RIS-6702-DST Iss 1

This document sets out requirements and guidance for the use, interpretation and formatting of time and date information in railway systems.

Using the same time scale, and maintaining close alignment with a reference clock, is critical in electronic systems. This includes managing databases, data integrity, cybersecurity, encryption and authentication. The requirements in this standard promote the wider use of UTC and the consistent formatting of date, time and UTC time offset values, in line with international standards. The importance of documenting a clock’s time source, time scale and capabilities to change UTC offset are also highlighted. This standard helps mitigate the risk of using misaligned time data by helping users to see that different time scales can be used, recognise that not all are the same, and that a translation may be required. Adopting these requirements also supports the aggregation of data, in real-time or post-event, for example during investigations.

Optional reading and resources:

Standards quarterly webinar - December 2024