15 Dec 2018
The Whistle Board Newsletter – December 2018
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Message from the CEO As we close this calendar year, I’d like to reflect on the accomplishments of RISSB and review the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. You may remember that I made a commitment to focus our efforts on long-term strategic goals beyond the obvious. I have committed to fostering technology and innovation, value-adding, and improving the performance of RISSB. The following is a review of the progress we have made this year: My goal is to continue emphasising the significant role that RISSB plays in the rail sector, not only from a safety and productivity viewpoint but also from a greater community benefit perspective. Our challenges ahead are not only to deliver ‘fit-for-purpose’ products, but to continue to do so in a way that meets the needs and expectations of industry. As I consider what lies ahead, the word ‘engaging’ comes to mind. It’s a word that’s going to play an even greater part in the direction of our work. Our future depends on listening to the views of our members and the rest of the rail industry and putting into action what we learn. That’s the only way we can meet the diverse needs of those very members that we seek to support. And confidently articulate all that we offer to those who may wish to join us on the harmonisation journey in 2019. On behalf of the staff of RISSB, I want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a very merry and safe New Year. Paul Daly 
RISSB Breaks New Ground with Major Players from Light Rail Representatives from the light rail industry met with RISSB yesterday (face-to-face and on teleconference) to discuss priority product development. While the conversation focused mainly on Australian Standards, guidelines and codes of practice, there was strong interest in developing the risk model for light rail. Topics discussed included: interface (including road and pedestrian) issues; safeworking; competencies / roles; safety assurance; and hazard register additions. Thanks to Arup for hosting this meeting. 
RISSB and Industry Meet ONRSR Re: SPAD Classifications The new SPAD classifications for reporting SPADs were developed by industry and implemented by ONRSR earlier this year. While industry had developed guidance material, ONRSR has found some parts of industry are seeking further guidance. RISSB and the Chair of the SPAD Group, Dr Todd Bentley from MTM, met with ONRSR on 31 November and agreed RISSB would work with industry to develop more guidance material. This material will be put on RISSB's website and distributed to industry. 
AI Attracts Industry to RISSB's Second Industry Networking Breakfast More than 70 industry stakeholders came together last week for RISSB's second industry networking breakfast. Held in Sydney's CBD, the event featured guest speakers Associate Professor Stephan Chalup from the University of Newcastle and 4Tel’s Managing Director Derel Wust who explored the impact of AI in rail operations and how utilising AI improves safety outcomes. Following a successful year, Deb Spring, RISSB’s Chair, set the scene for the coming year and Kate Bowman, RISSB’s Industry Director - Freight Operations, wrapped up the event by reporting on the freight sector's activities and vision for the future. We’re busy preparing for exciting 2019 and look forward to seeing more familiar faces at our training courses, events and conferences in the new year. 
RISSB Visits Laing O'Rourke Engineering Excellence Centre RISSB visited the Laing O’Rourke Engineering Excellence Group (EnExG) and their facility in Sydney – wow, what an amazing place! The EnExG has four areas of focus – education, collaboration, delivery and innovation. Some Horizons Program participants will be able to visit the facility when they meet in Sydney on 18 and 19 June 2019. Thank you to Laing O’Rourke who are great supporters of the Horizons Program. 
Horizons Tech Talk – SNC Lavalin Atkins on the Lighter Side of Light Rail Martin Oliver from SNC Lavalin Atkins presented the third Horizons Program Tech Talk on 6 December on the Lighter Side of Light Rail. The Tech Talk examined transaction from the perspective of the growing interest globally (and locally) in light rail systems in providing comfortable, reliable and convenient transport in congested urban settings. The Tech Talk shone a light on how important it is to get the strategic decision right to ensure the best outcomes are realised. 
Environmental Management in Rail Construction Public Consultation Closes Nearly 140 comments were received during public consultation of the Code of Practice (CoP) for Environmental Management in Rail Construction. Thank you to the organisations that provided these comments and suggestions. The author of the CoP, SNC Lavalin Atkins and RISSB have worked through the comments and will adjust the CoP before seeking final approval from the Development Group in January. It will then go to the RISSB Board for approval in March 2019. 
Configuration Management for Railway Contractors Guideline Well Underway The Development Group for the Guideline on Configuration Management for Railway Contractors will meet on the 14 December 2014 to progress a draft which covers the basics of configuration management (CM) and details how CM applies to various types of contractors. The guideline will be finalised in early 2019 for Board approval in March 2019. 
National Rail Safety Investigation Course As a result of a recent train derailment, has the nature of rail safety investigations changed? 
Christmas Office Hours RISSB will be closing COB Friday, 21 December and officially reopening on Monday, 7 January. Say Hello to More Horizons ParticipantsEvery fortnight, we'll be introducing you to three Horizons Program participants from across Australia. This week say hello to Haydn Rossback, Rochelle Lacson and Diego Rodriguez. 
My name is Haydn Rossback and I am the Environmental Advisor for the Freight Department of Pacific National. I am based out of North Sydney. My role involves supporting the business to reduce and manage our Environmental risk profile. To do so I am heavily involved in the businesses licensing, incident response and contaminated lands mgmt. projects and processes. Additionally, I run and support projects across the nation, which includes the upgrading of locomotive fuel facilities, constructing Industrial water / sewerage treatment plants or sampling programs to ensure compliance. My name is Rochelle Lacson, I am a Signalling Cadet Engineer from V/Line, a regional public transport operator in Victoria. I am looking forward to learn new things and explore different aspect of rail from RISSB Horizon Program. I like travelling and watching forensic shows. My name is Diego Rodriguez and I am the Lead Engineer for Track & Civil within Rail Engineering at BHP. I share my time between Perth and Port Hedland. 
RISSB EVENTS
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