AS 7523 – Rolling Stock Emergency Equipment

The objective of this Standard is to describe the requirements for the portable emergency equipment that are to be carried by locomotives, self-propelled passenger rolling stock and infrastructure rolling stock.

The main purpose of the requirements is to:

1. define the types of portable emergency equipment to be carried by locomotives, passenger rolling stock and infrastructure rolling stock.
2. define the requirements for emergency equipment (where applicable);
3. define quantities of emergency equipment;
4. define the documentation that is to be carried relating to emergency equipment; and
5. define maintenance requirements for the emergency equipment.

This Standard combines three previous Standards (AS 7523.1, AS 7523.3, and AS 7523.4) into one document. This integration eliminates overlaps and makes the Standard more user-accessible and simpler to apply.

1. This standard describes the requirements for portable emergency equipment items to be carried by rail vehicles.
2. It defines the type and quantity of portable emergency equipment including documentation and maintenance requirements.
3. Both tooling and spare parts constitute emergency equipment.

This is a comprehensive review of AS 7523 which was last updated in 2013. Major changes include:

• Consolidation of the three parts (locomotive, passenger and infrastructure vehicles) into one. This will assist with reducing the burden for train drivers by standardizing the various emergency equipment and reducing the duplication.
• This update includes consideration of emergency equipment necessary for zero emission technology traction equipment such as batteries or hydrogen.
• A defibrillator is now included as recommended medical equipment based on operators’ experience and the experience of other modes of transport (aircraft and ships).

Railway accidents have demonstrated the importance of having adequate emergency equipment onboard rail vehicles. This plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers and rail traffic crew in the event of an emergency.

The introduction of new zero emission technologies such as hydrogen and battery power will inevitably have an impact on the emergency equipment, spares and tools required in an emergency.

Therefore, it is important that designers properly assess the new risks as a consequence of this new technology and ensure appropriate emergency equipment is provided accordingly.

It is also essential that first aid equipment is available for prompt treatment of injured rail traffic crew and the travelling public. Accordingly, AS 7523 has been updated to recommend that a defibrillator is included in the onboard medical equipment as appropriate.

• Harm to passengers and crew as a result of an unplanned event.
• Harm to rolling stock by being able to provide adequate protection to failed rolling stock.
• Location of rolling stock via emergency alert beacons and appropriate communication equipment.

To implement this Standard, the following approach is recommended:

1. Review AS 7523 against applicable internal standards.
2. Identify common areas and variances.
3. Where commonality exists, update requirements to reference AS 7523 using your organization’s change management process.
4. Where variances occur, assess whether AS 7523 provides better safety and/or harmonization outcomes against your organization’s risk profile and SFAIRP argument.
5. If AS 7523 results in improved outcomes, amend organizational standards accordingly.
6. If internal standards provide better outcomes, a derogation or deviation statement to AS 7523 may be required within your organization’s standards.