Standards

Introduction

Standards help make the railways better, safer and more efficient. Agreed by the industry, standards are developed and maintained by RSSB. They may be mandatory or optional, depending on type; and describe a common way of working for all railway undertakings in areas where they apply.

They clarify how standards help rail companies address their legal and other obligations and describe the procedure to request a deviation from, or change to, a standard.

Using Standards

Information on finding and staying on top of changes to industry-agreed standards, rules and best practice.

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Where Do We Use Standards?

Standards support track, trains, bridges, tunnels, signalling, communication, energy, plant and operations in rail.

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Types of Standards and How They Work

Standards help rail companies to address legal and other obligations. Using standards enables organisations to improve performance and manage risks.

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Defining the Future of Standards

The general direction for standards has been a transition from domestic to European to International standards, where beneficial. We will also capture good practice that is unique to the GB rail industry.

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Rule Book App

The RSSB rule book app contains sets of clear instructions which rail staff must follow in certain safety critical scenarios in railway operation.

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Rail Standards Strategy

This strategy sets the direction for travel for standards and related activities influenced by RSSB. It addresses new challenges and opportunities that have emerged and are likely to emerge.

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Standards Catalogue

Railway Group Standards Rail Industry Standards and Guidance Notes that cover subjects from platform design to the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations and Common Safety Methods. For full details search the Standards catalogue.

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Standards Self-Assessments

This page provides self-assessment tests to help you gain a better understanding of standards.

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Industry Standards Committee

This committee is the senior stakeholder group dealing with issues relating to rail industry standards. The committee supports the industry in overseeing the development of standards.

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Digital Railway Steering Group

This steering group is concerned with technical and operational assurance of programme components of the Digital Railway programme.

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