This example is illustrative only. It does not replace a suitable project design, risk assessment, full standards review, or approval process.
Project description
A new accessible footbridge will be provided connecting platforms 1 and 2 at a GB mainline station. The footbridge comprises:
- an open bridge deck
- two open staircases
- two passenger lifts
- CCTV coverage
- an emergency escape route.
Applicable standards
The RSSB Stations Hub helps the designer find the relevant standards using the standards framework guidance and the filter search. The table below lists some of the main standards and explains how each one can be used.
| Standard | Application |
|---|---|
| Accessibility National Technical Specification Notice (ACC NTSN) | This is used for all notified projects and sets the minimum lighting requirements for platforms. |
| RIS-7702-INS issue two Lighting at Stations |
This contains railway-specific lighting requirements and guidance for station infrastructure, including footbridges, stairs, CCTV, and emergency lighting considerations. |
| BS EN 12464-1:2021 Light and lighting. Lighting of work places. Part 1: indoor work places |
This supports internal lighting decisions, such as those for lift interiors and covered walking routes. |
| BS EN 12464-2:2024 Light and lighting. Lighting of work places. Part 2: Outdoor work places |
This supports outdoor workplace lighting decisions, such as those for open stairs and bridge decks, where needed. |
| BS EN 1838:2024 Lighting applications — Emergency lighting for buildings |
This supports emergency lighting design, including escape route lighting and autonomy. |
| NR/GN/CIV/200/08 Lighting Design in Stations |
Network Rail’s Design Manual contains guidance on lighting equipment selection, colour temperature, surface finishes, controls, and maintainability. |
RIS‑7702‑INS can be used as a starting point. It gives the railway context and lighting aims. The lighting requirements meet or exceed the ACC NTSN requirements for platforms, helping make approvals easier. Part 2 of RIS‑7702‑INS to can be used to help plan the project and identifies suitable guidance documents.
During design, RIS‑7702‑INS Part 3 gives a set of requirements and guidance. In this example, Section 3.10 gives the light levels for the bridge deck, stairs, and lift areas. The stair lighting levels are taken from BS EN 12464-2:2024, and for lifts from BS EN 12464-1:2021. Appendix A of RIS-7702-INS includes some of this content, but a designer should still check the full standard. RIS‑7702‑INS also sets out railway-specific requirements for the footbridge.
Adjacent areas need different light levels. A designer needs to manage this to avoid sharp changes. Section 3.10 gives the requirements, and Section 3.4.2 provides further guidance.
The footbridge, stairs, and lifts are covered by CCTV, so the requirements in Section 3.2.4 can be checked during the design process.
Lighting equipment must suit the environment and be easy to maintain. RIS‑7702‑INS gives requirements and guidance to support selection. For example, the bridge light fittings are in an open environment. This means they need an ingress protection of IP65.
The footbridge forms part of an emergency escape route. The lighting design needs to meet emergency escape lighting requirements. RIS‑7702‑INS gives railway-specific emergency lighting requirements. BS EN 1838 gives requirements for emergency lighting autonomy.
Network Rail’s Lighting Design in Stations Design Manual NR/GN/CIV/200/08 gives guidance on several topics. For this example, a designer can follow guidance on colour temperature, surface finish, and lighting control. They should consider heritage requirements, where needed.
Key takeaways
This example shows that several documents affect lighting designs. The RSSB Stations Hub helps designers understand this framework. RIS‑7702‑INS gives the railway-specific starting point, but the designer also uses relevant British and European standards. They must also consider infrastructure manager guidance and project requirements.