RISSB Work Plan 2025-2026

Prioritising standards development and implementation to support national reform across the rail network.

About this Work Plan

Our FY2026 Work Plan is formulated from a robust set of criteria including feedback from members, stakeholders and governments, key industry safety risks identified through the Australian Rail Risk Model (ARRM), national reform and regulatory priorities, and major incident investigation outcomes.

For FY2026, we will deliver for industry 32 projects that support productivity, safety and sustainability.

On 11 August 2025, the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting (ITMM) approved a governance model for rail that will see a new RISSB play a stronger and more definitive role within the National Rail Standards Framework by supporting the development of mandatory standards, leading harmonised standards and supporting industry where local standards are required. This plan is subject to change as we build and transition to a new RISSB and in response to emerging national priorities.

Interested in contributing to any of the projects? Please submit an expression of interest to info@rissb.com.au.

How projects are prioritised

We assess proposed projects against expected benefits to industry and customers, using inputs from ARRM safety data, incident investigations (including ATSB), national reform and regulatory priorities, and member and stakeholder feedback.

  • Interoperability – supports a more connected national network.
  • Harmonisation – reduces variation and simplifies compliance.
  • Safety – improves risk management and outcomes for people.
  • Productivity – lifts efficiency and performance.
  • Sustainability – supports long term environmental goals.

National priorities

This section of the Work Plan presents standards development and review projects that are strategically aligned with the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP) and related national transport reform initiatives. The focus is on supporting interoperability, harmonisation, and productivity across the rail network.

Projects under this category respond to clear national policy directives and aim to deliver measurable outcomes for the industry through the development and enhancement of standards that support national consistency.

They reflect a commitment to collaboration with government bodies and industry stakeholders in delivering reforms that have wide-reaching benefits for safety, efficiency, and the passenger and freight experience across the Australian rail network.

Legend: Interoperability (I) Harmonisation (H) Safety (S) Productivity (P) Sustainability (U)

Tip: click the heading in this section to expand or collapse.
National priorities – project list

Product title Product scope Important information
GL – Prioritisation Methodology for Harmonised Standards

I H S P U
 The guide will provide a scalable and transparent prioritisation methodology for harmonised rail standards (the general term standards include standards, codes, rules and ways of working) that will ensure the NRAP priorities are addressed. A project developed to facilitate the selection and prioritisation of Harmonised standards under NRAP.
AS 7531 – Lighting and Visibility

I H
 This standard provides technical requirements for interior and exterior rolling stock lighting and visibility. This includes the conspicuity of rolling stock during both day and night, as well as consideration of environmental factors that affect its visibility. Review based on the ONRSR Code of Practice and Monash IRT research report. A significant project focused on community, public safety and level crossing safety.
AS 7711 – Signalling Principles

I H S P
 This Standard specifies the principles for railway signalling systems. It is applicable to systems of safeworking that rely upon train detection systems such as track circuits, axle counters, treadles and train-borne positioning systems. It is not generally applicable to systems that do not rely upon train detection systems, such as staff and ticket, electric staff and train order working. This Standard has been the benchmark for signalling principles since 2017. This review will assess whether these principles can be applied to new safeworking systems such as ETCS and CBTC. This work will be aligned with NTC mandatory standards for ETCS interoperability and will consider whether to update this standard to incorporate new technologies or develop new dedicated standards.
AS 7718 – Signal Design Process Management

I H S P
 Provides mandatory and recommended requirements for the signalling design management process to promote a consistent approach across the Australian rail industry. This review will consider a change request and assess application to new safeworking systems such as ETCS and CBTC, updating as necessary. Ensures alignment with NTC mandatory standards for ETCS interoperability.
AS 7716 – Signalling Testing Process

I H S P
 Outlines the types and methods for testing typical signalling apparatus and systems in Australian railway corridors. Reviewed in conjunction with AS 7717. Considers new systems such as ETCS and CBTC, plus several change requests. Ensures alignment with NTC mandatory standards for ETCS interoperability.
AS 7717 – Signal Testing and Commissioning

I H S P
 Framework for planning and executing inspection, testing and commissioning of new and altered signalling infrastructure throughout a project and operational life. Reviewed with AS 7716. Considers ETCS and CBTC, plus change requests. Ensures alignment with NTC mandatory standards for ETCS interoperability.
AS 7471 – Australian rail – Personal protective equipment (PPE) – Minimum requirements

I H S
 Outlines the minimum PPE requirements when accessing the rail corridor to drive standardisation across the Australian rail industry. In line with the National Transport Commission focus on harmonisation and reducing red tape, this review aims to provide a robust set of requirements for PPE in the rail corridor, driving standardisation across the industry.
AS 7523 – Rolling Stock Emergency Equipment (AS 7523.1, AS 7523.2, AS 7523.3, AS 7523.4)

I H
 Requirements for portable emergency equipment carried by rolling stock including equipment types and quantities, documentation and maintenance requirements. Comprehensive review will consolidate four standards into a single standard. Reduces burden for train drivers and standardises emergency equipment. Facilitates harmonisation across the industry. Supports ONRSR Safety Themes.
AS 7501 – Rolling Stock Compliance Certification

I H S
 Provides a standard method for certifying rolling stock and a generic process for assessing rolling stock compliance with referenced standards. Considered for review as part of the Streamlining Rolling Stock Registration project (NRAP). Scheduled for delivery in 2026–27 to align with National Pathway work undertaken by the NTC.
AS 7500 – Rolling Stock Registration

I H S
 Proposed new standard to address streamlined registration processes for industry adoption. Identified as a gap in the Rolling Stock Registration White Paper under the NTC project to streamline rolling stock registration (NRAP). Scheduled for delivery in 2026–27 to align with National Pathway work by the NTC.
AS 7450 – Rail Systems Interoperability

I H S
 Enhances understanding of interoperability and provides a methodology for considering interoperability when introducing new technology or implementing change management. Will be updated in line with proposed legislative changes on interoperability and ONRSR implementation guidance. Work commences this FY and delivers in 2026–27.
GL – Rail Systems Interoperability / Interoperability Management Plan

I H S
 Guidance that supports the application of AS 7450 Rail Systems Interoperability and AS 7666 Train Protection and Control Interoperability standards. Encourages collaboration and uniform practice. Will be updated in line with proposed legislative changes on interoperability and ONRSR implementation guidance. Work commences this FY and delivers in 2026–27.

Key industry safety priorities

The Safety section addresses critical risk areas and systemic issues identified through industry safety data, incident investigations (including those conducted by the ATSB), and RISSB’s Australian Rail Risk Model (ARRM). These projects support the continuous enhancement of industry safety performance through evidence-based updates to existing standards and the development of new requirements where needed.

The selected products are focused on high-impact areas such as the structural integrity of rolling stock, management of SPADs and proceed authority exceedance events, change management in rail operations, and the safe operation of specialised vehicles. By reinforcing the foundations of rail safety management systems and embedding improved safety practices into operational standards, this work contributes to the goal of reducing incidents, protecting rail workers and the public, and ensuring a safer network for all users.

Legend: Interoperability (I) Harmonisation (H) Safety (S) Productivity (P) Sustainability (U)

Tip: click the heading in this section to expand or collapse.
Safety priorities – project list

Product title Product scope Important information
AS 7520.3 – Body Structural Requirements – Passenger

H S
 Outlines the requirements for the structural strength of railway passenger rolling stock, ensuring safe performance under both normal and extreme operating conditions. Improves crashworthiness requirements for railway vehicles. Incorporates international technological, safety and engineering developments, and considers findings from ATSB investigations.
AS 7520.2 – Body Structural Requirements Part 2 – Freight vehicles

H S P
 Prescribes minimum structural integrity requirements for freight vehicles to ensure safe performance under normal and extreme operating conditions. Considers industry papers and recommendations, including ATSB findings. Will align with recent changes to other parts of the AS 7520 series.
AS 7457 – Management of SPADs and Proceed Authority Exceeded Events

H S
 Contains the requirements for managing signal passed at danger and proceed authority exceeded events as defined by ONRSR reporting. Ensures risks and hazards are managed consistently to reduce recurrence and minimise consequences. SPAD and PAE management are critical elements of a Safety Management System. The review will consider change requests and align with the updated RISSB SPAD Risk Management Guideline.
AS 7472 – Railway Operations – Management of Change

H S
 Outlines the requirements rail organisations must apply to ensure that safety risks associated with changes to operations, assets or systems are identified and eliminated or reduced. Assists RTOs to meet Rail Safety National Law and Safety Management System requirements. Incorporates lessons from recent ATSB investigations that identified poor change management.
CoP – Operation of Road-Rail Vehicles

H S
 Provides information and guidance on RRVs and their management to aid the development of systems and procedures for safe and effective operation. Remaining a key focus after two fatalities in 2013, this guideline was developed with AS 7502 Road Rail Vehicle as a key risk control. Review follows the standard review to ensure risk controls remain effective. Mitigating RRV incidents remains a key focus for industry and ONRSR.
CoP – Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Rail Locomotive Boilers

H S
 Practical guidance for owners, users and operators to meet statutory responsibilities for steam locomotive boilers, ensuring equipment is fit for service and risks to people and assets are minimised. Addresses ongoing use of steam locomotives and loss of industry experience. Ensures inspection, repair and maintenance remain effective and incorporates relevant change requests.
AS 7510.1 – Braking Systems Part 1 – Locomotive Rolling Stock

H S
 Outlines minimum standards for brake performance, features and compatibility for locomotive braking systems. Reviews recent updates to AS 7510.2 and incorporates industry recommendations. Adds improved diagrams and drawings. Supports ONRSR Safety Themes.
AS 7510.4 – Braking Systems Part 4 – Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock

H S
 Sets minimum requirements for brake performance, features and compatibility for infrastructure maintenance rolling stock. Addresses change requests and aligns with other braking system reviews. Supports ONRSR Safety Themes.
AS 7510.6 – Braking Systems Part 6 – Train

H S
 Specifies requirements for brake performance, features and compatibility of braking systems for the entire train. Reviews changes to AS 7510.2 and industry requests to update specific sections. Adds improved diagrams and drawings. Supports ONRSR Safety Themes.

Sustainability

This section of the Work Plan reflects the growing urgency and commitment within the rail sector to contribute to national and global sustainability goals. The projects are guided by the RISSB White Paper “Track to Decarbonised Rolling Stock”, which identified key standards requiring updates to accommodate zero-emission technologies such as hydrogen, battery-electric systems, and onboard energy storage.

As the industry transitions toward lower emissions and energy-efficient operations, these standards ensure that safety, performance, and fire management considerations evolve with technology. This work enables environmentally responsible innovation, supports the decarbonisation of rolling stock, and equips industry to manage new risks introduced by emerging green technologies.

Legend: Interoperability (I) Harmonisation (H) Safety (S) Productivity (P) Sustainability (U)

Tip: click the heading in this section to expand or collapse.
Sustainability priorities – project list

Product title Product scope Important information
AS 7529.1+2 – Australian Railway Rolling Stock – Fire Safety – Locomotive

H S U
 Ensures a minimum level of fire safety for locomotives operating in Australia. Aims to minimise fire risk to passengers and crew, and risks to other network users. Review for currency with consideration of zero-emission technology integration such as hydrogen and battery systems, including:

  • Battery fire due to system malfunction
  • Battery thermal runaway
Supports ONRSR Safety Themes.
AS 7527 – Rolling Stock Event Recorders

I H U
 Describes requirements for event recorders installed in locomotive, self-propelled passenger, and infrastructure maintenance rolling stock vehicles. Review to consider additional event capture for zero-emission vehicles such as battery level and status, BMS alarms and related telemetry.
AS 7529.3 – Australian Railway Rolling Stock – Fire Safety – Passenger

H S U
 Describes fire safety requirements for passenger rolling stock to ensure a high level of fire safety across the Australian fleet. Review for currency with consideration of zero-emission technology, including:

  • Battery fire due to system malfunction
  • Battery thermal runaway
Supports ONRSR Safety Themes.
AS 7529.4 – Australian Railway Rolling Stock – Fire Safety – Track Machines

H S U
 Describes fire safety requirements for track machines. Aims to minimise fire risk to occupants and risks to other network users. Review to address new technologies such as hydrogen and battery systems. Ensures requirements for fire safety when these systems are used are specified. Supports ONRSR Safety Themes.
AS 7662.1 – 25 kV AC Rail Traction Electrification Systems

I H P U
 Develops an Australian Standard for 25 kV AC rail traction electrification systems, covering traction power systems, earthing and bonding, and overhead wiring systems. Addresses the lack of industry-wide standards which leads to fragmented approaches across projects. Proposal received via Standards Australia. Supports consistent, efficient delivery of electrification programs.

Product maintenance

This section includes essential review and update projects that keep the RISSB standards suite current, relevant and responsive to industry needs. These projects are part of a structured lifecycle management process designed to uphold the technical integrity, clarity and practical application of existing products.

While they may not directly address national reforms or critical safety risks, these maintenance reviews are vital so rail organisations can rely on RISSB products for effective operations, compliance and training. They respond to feedback, change requests, new practices and shifts in related standards and regulations, improving overall quality, consistency and usability across the library.

Legend: Interoperability (I) Harmonisation (H) Safety (S) Productivity (P) Sustainability (U)

Tip: click the heading in this section to expand or collapse.
Product maintenance – project list

Product title Product scope Important information
AS 7507 – Rolling Stock Outlines

H S
 Requirements for determining whether rolling stock conforms to the reference outlines in this document. The primary purpose is to maintain acceptable clearance between rolling stock and fixed structures, and between passing trains. Review will address several change requests and align with AS 7633.
AS 7513 – Rolling Stock Interior Environment Parts 1, 3, 4

H S
 Requirements for the interior environmental specification and performance of locomotive, passenger and infrastructure maintenance rolling stock. Ensures a safe and comfortable environment for people on rolling stock and defines good environmental practice for Australian networks. Consolidates Parts 1, 3 and 4 into a single standard to remove duplication and reduce burden on OEMs.
AS 7633 – Railway Infrastructure – Clearances

I H S
 Specifies requirements to ensure the interoperability of reference vehicles. Review aligned with AS 7507 to ensure compatibility and ongoing relevance.
AS 7634 – Railway Infrastructure – Survey

H S
 Specifies requirements for the design, construction, measurement, maintenance and monitoring of a railway survey system to support engineering activities in a modern railway environment. Considers current survey practices and technologies that improve safety when surveying. Updates terminology where required.
AS 7644 – Rail Corridor Access

H S P
 Outlines requirements for managing access to rail networks, including non-operational lines, alongside applicable National Rules and Procedures. Review considers easements for gas, electricity, water and telecommunications providers, related interface agreements and new approaches to corridor management.
AS 7645 – Rail Corridor Management

H S U
 Specifies requirements for the management of fire and vegetation hazards along the rail corridor, including weeds and pest plants. Updates risk-based principles for fire and vegetation risks and reviews change requests to align with local, state and federal requirements.
AS 7660 – Radio Communication in the Rail Corridor

H S
 Sets basic requirements for wireless communication between network controllers, train crews and people working in or associated with the rail corridor, to support safe and efficient operation. Aligns with AS 7495 and updates to reflect changes in how the industry manages radio communication.
AS 7721 – Lineside Signals, Indicators and Signal Signage

H S
 Aims for a common level of safety and performance across operators, promotes good human factors practice and reduces differences between signalling equipment and materials across networks. Review considers AS 7631 and AS 7632 changes, pending change requests and relevance of new technologies.
AS 7722 – EMC Management

I H S
 Defines requirements for the management of electromagnetic emissions. Review will address change requests and confirm currency and suitability for the rail industry.
ANRP – Review

H S
 High level review of Australian Network Rules and Procedures. Ensures rules remain relevant and risk controls effective. Incorporates investigation findings that require updates.

Previous Work Plan

RISSB Work Plan 2024-25