Using Standards

Introduction

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

We provide 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.

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.

Guidance on the Application of Railway Standards

Standards have a vital role in making rail a competitive and safe mode of transport. Their content and application help deliver a safe, efficient and cost-effective railway.

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

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

Standards Consultations

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

RSSB Technical Notes

RSSB’s technical notes to help with the application of standards guidance or legislation. They may relate to one specific standard multiple standards or pieces of legislation relating to a specific topic.

Sign Up to Standards Consultations

Please register to receive notifications on standards consultation.

Depot Sidings Safety Surveys

The Depot Sidings Safety Surveys have been produced through the exploration of the operational risks and hazards associated with stabling, disposal and maintenance of OTM and engineering trains in Network Rail allocated stabling locations.

J Tables - Combining Load Units and Vehicles for Freight Gauges

J Tables are a set of tables that set out the acceptable combinations of load units and vehicles for gauges in freight W6a, W7, W7a, W8, W8a, W9, W9a, W9plus, W10, W10a and W12.

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.