June 2021 Standards Update
There were several changes to standards published in June 2021. The new updates cover a range of topics including guidance on applying national requirements for Persons of Reduced Mobility (PRM), managing transitions between different signalling systems and requirements for multi-mode rolling stock.
A summary of all the major changes in the Standards Catalogue during the quarter is also available in the Standards Briefing Presentation.
Persons with Reduced Mobility - applying the NTSN
Industry good practice in applying requirements for Persons of Reduced Mobility (PRM) has been captured in a new guidance note - GEGN8615 Iss 1 - Application of the PRM NTSN.
Requirements are set out in the National Technical Specification Notice (NTSN) for PRM, which replaced and reproduced substantially the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 1300/2014 (the PRM TSI). The NTSN replaced the TSI for GB rail once EU regulations ceased to have direct force following Brexit.
The NTSN sets out the technical information on the features that are required to make it easier for persons with reduced mobility to use trains, such as handholds, passenger information displays, priority seats and provision for wheelchairs. It also sets accessibility standards for new stations or for stations where major work takes place.
Experience has suggested that industry would benefit from clearer guidance to support meeting these requirements. Good practice has now been compiled and published in GEGN8615 Iss 1 - Application of the PRM NTSN.
Managing transitions between different signalling systems
The Rail Industry Standard that helps members manage the transitions between different control, command and signalling (CCS) systems has been updated: RIS-0036-CCS Iss 2 - CCS System Transitions.
Standards and guidance are key to helping operators, engineers and project leads collaborate on signalling projects. There is some useful background material in our Driveability section.
System requirements for multi-mode rolling stock
A new standard has been published to support system requirements for multi-mode trains, for example rolling stock with can run off OLE or on-board diesel power.
Reminder - changes to the Rule Book
A change has been made to module SS2 (Shunting), and will appear in the Periodical Operating Notice (PON) and in the Rule Book App. This requires the position of all points, facing or trailing, to be checked before making a shunting movement. This is to prevent the practice of pushing through trailing points, which can result in damage or derailment if the trailing points have any form of locking mechanism.
Changes to the Rule Book were also published in the Quarterly Update in March – so this is just a reminder that these changes come into force as of 5 June 2021. For more details see the March 2021 update.
