RISSB Connect Edition 32, September 2023

PRODUCTS

How to improve the safety of shunting operations within your orgainsation 

This week, we highlight the Code of Practice - Shunting Operations in Terminals, Yards and Maintenance Facilities. If your organisation performs shunting activities, the information in this code will assist you in improving the safety of your shunting operations.

This Code of Practice (CoP) aims to provide a consistent approach to managing shunting operations within rail terminals, yards, and maintenance facilities. 

It defines best practices for planning and preparing shunting movements within terminals, yards, and maintenance facilities in line with the fundamental operating principles.  It provides operators with a consistent approach to the shunting operations planning process, and the application of risk-based considerations for key shunting activities performed across the industry. 

This CoP complements the network rules and procedures implemented for shunting and marshalling by Rail Infrastructure Managers and, where applicable, should be read in conjunction with those rules. 

RTSA Presentation on AS 7501 – Rolling Stock Compliance Certification 

On the evening of 6 September, our Sydney based Standards Development Manager Bruce Wooldridge, attended an event organised by the Rail Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA) (NSW Chapter) at the Engineers Australia Sydney Offices.

Michael Horgan, Principal Electrical Engineer for Rail Confidence, gave a presentation titled “AS 7501 and compliance certification – not just ticking boxes”.  

Since RISSB released AS7501 in 2019, the use of Independent Certification has become part of the rolling stock acquisition project compliance landscape. While AS7501 was developed to provide a standard method for certifying rolling stock compliance to facilitate network registration of rolling stock, there is significant value that can be obtained from implementing the AS7501 process.

Michael’s presentation highlighted that the Independent Certifier (IC) process is one of the key pillars of the assurance framework for a rolling stock procurement project. He also emphasised the additional value that an organisation can obtain by introducing AS7501 independent certification. AS7501 is not just a box ticking exercise. It has the potential to be an integral part of the risk management process and improve the outcomes of rolling stock acquisition projects.

2023 marks a significant year for the RTSA, being 25 years since its formation in 1998. At the event, 9 of the original founding members were awarded with certificates acknowledging their commitment to the rail industry and the RTSA.

For more details on the RTSA events and membership, please visit their website www.rtsa.com.au

EVENTS & TRAINING

Nominations are opening soon for the RISSB Horizons Program 6.0

RISSB is once again offering a unique opportunity to up and coming young professionals in the rail industry to be part of our annual Horizon Program.

Now entering its 6^th year, Horizons 6.0 will bring benefits to the young professionals, their organisation and the industry more broadly.

The program is part knowledge sharing and part leadership development. Most importantly, the Horizons Program seeks to address the challenges of the future rail industry, today.

Participants will be taken on a practical professional journey, growing their knowledge of cutting-edge technology and developing an innovation mindset that will help position your organisation as a business of the future.

The next generation of leaders will evolve their 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration, alongside other handpicked young leaders from Australia and beyond and learn about RISSB and Standards development.

For more information on how to apply and key dates click here.

A new approach to Track Protection and more at our next RISSB MasterClass Webinar

Want to learn more about the changes being made to simplifying Track Protection methodologies and processes? Join us for the next RISSB MasterClass Webinar where you will hear from Kevin Morrison from Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), and Dr Julia Pitsopoulos from Human Factors Risk Assessment (HFRM).

Kevin and Julia will be discussing the changes being made to simplifying the Track Protection methodologies and processes using a Human Factors approach. 

They will discuss the principles and processes implemented that led to a cultural change to the ways of working and simplifying the processes for track protection. 

This initiative saw MTM recognised with the 2023 RISSB Safety Leadership Program Award.

Interested? The webinar will be held on Friday 22 September at 12pm (AEST).

Make sure to register using the button below. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Dale Budd        

Former Chairman of the Development Advidory Board (DAB)   

"From 2007 until 2015 RISSB had an associated body, the Development Advisory Board. I was chairman of this board, whose primary role was to oversee and ensure that due process was followed in RISSB’s development of Standards, Codes of Practice and Rules. My role at RISSB followed six years as a member of the board of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).  I was Vice-Chairman of the ARTC board; and had responsibility for engineering and asset sustainability, and had a particular involvement in the early development of the Advanced Train Management System, ATMS."