The Whistle Board Newsletter – No.68, June 2020

Publications Approved at RISSB's 23 June 2020 Board Meeting

The following documents were approved for publication and will be available on RISSB's website in the coming weeks:

• AS 1085.20 Welding of Steel Rail 
• AS 7633 Railway Infrastructure Clearances
• AS 1085.21 Turnouts, Switches and Crossings
• Consolidation of Public Level Crossings Guideline
• Security Handbook Volumes 1 and 2
   

ARRM Update

We’re very excited to announce the release of the 4th update to our Australian Rail Risk Model – ARRM; with over ¼ million pieces of data now analysed, ARRM is really maturing as a model. There is a vast amount of searchable information that will help RTOs in understanding their risk profiles, decision making, and informing investment.

We regularly hold training / information sessions, even by video in these difficult times. If you’re interested in attending a session, you can register your interest at https://arrm.org.au/ or email Risharda Robertson (RISSB’s Safety and Risk Systems Manager) at rrobertson@rissb.com.au

RISSB's Major Projects Portfolio

In 2020 / 21, there will be a new addition to the RISSB work plan – the Major Projects portfolio.

This will be a further way in which RISSB will add significant value to the railway, and help to focus our efforts on whole system issues.

The portfolio will include programs of work on ‘Track Worker Safety’, ‘National Rules’, ‘Interoperability’, ‘Noise’ as well as progressing activity under the Government’s ‘National Rail Action Plan’.

Work is already underway in several streams within RISSB’s Major Projects portfolio. If you want to be involved in any upcoming initiatives, watch your inbox for calls for participation, or email Jesse Baker (RISSB’s GM Safety and Innovation) at jbaker@rissb.com.au

Light Rail Standards Progress

We have received considerable interest in a new light rail signalling Standard over the past few weeks, with 13 people being invited to join the Development Group.

The first kick off meeting will be held later this month to refine the scope of the Standard prior to it being drafted.

AS 7663 Railway Signal Cables

The Development Group met last week to work through the comments received during the public consultation phase. This Standard is now being reviewed by the Development Group in preparation for presentation to the Standing Committee and RISSB Board.

AS 7460 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (Drones)

The first full draft was sent out to the Development Group last week for consideration and comment. The group will reconvene in July to discuss progress, with licencing and accreditation key focal points on the agenda.

AS 7474 Rail industry – System safety

AS 7664 Railway signalling cable routes, cable pits, and foundations

A National Approach To New Rail Network Control Systems. Could There Be Such A Thing?

Many railway network managers across Australia are moving to adopt new network control systems in order to maximise the safety, capacity and efficiency of their network, for both passengers and freight operations. Railway managers have and will select systems that best suit the needs of their network, but an integrated approach has the potential to provide many benefits to the rail industry, individual businesses, and to the economy. 

Join us at 12PM (AEST) on Tuesday, 30 June 2020 to hear if we can really overcome historical legacies and narrow interests to reach the sunlit uplands of new network control system nirvana. Next week's featured presenter is Bill Palazzi, Director - Palazzirail.

Please click on the blue 'Register Now' button to reserve your place in next week's webinar.

About our webinars
With a strong line-up of alternating technical presenters and industry leaders, RISSB's MasterClass webinars are the ideal way to keep up-to-date on changes in your industry. 

Missed this week's webinar? 
All past webinars have been recorded, and are available on this https://www.rissb.com.au/home/webinars/ page. Simply find a presenter's name and click on the 'Watch' button near it.