Project number:
2022-STN-023
Defective on-train equipment standards update
Project 22-023 has published updates to RIS-3437-TOM Defective On-Train Equipment and the associated Rule Book module, GERT8000-TW5 Preparation and movement of trains: Defective or isolated vehicles and on-train equipment.
“This review was an excellent opportunity to look at some long-standing instructions with a view of seeing if they were still relevant and if any revision was required. Similarly, the opportunity was taken to look at what was missing in these documents that could benefit Railway Operators by being included, all based on real-world operation of the railway.”
The challenge
These documents outline the requirements for managing situations where safety-related on-train equipment becomes defective.
RIS-3437-TOM provides requirements and guidance to help railway undertakings develop contingency plans and alternative controls. This standard works alongside the instructions for operational staff in Rule Book module TW5.
The objective of this project was to revise specific sections with the aim of clarifying areas that were causing confusion and ensuring alignment with standards used in other technical disciplines.What we did
Several sections of RIS-3437-TOM were revised. Related parts of GERT8000-TW5 were also updated where applicable.
The topics addressed included: automatic dropping device (ADD), air conditioning, automatic warning system (AWS), brake defects, driver’s safety device (DSD), driver machine interface (DMI), driving cab windows or side glazing – broken or obscured, European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) equipment, forward-facing cameras, hot axlebox detector (HABD) and axle bearings, on-train data recorder (OTDR), selective door operation, speedometer, train radio equipment, vehicles with locked wheels, wheel flats, shifted tyres or dragging brakes, and warning horn.
The editorial style of RIS-3437-TOM was also revised throughout to address requirements to the entity responsible. The term 'defect' was removed and replaced by 'fault' or 'failure' to align with RIS-0707-CCS, or 'defective', as defined in the standard.
Benefits delivered
These changes make the operational response to defective on-train equipment clearer. Train companies will be able to handle these issues more easily, cutting disruption and improving safety. Over five years, this could save the industry more than £6 million.