Future challenges for asset integrity
The rail industry faces significant technological and structural change. There are also financial headwinds. Asset Integrity Group (AIG) needed a more thorough understanding of these issues.
The increased use of digital technology brings potential benefits and risk. Workforce capacity and competence must keep pace with these changes. Technicians and engineers must be safe when inspecting or maintaining assets. At the same time, industry collaboration on asset integrity remains vital.
AIG needed to understand these issues in more detail.
A systematic review of current working practices arrangements was carried out. It included a structured list of the asset base as well as systemic problems.
The issues were identified from:
- recent accident investigations
- the operational and technical knowledge of AIG members
- the expertise of RSSB professional heads.
Systemic problems included the loss of corporate knowledge and obsolescence.
This review improved our understanding of emerging risk and vulnerabilities.
This systematic review identified current risks and likely future issues, which helped AIG improve the focus of their work.
It found current risks which may become enduring.
It spotted ways in which GB rail asset integrity and management may develop new risks in future. It used future orientated research, foresight methods, and engagement with AIG members to do this.
AIG used this review to apply a systems perspective to its future projects. These now include risks across the railway system and are better aligned with the industry’s plan for assets.