AS 7721 – Lineside Signals, Indicators and Signage

The objective of this Standard is to seek to achieve a common level of safety and performance across all operators, encourage good practice in human factors issues and achieve economies of scale by encouraging a reduction in the differences between the signalling equipment and materials used in the various rail networks in Australia.

• It aims to reduce the variability of railway signalling, indicators and signal signage across Australia’s rail networks.
• It describes the requirements of the materials, design, construction and maintenance of this infrastructure.

The review of this standard has provided alignment with recently reviewed AS 7632 Signage and AS 7631 Sighting. Change requests from industry were also considered as part of this review. Key changes include:

• Aligning signal sighting requirements and removing duplication
• Aligning signal signage requirements and removing duplication
• General update to terminologies and a review of content for readability and understanding.

Through providing a greater commonality of signalling equipment and signage, a more uniform, interoperable and harmonised railway environment should evolve.

• Human Factors related issues pertaining to the reading and interpreting of lineside signals, indicators and signal signage.
• Signal design, construction and maintenance issues.

1. Review current infrastructure against requirements identified in the Standard
2. Assess any in flight or future infrastructure projects against the requirements in the Standard with particular focus on the use of LED’s for upgrades and new installations/projects.
3. Review in parallel with AS 7631 Sighting and AS 7632 Signage for comprehensive understanding of requirements; and
4. Review emerging technologies and in-cab signalling reliance on trackside signage.