Find out what changes to the Standards Catalogue and Rule Book were published in March 2025. There are two new standards, a new Technical Note, new signage, Rule Book updates, and seven non-RSSB standard updates.
Download the March 2025 interactive standards briefing presentation.
One plant standard has been updated in the March 2025 Standards Catalogue release. One standard has also been amended.
RIS-1702-PLT Issue 2.1 – Engineering Design of On-track Machines in Travelling and Working Modes
Among other updates, this standard now includes forward-facing CCTV requirements following RAIB’s report on the West Worthing incident.
RIS-1530-PLT Issue 7.2 — On-Track Plant, Trolleys, and Associated Equipment
Several amendments have been made to provide further clarity on this standard.
Two Rolling Stock standards have been updated in the March 2025 Standards Catalogue release. One new guidance note has also been published.
RIS-2702-RST Issue 3 – Reference Limits for Freight Wagon Defects
Limits beyond which a freight wagon is considered defective have been reviewed to take into account changes in technology. Additionally, the standard now acknowledges a risk-based approach to determine the wagon condition.
GMRT2400 Issue 6.3 – Engineering Design of On-Track Machines in Running Mode
This standard was updated to refer to GB legislation, include reference to new standards, and incorporate fuel tank fitment guidance.
GMGN2542 Issue 1 – Determination of Aerodynamic Rolling Moment Coefficient
It provides guidance on wind tunnel tests, including numerical method alternatives.
Two Control, Command and Signalling standards have been updated and one technical note has been published in the March 2025 Standards Catalogue update. Ten new signs have been published, and two signs have been updated.
RIS-0386-CCS Issue 2 – Overrun Risk Evaluation and Assessment
This update sets out a clear process for managing the shared risk with a train exceeding the limit of movement authority. Good practice for mitigating overrun risk and human factors systematic considerations have also been added.
RIS-0733-CCS Issue 1.3 – Lineside Operational Signs
This point release references the introduction of new permanent and temporary power change over signs. Amendments have also been made to existing signage.
TN0304 Issue 1 – Junction Signal Sighting
This new technical note will help industry manage the sighting of colour light junction signals. It is made in response to RAIB’s report on the overspeed event at Spital Junction, Peterborough.
One new Infrastructure standard has been published in the March 2025 Standards Catalogue update.
RIS-7708-INS Issue 1 – Maintaining the Visibility of Signals and Operational Signs
It sets out requirements for maintaining the visibility of signals and operational signs during the life of the equipment. This standard provides clearer guidance on supporting train operations by helping to maintain good visibility of signals and operational signs.
One new Traffic Operation and Management standard has been published, and two standards have been updated in the March 2025 Standards Catalogue.
RIS-3789-TOM Issue 1 – Medical Fitness Assessment
This standard is for assessing and managing fitness for work on the GB mainline railway through medical assessments. It contains good practice to give industry a clearer, more consistent approach to managing, monitoring, and assessing medical and health issues.
RIS-3781-TOM Issue 2 – Requirements for the operation of freight trains and the conveyance of dangerous goods by any train
This standard was updated to include a new requirement for railway undertakings to assess the time and resources required to prepare a train for service. Requirements have also been added on the use of a Certificate of Readiness.
RIS-3784-TOM Issue 2 – Provision of Signage at Power Changeover Locations
Now updated, the standard includes some signs that were not agreed before the previous publication.
Three forms have been published in the March 2025 release.
The following Rule Book Modules and Handbooks have been updated in the March 2025 Standards Catalogue.
GERT8000-AC Issue 8 — AC Electrified lines
GERT8000-DC Issue 6 — DC Electrified lines
GERT8000-HB16 Issue 6 — AC Electrified lines
GERT8000-HB17 Issue 5 — DC Electrified lines
RS521 Issue 8 — Signals, Handsignals, Indicators and Signs
Seven non-RSSB standards have been published on the RSSB website.
COP0007 Issue 8 — Code of Practice for On, Off and Cross Tracking of On Track Plant (OTP)
COP0008 Issue 7 — Code of Practice for Tandem Lifting with Two Excavator Cranes
COP0015 Issue 6 — Code of Practice for Load Lifting Points on Road Rail Excavator Cranes
COP0026 Issue 4 — Code of Practice for Flailing Operations using OTP
COP0028 Issue 2 — Code of Practice for Planning for the Use of Non-rail Mounted Plant
COP0029 Issue 2 — Code of Practice for Independence and Competence of LOLER Thorough Examiners
COP0030 Issue 3 — Code of Practice for Lifting Operations Using Manually Propelled Rail Handlers (MPRH)
