling stock, specifying the high-level functional requirements and performance-based outcomes for the onboard equipment. It fills a gap in the rolling stock Standards whilst bringing together existing Standards into an integrated document.

This Standard helps drive interoperability through the setting of requirements that can be used in design and procurement of communications equipment. In implementing this Standard, opportunities can arise for reduced costs through economies of scale manufacturing and better competition (i.e. a less bespoke design).

• Cybersecurity
• Electrical safety
• Electromagnetic compatibility
• Unsafe communications commands

To implement this Standard, the following approach is recommended:

• Review AS 7495 against internal applicable Standards (communications design Standards, rolling stock Standards, etc.).
• Identify common areas and variances.
• Where commonality exists, and using the organizations change management process, change requirements to reference AS 7495. For example, change a requirement for a part to ‘Design shall comply with AS 7495’.
• Where a variance occurs, assess whether AS 7495 provides a better safety and/or interoperability outcome. This assessment must be measured against the organizations risk profile and SFAIRP argument.
  • If AS 7495 results in an improved safety and/or interoperability outcome, then amend the organizational standard to reference AS 7495 (in-line with the organizations change management process).

If the organizations are found to deliver better results, AS 7495 can still be used as a reference. However, the organizations may need to include a statement in their standards to explain any exceptions or changes to AS 7495.