Level Crossing Systems
The standard, ‘Level Crossing Systems RIS-0793-CCS issue one’, provides requirements and guidance for the design, operation, and maintenance of all mainline level crossings in the UK. It focuses on the interface between users and the system, as well as the interface with trains. By mitigating risks through technology and human factors, the standard promotes innovation and flexibility in level crossing safety.
Adhering to RIS-0793-CCS can significantly reduce accident risk, leading to improved safety, lower operational costs, and enhanced public confidence. The standard also promotes the development and deployment of innovative technologies.
The application of RIS-0793-CCS is estimated to provide a £1.44M benefit over ten years through reduced risk and operational efficiencies.
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Key facts:
- Risk-based approach: The standard emphasises a risk-based approach to safety.
- Flexibility: It allows for innovation and the use of new technologies.
- Collaboration: The standard encourages collaboration between infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, and other stakeholders.
- Cost-effective: Implementing the standard can lead to cost savings through improved efficiency and reduced risk.
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Why was this project necessary?This project was necessary due to several factors, including the Department for Transport's initiative to reopen closed railway lines, railway capacity enhancement projects, the application of new technology, and the introduction of digital signalling and train protection systems.
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Who is it for?
RIS-0793-CCS is intended for a wide range of stakeholders in the rail industry, including:
- Infrastructure managers
- Railway undertakings
- System integrators
- Suppliers
- Conformity assessment bodies
- Safety assessment bodies
By adopting this new standard, the rail industry can further enhance safety at level crossings and protect both rail users and the general public.
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What has changed?
RIS-0793-CCS introduces a new, flexible approach to level crossing safety, prioritising risk mitigation over specific technical solutions. This innovative approach enables the development of new technologies to improve safety.
Key improvements include:
- Comprehensive System Definition: A detailed model of level crossing systems, covering architecture, use cases, assets, interfaces, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Principles-Based Approach: Requirements are set at a principles level, fostering flexibility and innovation in system design.
- Enhanced Risk Control: Emphasis on controlling hazard precursors to reduce collision risk.
- Clear Guidance: Detailed guidance on system interaction, risk mitigation, and relevant standards and regulations.
- Updated Terminology and Definitions: Modern terminology and definitions for improved clarity.
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What does it cover?
This standard covers the entire level crossing system, including the interaction between level crossing users, trains, and the infrastructure. It provides requirements and guidance for:
- Designing and implementing level crossing safety systems
- Reviewing existing systems to ensure they meet current standards
- Developing and applying new technologies to enhance safety
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What are the key benefits?
The standard aims to improve the safety, reliability, security, design, maintenance and efficiency of level crossing systems. Benefits include:
- Value of industry: estimated to provide a benefit of £1.44M over ten-years by reducing level crossing risk and streamlining their design and operation.
- Safety: improved risk control and mitigation strategies will lead to increased safety at level crossings.
- Design and maintenance: The standard will inform the design of new and upgraded level crossing systems, supporting the reopening of old railways and train service frequency increases. It will help duty holders and projects design cost-effective level crossing systems
- Operations: The comprehensive system definition and clear guidance will streamline the operation of level crossing systems.
- Innovation: The principles-based approach encourages innovative solutions for level crossing safety.
- Compliance: aligns with relevant regulations and standards, ensuring compliance.
- Reliability and availability: provisions for ensuring the reliability and availability of level crossing systems.
- Clear instructions and roles: detailed instructions are provided for infrastructure manager personnel, railway undertaking personnel, and level crossing users, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities.
- Advanced detection systems: it outlines the use of advanced train and obstacle detection technologies to improve safety and efficiency.
- Effective warning systems: it includes guidelines for providing warning information to level crossing users and train drivers, enhancing awareness and response times.
- Permission controls: details the application of permission controls for crossing the railway, ensuring that crossings are managed safely and efficiently.
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Who were the key players in developing RIS-0793-CCS?
The Control, Command and Signalling Standards Committee (CCS SC) led the development and approval of RIS-0793-CCS.
It was supported by several industry committees including:
- Traffic Operation and Management Standards Committee (TOM SC)
- Plant Standards Committee (PLT SC)
- Rolling Stock Standards Committee (RST SC)
- Energy Standards Committee (ENE SC).
Additionally, several organisations have been instrumental in the delivery of RIS-0793-CCS including:
- Network Rail
- Office of Rail and Road
- Department for Transport
- Institute of Public Rights of Way & Access Management
- Railway Industry Association
- Rail Partners, and representatives from Heritage Railways
- other Infrastructure Managers, Railway Undertakers, emergency responders and transport couriers.
