Designing better train driving cabs
Key stakeholders have debated driving cab design for some time. This debate has involved human factors experts, driving cab designers, and members of trade unions.
In response to requests for help from these stakeholder groups, RSSB established a standards project to review and update driving cab design standards.
A revised standard with a driver-centric approach to cab design was needed. This needed to include human factors good practice and new requirements on cab features, such as side glazing.
RSSB updated RIS-2761-RST with a new appendix on human factors good practice. The revised standard also has new requirements for driving cab side glazing, thermal comfort, and cab access lighting.
There were workshops with key stakeholders, including those from trade unions and vehicle manufacturers. This was to make sure that the needs of train drivers were fully understood and could be met.
A review of published standards was conducted as part of the project. Other documents which could include requirements or guidance for driving cab design were also reviewed.
Human factors research projects and other key industry documents, such as ASLEF’s Guide to Good Cab Design, were reviewed as part of the gap analysis performed in the initial stage of the project.
RIS-2761-RST issue two will improve driving cab layouts through better processes for cab design.
These will reduce the performance risks and injuries that have resulted from poor cab design. The total benefit of updating the standard is £830,000 over five years. Benefits will be through improvements in health, safety, and security. For instance, there may be fewer stop short door releases due to improved side visibility.