02 Aug 2021

RISSB Announces 2021/22 Work Plan

The Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board has today released details of its 2021 / 22 work plan which includes 34 projects that will assist in securing the future of the rail industry.

The 2020/21 plan provides for the development of 20 publications (Standards, Codes of Practice, and Guidelines), six major projects that address critical industry challenges such as asset lifecycle management, track worker safety and the adoption of new technologies, and eight National Rail Action Plan initiatives that will help industry continue harmonisation of equipment and systems.

The 20 publications comprise reviews, resubmissions from the previous year’s priority planning process (PPP), AS 1085 series of documents transitioning from Standards Australia and projects endorsed by Standing Committees.

Proposed new publications include a Standard that provides guidance on the interface between rolling stock and signalling systems, a Code of Practice for the implementation of network rule books, and a Guideline for asset management systems utilised for condition monitoring of rail infrastructure.

The 2021/22 National Rail Action Plan work is a continuation of collaborative reform projects that RISSB initiated in 2020, and new projects that will, over time, grow local manufacturing capability. Work includes the development of a web-based national rolling stock register, a wheelsets Standard and a railway energy storage Standard.

Projects picked by RISSB for delivery by its Major Projects portfolio include the development of an overarching 30-year technical strategy for industry, Australia’s second nationally harmonised network rule – Walking in the Danger Zone, a safety case for national interoperability, and the development of a web-based SPAD/LRTAE investigation tool.

The full list of projects can be viewed on our Work Plan page.

The 2020/22 work plan was formulated under the revised PPP process. The projects were identified and adopted through a rigorous process that involves stakeholder consultation, Standing Committee endorsement, priority planning prioritsation (PPP) and strategic resource allocation.

The work plan provides industry with opportunities to engage directly with RISSB’s work on critical industry issues including asset management, noise, track worker safety and emergency management.

If you are interested in contributing to the development of any of our 20 publications or would like to be involved in progressing any of our projects, please submit an expression of interest to info@rissb.com.au or join a Development Group.