Download the June standards briefing presentation.

Watch the webinar on the June 2023 Updates to Standards webinar.

Control, Command, and Signalling

In June, one new standard and one point release have been published.

RIS‐0799‐CCS Issue 1 - ERTMS/ETCS Baseline 3 Onboard Subsystem Requirements 

The key changes address automatic train operation (ATO), online key management, train data definition, and entry.  Other changes include the need for the ETCS onboard subsystem to implement the error solutions published in ERA technical opinions, and updated requirements on the symbol and button labels displayed on the ERTMS/ETCS driver machine interface (DMI) to help the driver in correctly selecting and identifying the current ETCS level for AWS/TPWS operations. 

GIRT7033 Issue 4.1 - Lineside Operational Signs; Product Requirements

This has been updated to align it to current UK legislation, given that the GB railway now uses National Technical Specification Notices, replacing the EU’s Technical Specifications for Interoperability.

Rolling Stock

In June, three new standards, one new form, and two new point releases have been  published. Four new technical notes have been published since the previous standards update.

RIS-8250-RST Issue 2 - Management of Safety Related Rail Vehicle Defects 

Issue 2 has been updated to align it with the current legislation. It has incorporated the contents of the two published amendments made to issue 1, by adding additional rationale and guidance. This helps the users to understand what they need to do and why. Issue 2 also includes new guidance on reporting of software and cyber security related issues. 

Form RT8250 Issue 4 - Management of Safety Related Rail Vehicle Defects 

This form, referenced in the RIS, has been updated.

GMGN2696 Issue 1 - Passenger seat comfort 

This guidance note sets out the methodology and process for assessing seats in relation to passenger static comfort as established in RSSB research paper T1140 . A target passenger seat comfort score, suitable for the intended use of the train, has been included in the specification of new or refurbished trains. Seats can then be assessed against the target comfort score using this process. The guidance note also discusses other factors that affect the installation of seats such as interior passive safety and passengers’ perception of comfort.

RIS-2714-RST Issue 1 - Axle bearing condition monitoring  

RIS-2714-RST contains guidance on how to meet the requirements set out in the LOC&PAS and WAG NTSNs for trackside and onboard hot axle box condition monitoring. The standard sets out the responsibilities of the parties involved with deploying axle bearing condition monitoring as well as guidance on dynamic frequency monitoring of axle bearings to support the use of new technology that monitors axle bearing condition.  

GMRT2100 Issue 6.2 - Rail Vehicle Structures and Passive Safety 

Section A.13.2, covering the forces that tables should withstand without permanent deformation, has been amended to improve clarity.  

RIS-2770-RST Issue 1.1 - Movement of Continental Wagons on the GB Network 

This has been updated to align it to current UK legislation, given that the GB railway now uses National Technical Specification Notices, replacing the EU’s Technical Specifications for Interoperability.

TN103 Issue 1 - Freight coupler loads

This technical note supports and complements GMGN2688 by providing updated recommendations for the assessment of coupler strength, focusing on coupler load capacity and assessment of route gradient and curvature.

TN104 Issue 1 - Engineering change (software and firmware)

TN104 supports and complements RIS-2700-RST issue two by providing additional guidance regarding changes to software and firmware on rail vehicles.

It supports and complements RIS-8270-RST issue 1.1 by providing additional guidance on the potential effects of vehicle software and firmware changes on vehicle compatibility with infrastructure.

It supports and complements both standards by drawing together information from each that relates to software and firmware changes, so that users can find it all in one place.

TN105 Issue 1 - Management and reporting of adverse events   

TN105 describes the systems provided by RSSB to help railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, and entities in charge of maintenance, to discharge their responsibilities for assessing, sharing, and reporting safety-related information.

TN109 Issue 1 - Fire-related properties of batteries 

This technical note provides information and guidance about the assessment of fire risk arising from the use of batteries on rail vehicles. It includes the risks to be considered in the specification and design of the battery and its integration in the vehicle. This work has arisen out of the battery fire which occurred as part of the Carmont derailment in August 2020.
For more information and to see these technical notes, visit the RSSB Technical Notes page.

Traffic Operation and Management

In June, two new standards were published.

GOGN3616 Issue 1 ‐ Guidance on Operational Railway Safety Awareness  

There is currently no existing common training and competence approach associated with personal safety for railway undertakings and any other railway actors. This guidance note provides one. It sets out a harmonised framework for training and competency, and a process to follow when developing operational railway safety awareness training and competence, including: medical fitness, hazards, control measures, and other conditions to consider when developing training for staff working on the mainline railway, as well as depots, yards, sidings, and freight terminals. 

Appendices give worked examples of how to apply the framework, using four examples of industry roles and tasks. 

RIS-3350-TOM Issue 2 - Communication of Urgent Operating Advice 

RIS-3350-TOM issue two sets out requirements for infrastructure managers and railway undertakings to follow when communicating urgent operating advice. 

RIS-3350-TOM issue two has been updated to make it clearer for users, and to support correct use of the GB rail industry’s processes for communicating urgent operating advice. It has been redrafted throughout to make its requirements clearer for users. Each requirement is now supported by rationale to explain why it exists, and also guidance to help users comply with the requirement.

Existing references have been updated, and new references to other documents that support the requirements of RIS-3350-TOM have been added.

Non-RSSB Standards

In June, four new standards and one new poster were published.

COP0038 Issue 3 - Code of Practice for Defective OTP Safety Critical Equipment 

COP0127 Issue 1 - Code of Practice for Route Conductor Assurance 

COP0129 Issue 2 - Code of Practice for Control of Mobile Communication Equipment Use in Driving Cabs 

COP0130  Issue 2 - Code of Practice for OTM Route Conducting Policy 

Poster OTM13 Issue 1 - Use of mobile devices