Using Standards

Introduction

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

Standards Catalogue

The Standards Catalogue provides access to rail standards which help make the railways better and safer.

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.

Latest Updates to Standards

Information on key highlights and quarterly changes to the standards published in the standards catalogue.

Complying with Legislation

This page provides information on the legislative framework which outline how the rail industry operates, covering railway-specific regulations and some non-railway-specific regulations.

Getting Help with Standards

Information about how we can help if you have a problem or have suggestions for improvements to standards.

How to Change Standards

Details of how RSSB can help and determine a way forward if you experience difficulties with a standard.

How to Apply for a Standards Deviation

Find out how you can seek permission to use an alternative provision for standards if you are not able to comply with a requirement.

How Industry Agrees Standards

This page explains the roles of the industry committees that manage the standards and related guidance produced by RSSB.

Standards Self-Assessments

The Standards Self-Assessments page provides information and self-assessment tests to help users better understand how to use standards and how they link together.

Standards Consultations

This site presents the documents subject to consultation and the stage of consultation they are at.

References to EU legislation and institutions

From 1 January 2021 the EU Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) have ceased to apply in the UK. These have been replaced by National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) pursuant to regulation 3B of the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011. The technical content of TSIs have been substantially reproduced in the NTSNs except where GB specific alternatives are identified as specific cases in the relevant NTSNs. Therefore references to TSIs correspond to equivalent references in NTSNs.

There may be some older documents in the Standards Catalogue that will still reference TSIs until they are updated. References to TSIs should be read as NTSN.

Additionally, any references to EU Directives, Regulations and Decisions that are no longer applicable in the UK should be read in conjunction with relevant UK regulations and associated guidance. The same applies to references to the European Commission (EC) or European Union Agency for Rail (ERA) as they do not play any role in discharging any functions or obligations under domestic regulations. Any technical documents and specifications published by relevant EU institutions remain valid references for use if also referenced by relevant UK regulations and associated documents.

All references to TSIs, EU Directives, Regulations and Decisions are subject to change when standards are next updated.