AS 7503 Rail vehicle identification and markings

The objective of this Standard is to maintain consistency in the identification of rolling stock, including the location and programming of Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) tags on Australian rail networks. This Standard includes other requirements on tag size and location etc. for consistency of access and visibility.

This Standard describes requirements for the identification and markings on new and modified rolling stock including:

• locomotives;
• freight rolling stock;
• passenger (locomotive hauled) rolling stock;
• multiple unit passenger rolling stock;
• light rail vehicles; and
• infrastructure maintenance rolling stock.

The key points of AS 7503 are:

• It outlines the requirements for the identification and markings on new and modified rolling stock.
• It defines vehicle identifiers and how they should be displayed.
• It specifies the fitment of manufacturer’s nameplates and the use of AEI (Automatic Equipment Identification) tags.
• The Standard includes guidelines for the identification of equipment and operational signage.
• It also covers the marking of alternative energy source locations.

Since the last review, the four separate Standards—AS 7503.1 to AS 7503.4—covering train identification and integrity for different types of rolling stock have been merged into a single Standard. Other significant changes include the inclusion of a section on Light Rail Vehicles, enhanced operational signage requirements for battery electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, updates to coding tables to reflect name changes and new owner/operators, and an example table to assist RTOs in defining parameters for programming AEI tags. Additionally, AS 7503.6 has been superseded by AS 7451 Train Integrity.

This Standard enhances safety and interoperability by establishing common requirements for identifying specific class and number designations, marking vehicles, and standardising the programming and placement of AEI tags. These uniform practices reduce the risk of misidentification and ensure consistency across various operators, improving both operational safety and system compatibility.

The key risks managed through the use of this Standard include incorrect identification of rolling stock, misinterpretation of cut-out cocks and energy sources, and missing or incorrect safety signage, which could lead to hazardous situations. By addressing these issues, the Standard helps ensure proper identification and clear communication of critical information, reducing the potential for safety risks.

To implement this Standard, the following approach is recommended:

1. Review AS 7503 alongside RIM and internal applicable standards.
2. Identify common areas and variances.
3. Where commonality exists, use the organisation’s change management process to update requirements to reference AS 7503.
4. Where variances are identified, assess whether AS 7503 offers better safety and/or interoperability outcomes, considering the organisation’s risk profile and SFAIRP argument.
5. If AS 7503 provides improved safety or interoperability, amend the organisation’s standards to reference AS 7503 in line with the change management process.
6. If the organisation’s standards are assessed as offering better outcomes, AS 7503 can still be referenced, but a derogation or deviation statement to AS 7503 may be needed within the organisation’s standards.