The Whistle Board Newsletter – October 2018

Message from the CEO

Over the past few years, we have worked to expand our value to our members and to promote the organisation’s mission - To be the trusted leaders in the rail safety co-regulatory environment, providing products and services that enhance safety and efficiency.

Last year we introduced a new strategic plan to help move us forward toward these goals.  We are currently developing Australia’s Network Rules and Procedures and the Victorian Network Rules. Last week RISSB officially took carriage of the 1085 series of Australian Standards.  These Standards, written prior to the existence of RISSB, are effectively the specification for the infrastructure that is the backbone of Australia’s railway sector.  Later this year, we will be expanding our suite of training courses and introducing new opportunities for members to engage with RISSB and the rail industry.

We will continue our commitment to deliver value to our members by:

• Creating powerful programming that is relevant and meaningful to our members
• Identifying more tangible member benefits
• Growing our support and commitment to those organisations aligned with our vision, mission and values.

If you are a new RISSB member we welcome you and encourage you to get involved with our organisation.

Our recently launched Industry Networking Breakfast program offers a platform for industry professionals to meet and network while our new Horizons Program offers high-level and cutting-edge programming that is targeted at our emerging leaders nominated by the senior management of their respective organisations

Additional opportunities for engagement include forums, conferences and meetings; and of course our most important component is our Development Groups. With an exciting program of work scheduled to continue well into the new year we are always looking for new Development Group members to share their expertise and perspective. If you’d like to find out more about how to join a Development Group and how you can contribute, please visit RISSB’s website.

You can check our events calendar on our website for details and to register for all programs and events that are currently scheduled. Details of the December Industry Networking Breakfast in Sydney will be announced shortly.

Finally, we hope that you will consider reaching out to others that you know and encourage them to join RISSB.  Being a member of RISSB has many, many benefits.

Paul Daly
RISSB CEO
 

RISSB Meetings Update 

Last week RISSB hosted its triannual series of safety meetings in Perth. The Safety Managers Group (SMG), industry's most senior safety group, and the National Track Worker Safety Forum (NTWSF) formed the bulk of the series, each one attracting close to 30 industry participants. 

Safety Managers Group (SMG)

The SMG discussed progress against various industry initiatives, and once again provided an important conduit between industry and the ONRSR.  There was active discussion around sharing of lessons learned from recent safety initiatives (especially in exceedances of authority) around the country, as well as progress against the SMG’s Safety Strategy.

The National Trackworker Safety Forum (NTWSF)

The NTWSF is an important industry group advancing the agenda of safety for people who work on/around rail infrastructure; this meeting provided a platform for rail companies to share initiatives and learn from each other in an open setting.  There was a great deal of concern for future skills shortages - especially in the area of protection officers - as rail projects grow in size and number, and workforces are increasingly hired in; no easy answers but some good ideas shared around organisational training and mentoring programs. The group received very informative presentations about road rail vehicle safety, suicide in the railway as well as specific programs at several rail companies.

RISSB’s Safety Standing Committee and Operations and Performance Standing Committee

RISSB’s Safety Standing Committee and Operations & Performance Standing Committees received updates on the progress of projects (Standards, Codes of Practice and Guidelines) in those portfolios. The members of those committees provide valuable strategic oversight to around 15 projects, and offered their input as to the development and cross-linkages between them.

National Rules Advisory Group

The National Rules Advisory Group also met and were updated as to progress. There was significant discussion on the actions required to get the full benefit of the project, including securing support from the most senior levels around industry, and enacting the implementation plan for full benefit realisation. This important project can only achieve maximum success if the railway takes up the challenge of a national set of rules, and works towards effective adoption across the country.

Thank you to all the industry experts who contributed to these meetings to help us move activity forward. And thank you to Fortescue for hosting us and looking after us so well!

National Medical Standards Meeting 

RISSB is co-ordinating a National Medical Standards Meeting in Sydney on Thursday, 8 November 2018.  Attendees will include Chief Medical Officers, key people dealing with medical Standards (working for rail transport operators), and the National Transport Commission. Discussions will focus on proposed changes to the current Medical Standards along with a discussion on authorised health professionals and processes related to their training. 

The Life of a SPAD - SPAD Symposium

An industry SPAD Symposium (The Life of a SPAD) will be held at Sydney Trains (Dialogue, 477 Pitt Street, Sydney) on Tuesday, 30 October 2018. The agenda includes presentations from ATSB, V/line, MTM, ONRSR and Sydney Trains, as well as a range of workshops on current or recently completed research. Spaces are limited so register now. 

DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, 30 October 2018
Time: 9 am – 4.00 pm
Location: Dialogue, Sydney Trains, 477 Pitt Street, Sydney

Cost is $190 for RISSB members. The non-members rate is $290. 

Hurry. Only 7 spots left!

For more information, please contact Phil Allan via email pallan@rissb.com.au or on mobile 0401 120 978.

Derailments Investigation and Analysis Workshop
Sydney l 5-8 November 2018

Next month's Derailments Investigation and Analysis Workshop is a must-attend course that will benefit those who are new to rail industry investigations or safety personnel who may be required to assist in rail safety investigations.

Course content

Participants will be taken through the technical process of evidence collection, investigation analysis, types, causal factors, and derailment.

This four-day course will cover:

• Evidence recording
• Track construction and components
• Investigations
• Rolling stock
• Operations
• Report requirements
• Derailment causes
• Flange climb
• Track faults
• Point of derailment and analysis
• Bogie construction and wheel interactions with rail.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will have the skills required to investigate safety incidents, including planning the investigation, collecting and analysing information, and preparing the rail safety incident report.

Why you should attend

• Learn in a format that incorporates theory, application, review and assessment
• Network and exchange experiences with industry colleagues
• Gain knowledge in an interactive manner
   

AS 7471 Australian Rail - Personal Protective Equipment - Minimum Requirements

AS 7471 has gone out for public consultation until early December 2018. The Standard covers high visibility outer clothing, safety eyewear, safety footwear and sun protection. The Standard will be reviewed following public consultation, signed off by the Development Group, and go through normal RISSB processes before it is released in early 2019.

Spotlight on Rail Cyber Security

A rail cyber security risk is a safety risk - Rail cyber security attacks can threaten passenger safety, disrupt services and cause severe economic damage. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to think about what you can do to to mitigate constantly evolving risks, and the perfect time to introduce you to our growing suite of cyber security products (in development or published) which now stands at five.

Earlier this year, we made history by publishing the world's first rail cyber security Standard  - AS 7770 Rail Cyber Security and in November we will be releasing industry's Rail Cyber Security Strategy.  We are currently developing two cyber security-related Codes of Practice and a Guideline.

Code of Practice- Rail Cyber Security in Train Control Systems 

With the continued introduction of technology, and the convergence of information technology and operational technology, train control systems have the risk of being compromised by threat actors. To further support AS 7770, a more detailed set of requirements is needed to address risks within train control systems.  If you are interested in collaborating with others and developing a new product, you are welcome to join this Development Group.  Nominations close COB on Friday, 19 October 2018. Please email dmckell@rissb.com.au.

Guideline - Rail Cyber Security
 
Twenty-five people attended the inaugural Development Group Meeting held on Monday,  15 October. Members discussed what to include in the table of contents and provided direction on how this document will align with AS 7770 Rail Cyber Security.  The next meeting will be held in November 2018.

Once complete, this document will provide guidance on practices to address rail cyber threats and provide industry (rail operators, vendors and third parties) with specific information on how to assist in progressing the maturity of cyber security risk management in rail.

Code of Practice - Rail Cyber Security in Rolling Stock

This Code of Practice will provide detailed practices on how to address threats and vulnerabilities associated with rolling stock systems and provide industry (rail train operators, vendors and third parties) with specific requirements to help progress maturity in cyber security risk management.  It will support AS 7770 Rail Cyber Security in managing cyber security risk on the Australian and New Zealand railway networks. 

We are still seeking nominations from people to develop this product. If you're interested, please email ahardiman@rissb.com.au before COB Friday, 19 October 2018.

RISSB Adds Light Rail to its Collection

Thanks to Kym Smith from South Australia's Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure for kindly donating a model tram to RISSB. Not only has our modest train collection grown, but now we can say that light rail forms part of it.

Pictured from left to right: Dr Todd Bentley, Industry Director – Passenger Operations; Steve Sammartino, Futurist; and Phil Allan, RISSB's Standards Development and Strategy Manager

Shared Safety Focus

When MTM invited us to attend their one day safety forum we jumped at the chance. The forum included a range of informative, interesting and challenging presentations on future technology, leadership and teamwork, disability access, drugs and alcohol in the workplace, and fatigue. The forum was attended by around 250 people from largely Victorian based rail organisations. Thanks for extending the invitation to us, MTM.

Say Hello to More Horizons Participants

Every fortnight, we'll be introducing you to three Horizons Program participants from across Australia. This week say hello to Liam Sands, Lucy McCormack and Nathan Robertson.