5 The SRM templates, which are produced to help transport If you would like any further information, assistance or training operators create a comprehensive risk profile for their in the use of the SRMv6 and its associated outputs, please Information bulletin operations in support of their safety management activities, contact George Bearfield, safety risk assessment manager on are due to be released in August. A tool for undertaking 020 3142 5464 or risk@rssb.co.uk. We welcome feedback Cost-Benefit Analysis in accordance with ‘Taking Safe from users of the bulletin or templates and are keen to hear Decisions’ and ORR guidance is also in the final stages about our members particular needs for risk information, of development. models and tools. C O M M U N I C AT I N G W I T H O U R M E M B E R S A N D S TA K E H O L D E R S N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 11 RSSB to publish M & EE Group Codes of Practice this issue... Rail initiatives set to accelerate innovation......... 01 SPARK: New knowledge sharing web-tool launched.............. 02 Frompart 1 August RSSB will be publishing documents Rail Technical the content). See As of a2009 2010 consultation on industry’s Cross-industry standards for the GB mainline produced by the the M&EE on theinnovation rgsonline http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Pages/M_and_EE.aspx Strategy, needNetworking to betterGroup support emerged as railway: Advice to Infrastructure UK................ 03 website one of(www.rgsonline.co.uk). the key issues. Direction For further information aboutStrategic the publication of documents Few of the wide-ranging ideas being • RSSB has forged a long term of TSI’s............................... 03 The M&EE Networking Group is dedicated to the sharingpartnership of contact Marie Marks at marie.marks@rssb.co.uk considered, as part of the rail industry’s strategic with the Revised Modules TW1 and 30-year vision, can be implemented professional engineering and railway operationsTechnology information Strategy Board, a TW3 Driving freight trains unless industry can overcome the business-led government body winterNetworking conditionsGroup ........... 04 and to provide a focus to the rail industry relating to For further information aboutinM&EE difficulties of innovating across the which works to create economic Staff Suitability operational and of plant. It is a meeting of ensuring the documents Mick James at mick.james@rssb.co.uk sub-systems thattechnical make upsafety the railway. growth by that the UKcontact is and Fitness........................ 04 global leader in innovation. The professional heads of mechanical and electricalaengineering Actions agreed as part of the Vehicle Track System partnership has begun with a joint Interface Committee consultation included looking at contractors operating and operations from infrastructure oninvestment of up to £4m in the (V/T SIC) seminar.............. 04 designing and developing more RSSB Events 2009 track machines outside of possessions, NetworkAccelerating Rail, RSSB,Innovation in Rail effective mechanisms to translate Measuring Safety the Rail Association,de-risked, London Undergroundcompetition, and elected to accelerate business Performance...................... 05 ideas intoPlant demonstrable, innovation in the UK’s rail industry. system-level, radical innovation RRUKA – officially representatives from other infrastructure renewal companies, Date Event Location Supported by the Technical Strategy projects, as well as recognising launched, and plant owners, and manufacturers/suppliers of plant and Leadership Group, the development welcomed by Minister......... 06 that effective testing and trialling has been welcomed by the Minister technical services. was crucial to ensure risks are 22 Sept Freedom to Train Workshop York Paul Thomas is awarded of State for Transport, Theresa a Fellowship....................... 06 appropriately managed when new Villiers MP. More details can be technology is introduced. Eversholt Rail gets The M&EE Networking Group produces Codes found of Practice as at: http://www.innovateuk.org/ 30 Sept DRACAS Seminar RSSB London RISAS certification............. 07 Two recent RSSB-managed, cross- Rail initiatives set to accelerate innovation content/competition/accelerating(Defect reporting and Corrective Action System Seminar) good practice for all members of the industry and they have industry initiatives designed to address innovation-in-rail.ashx previously only been available on several disparate websites. these issues follow: For details forthcoming dates for For more information on these RSSBoforganised events, RSSB consultations on standards please contact Stella Okezie, manager onplease In order to make the Codes of Practice available to a wider and conference associated documents, For details of changes to Railway Group Standards view the Latest Updates page on see: http://www.consultation.rssb. 020 3142 5329 or stella.okezie@rssb.co.uk audience, agreed to publish them (though the the RGS RSSB Online has website www.rgsonline.co.uk co.uk/pdf/Forthcomingconsultations. M&EE Networking Group remains responsible for all of pdf You can subscribe to Information Bulletin on the RSSB website. http://www.rssb.co.uk/publications/pages/informationbulletin.aspx FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF RSSB ’ S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT THE RSSB BLOCK 2 ANGEL SQUARE Front page photo: Courtesy of Network Rail RSSB ENQUIRY DESK ON 020 3142 5400 1 TORRENS STREET LONDON EC1V 1NY OR ENQUIRYDESK@RSSB.CO.UK WWW.RSSB.CO.UK ©©2011 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS 2009 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDSBOARD BOARDLIMITED LIMITED 5 Continued from page 01 The SRM templates, which are produced to help transport operators create a comprehensive profile for their • RSSB has developed resources risk to help industry pool and present its combined on testingactivities, and operations in support of theirknowledge safety management trialling. This was delivered as part of a research project: are due to be released in August. A tool for undertaking T965 Facilitating testing and trialling to assist technology Cost-Benefit Analysis in accordance with ‘TakingTechnical Safe development, on behalf of the cross-industry Strategy Leadership Group (TSLG) and the Testing Decisions’ and ORR guidance is also in the final stages Facilities Steering Group. The resources are now ‘live’ and of development. include: • Page 02 If you would like any further information, assistance or training in the the SRMv6 its on associated outputs, please • useAof good practiceand guide testing and trialling contact Bearfield, safety riskand assessment manager • George A supporting presentation promotional flyer on 020 3142 or risk@rssb.co.uk. Weand welcome feedback These can5464 be found on a new Testing Trialling section of theusers TSLGofwebsite, www.futurerailway.org. from the bulletin or templates and areThey keenwere to hear launched at the joint Technology Strategy Board-RSSB about our members particular needs for risk information, briefing on the Accelerating Innovation in Rail funding models and tools. competition, on 16 November. A database of capabilities and contacts for testing and trialling facilities For more information, contact enquirydesk@rssb.co.uk, or telephone 020 3142 5400. RSSB to publish M & EE Group Codes of Practice RSSB has launched a new web portal to provide an efficient way for historic, existing and developing knowledge to be shared throughout the rail industry. • Road Rail Interface Safety Group • Rail Sustainable Development Group Industry’s challenge of simultaneously growing the rail business and reducing costs is supported by access to research and innovation, with joined-up efforts and crossindustry and cross-country cooperation to get the best value. From 1 August 2009 RSSB be publishing documents In support of this, RSSB haswill developed a password-protected web portalby called SPARK (Sharing Portal to Rail produced the M&EE Networking Groupfor onAccess the rgsonline Knowledge) – http://spark.rssb.co.uk website (www.rgsonline.co.uk). SPARK has been developed primarily as a benefit to RSSB members and other organisations which have an agreement The M&EE Networking is dedicated to the sharing of to exchange knowledgeGroup with RSSB. All researchers involved with Rail Research UK Association will have access. The professional engineering and railway operations information portal is under development, and so its scale, coverage and and towill provide a the focus to the increase rail industry relatingtotousers over depth reflect gradual in access the coming months. Like safety any knowledge-sharing initiative operational and technical of plant. It is a meeting of the of this scale, SPARK will rely on the quantity and quality of professionalindividual heads of users mechanical and electrical information put into it and RSSBengineering encourages its to think about using SPARK to share information andmembers operations from infrastructure contractors operating onacross its membership. track machines outside of possessions, Network Rail, RSSB, To thatAssociation, we provide aLondon real value adding service, SPARK theensure Rail Plant Underground and elected is being unveiled in a carefully controlled way. This means representatives fromSPARK other infrastructure renewal companies, in this initial phase, is being made available to the following: plant owners, and manufacturers/suppliers of plant and • Rail Industry Skills Forum • Industry Standards Co-ordination Committee • Employees of members of RSSB technical services. • Registered researchers of RRUK-A TheMembers M&EE Networking Group Committees, produces Codes of Practice as • of all Standards all System Interface and the following cross good practiceCommittees for all members of the industrykey and theyindustry have governance groups: previously only been available on several disparate websites. • Safety Policy Group • Technical Strategy Leadership Group the content). See http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Pages/M_and_EE.aspx Designed to enable information to be found easily and quickly, at the heart of SPARK is a library where all users have the opportunity to contribute theirthe knowledge and something For further information about publication offind documents new. SPARK users will effectively become an on-line network contact Marie Marks at marie.marks@rssb.co.uk of professionals working together to reduce duplication, speed up innovation and maximise value. There has already beenabout someM&EE considerable information For further information Networking Group shared on SPARK including much of the research generated documents contact Mick James at mick.james@rssb.co.uk by the former BR Research programme (up to 1996), and the cross-industry research generated by the programme managed by RSSB since 2003. RSSB Events 2009 The incorporation of increasing numbers of records of knowledge into SPARK will be the key to it becoming more popular throughout the industry. Ultimately, SPARK could be the point of entry research Date Event to a wealth of information about Location projects, strategies and initiatives, centres of expertise, testing facilities, data sources, publications and expertise of the community users. to Train Workshop 22 Sept ofFreedom York RSSB is in the process of approaching key contacts within the industry access to SPARK so the momentum can 30 Septto arrange DRACAS Seminar RSSB London develop – both in terms of the capacity to share information, (Defect reporting and Corrective Action System Seminar) and to access it. For more information on these RSSB organised events, • Operations In order to make the Focus Codes Group of Practice available to a wider please contact Stella Okezie, conference manager on • Community Group audience, RSSB has Safety agreedSteering to publish them (though the 020 3142 5329 or stella.okezie@rssb.co.uk M&EE Networking Group remains responsible for all of If you would like to get access to SPARK, or would like more information, go to: http://spark.rssb.co.uk. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF RSSB ’ S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT THE RSSB BLOCK 2 ANGEL SQUARE RSSB ENQUIRY DESK ON 020 3142 5400 1 TORRENS STREET LONDON EC1V 1NY OR ENQUIRYDESK@RSSB.CO.UK WWW.RSSB.CO.UK ©©2011 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS 2009 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDSBOARD BOARDLIMITED LIMITED 5 Page 03 The SRM templates, which are produced to help transport for Ifthe you would like any further information, assistance or training Cross-industry standards operators create a comprehensive risk profile for their in the use of the SRMv6 and its associated outputs, please GB mainline railway: Advice to Infrastructure UK operations in support of their safety management activities, contact George Bearfield, safety risk assessment manager on are due to be released in August. A tool forPlan undertaking The Government’s National Infrastructure 2010 sets out the challenges and a work programme of deliverables Cost-Benefit Analysis in accordance with ‘Taking Safe to improve the approach to infrastructure planning, Decisions’ and ORR guidance alsowith in the prioritisation and delivery in theisUK, thefinal aim stages of achieving greater value for money. Infrastructure UK, a part of HM of development. Treasury, is leading this programme across Government and in March 2010 published the Infrastructure Cost Review Implementation Plan. One of the actions in the plan is ‘to identify and reduce duplication, redundancy and inconsistency of standards, based on a cost benefit analysis of existing standards’. & 020 3142 5464to orInfrastructure risk@rssb.co.uk. Britain: Advice UK’.We welcome feedback from users the points bulletinofornote templates Some of theofkey include:and are keen to hear about members particular needs for risk information, • GBour mainline railway is making substantial progress in the areas identified by Infrastructure UK. models and tools. • Harmonisation with Europe is a major thrust of the GB industry’s work on standards, and GB is heavily involved in Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) and Euronorms. GB chairs the main Railway Euronorm committee CEN TC256. GB also chairs nine other groups under TC256 and has members on more than 30 further groups. RSSB to publish M EE Group Codes of Practice RSSB met Infrastructure UK in October, following meetings they had held with Network Rail, LUL, and others. It became clear that in those meetings they have reached a positive view of standards in the rail sector, which was confirmed through their discussions with RSSB. At the request of Infrastructure UK, RSSB produced a paper which describes how the rail industry tackles the issues that they have identified: ‘Cross-industry standards for the mainline railway in Great • Advice from GB is well respected in the Commission and the ERA. • RSSB’s approach to managing multi-stakeholder crossindustry programmes was identified as good practice in a recent report for the European Commission which assessed the effectiveness of the ERA. Strategic Direction of TSI’s The railway interoperability Directive (2008/57/EC) sets out the essential requirements to be met for interoperability, which cover safety, reliability and availability, health, environmental protection and technical compatibility along with others specific to certain sub-systems. The Directivedocuments also requires From 1 August 2009 RSSB will be publishing the production of mandatory Technical Specifications for produced by the(TSIs) M&EEwhich Networking Group on the standards rgsonline Interoperability define the technical that have(www.rgsonline.co.uk). to be applied. These are prepared and updated by website the European Rail Agency (ERA) before being published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) following a The M&EECommission Networking Group is dedicated to the sharing of European decision. The published TSIs applyand to lines thatoperations make up the transprofessional engineering railway information European high speed or conventional rail networks. and to provide a focus to the rail industry relating to Implementation of ERA mandate C(2010)2576 of 29th April operational and technical safety of application plant. It is aofmeeting 2010 will extend the geographical TSIs to of thethe whole European railway network, with the exception of any professional heads of mechanical and electrical engineering railway operations that the member state specifically excludes andexample, operations from infrastructure contractors operating on(for heritage lines and metro systems). trackIndustry machines outside of possessions,Committee Network Rail, RSSB, The Standards Co-ordination (ISCC) is publishing a series of papers that will set out the strategic the Rail Plant Association, London Underground and elected direction for GB involvement in the development of each TSI representatives from infrastructure renewal and what GB aims to other achieve. These papers willcompanies, add value by helping GB representatives in Europe take decisions from an plant owners, and manufacturers/suppliers of plant and informed position when evaluating change proposals received technical services. from elsewhere and will provide a basis for national work in the same areas. The direction to beCodes published covers as The latest M&EEstrategic Networking Grouppaper produces of Practice the application of ERA mandate C(2010)2576 to the control, good practice for all members of the industry and they have command and signalling (CCS) TSI. The detail was prepared previously only beenofavailable on several websites. by RSSB on behalf the engineering anddisparate operations standards review group (EOSRG), which performs the GB mirroring function for ERA-led work in the CCS technical In order make the Codes of Practice available to aby wider area, andtothe strategic direction has been approved CCS standards committee and ISCC. audience, RSSB has agreed to publish them (though the As well as considering the implications of extending the geographical scope, the proposed revision to the CCS TSI provides GB with an opportunity to address the outstanding areas of concern that have not been satisfactorily resolved in new version thethe content). See of the CCS TSI that was agreed by the European Commission’s Railway Interoperability and Safety http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Pages/M_and_EE.aspx Committee (RISC) in June 2011 and is currently with the European Commission awaiting their decision on publication. Some of theinformation key areas about that GB like to of see resolved For further thewould publication documents include: contact Marie Marks at marie.marks@rssb.co.uk • Retention of the GB specific cases allowing the use of alpha-numeric train running numbers, speed display in andinformation certain rolling stock parameters on Group HS1. Formph further about M&EE Networking • Harmonised standards used for developing safety critical documents contact Mick James at mick.james@rssb.co.uk software • Provision for interfacing ETCS with other non-ERTMS systems such as automatic train operation (ATO) systems and electrification sub-systems RSSB Events 2009 • Provision of GSM-R packet switching functionality • Clarification of assessment requirements to reduce the Date Eventand time implications of No-Bo Location potential cost assessments • Closure of TSI open points, including interfaces with rolling stock systems and electro-magnetic compatibility 22 Sept Freedom to Train Workshop York parameters. Work to develop the next version of the CCS TSI is expected to30 start as soon as the Seminar ERA has completed its RSSB economic Sept DRACAS London evaluation work relating to the extension of geographical (Defect reporting and Corrective Action System Seminar) scope in December 2011. GB Strategic Direction documents have also been published For more information on these RSSB organised events, for the current revisions of the Infrastructure, Energy, and pleaseStock contact Stella Okezie, conference manager on Rolling TSIs. 020 3142 5329 or stella.okezie@rssb.co.uk M&EE Group remains responsible for all of list which is available at They Networking can be downloaded via the ISCC document http://www.rssb.co.uk/RGS/Pages/INDUSTRYSTANDARDSCO-ORDINATIONCOMMITTEE.aspx FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF RSSB ’ S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT THE RSSB BLOCK 2 ANGEL SQUARE RSSB ENQUIRY DESK ON 020 3142 5400 1 TORRENS STREET LONDON EC1V 1NY OR ENQUIRYDESK@RSSB.CO.UK WWW.RSSB.CO.UK ©©2011 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS 2009 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDSBOARD BOARDLIMITED LIMITED 5 Page 04 The SRM templates,Modules which are produced TW1 to help transport If you would like any further information, assistance or training Revised and TW3 Driving operators create a comprehensive risk profile for their in the use of the SRMv6 and its associated outputs, please freight trains in winter conditions operations in support of their safety management activities, contact George Bearfield, safety risk assessment manager on are duethe to be released A tool undertaking During harsh winterinofAugust. 2010/11, two for serious incidents to freight trains occurred in Great Britain of loss of effectiveness Cost-Benefit Analysis in accordance with ‘Taking Safe of the train braking systems, one of which resulted in the Decisions’ and ORR is alsotoinstop the on final derailment of the trainguidance when unable a stages falling gradient. Icing to the brake gear was a factor in both cases. of development. As a result, existing rules and working practices concerning the testing and operation of the train brake during severe conditions were scrutinised by a working party set up by the Rail Freight Operators’ Group (RFOG). This revealed certain anomalies between rules for passenger and freight trains and & between disc-braked trains and trains with composition brake blocks. 020a3142 or work risk@rssb.co.uk. We welcome feedback As result5464 of this RFOG published an Approved Code of Practice on operation of trains in severe conditions RSSB from users of the bulletin or templates and are keen and to hear will amend the rules for working trains during snow conditions aboutDecember our members particular needswill formove risk information, from 2011. The change from the former standardised and time-bound procedures for all types of models and tools. trains, to placing emphasis on the driver carrying out running brake tests as frequently as is necessary to check that the brake is operating effectively and also to carry out any other arrangements required by the operating company. This allows specific instructions to be targeted at the differing risks posed by different train characteristics, particularly the scenario of climbing a long rising gradient which is followed by a steep falling gradient. RSSB to publish M EE Group Codes of Practice The revised Rule Book Modules are available in print from Willsons Printers (01636 702334) or online at www.rgsonline.co.uk. Staff Suitability and Fitness The Guidance Note GO/GN3655 ‘Guidance on Medical Fitness for Railway Safety Critical Workers’ is a new document. It is intended for all staff not directly involved in train movement and is aligned with the Railway Group Standard GO/RT3451 ‘Train Movement- Staff Suitability and Fitness Requirements’ and with Rail Industry Approved From of 1 August 2009 RSSB will ‘Recommendations be publishing documents Code Practice GO/RC3561 for Train Movement – Staff Suitability and Fitness The produced by the M&EE Networking GroupRequirements’. on the rgsonline guidance includes: website (www.rgsonline.co.uk). • Visual acuity including laser eye surgery • Colour vision The M&EE Networking Group is dedicated to the sharing of • Hearing professional engineering and railway operations information and to provide a focus to the rail industry relating to • General Health including medicines and their effects on safety, conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnoea At the same time, GO/RT3451 and GO/RC3561 have themselves been reviewed and a number of changes have been made which make it easier to cross-reference requirements and provide greater clarity in response to a the content). See number of stakeholder suggestions. http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Pages/M_and_EE.aspx The Guidance Note GE/GN8511 ‘Guidance for Railway Undertakings on Track Safety’ has also been reviewed and found to contain references issues that are the For further information abouttothe publication ofoutside documents scope of Railway Group Standards: this Guidance Note will contact Marie Marks at marie.marks@rssb.co.uk be withdrawn. For further information about M&EE Networking Group The changes have been approved by the Traffic Operations and Management Standards Committee and operational technical safety of2011. plant. For It is more a meeting of the documents contact Mick James at mick.james@rssb.co.uk come intoand force in December details see www.rgsonline.co.uk professional heads of mechanical and electrical engineering and operations from infrastructure contractors operating on- RSSB track machines outside of possessions, Network Rail, RSSB, Vehicle Track System Interface the Rail Plant Association, London Underground and elected Committee (V/T SIC) seminar Date representatives from other infrastructure renewal companies, The Vehicle Track System InterfaceofCommittee plantannual owners, and manufacturers/suppliers plant and (V/T SIC) seminar was held on 26 October 2011. The event technical services. was opened and chaired by the Chairman of V/T SIC, Andy Doherty. The V/T SIC uses this forum to inform industry of the that have been made Codes during of thePractice year as Thedevelopments M&EE Networking Group produces and the changes that are likely to occur in the coming year. good practice forattended all members industry andindustry, they have Representatives fromofallthe sectors of the with an interest only in wheel/rail interface previously been available onissues. several disparate websites. The key topics discussed were: •In order Vehicle Track the Interaction Strategic (VTISM). An to make Codes of PracticeModel available to a wider explanation of the work undertaken to improve the tool’s audience, RSSB has agreed to publish them (though the effectiveness was given noting that it could now be used M&EE Networking Group remains responsible all of and on other railhead conditions such as low railfordamage FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF RSSB ’ S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT THE RSSB BLOCK 2 ANGEL SQUARE Events 2009 Event Location plastic flow. The development of VTISM stage 2 - Wheel Damage and Management Model. This is a new tool that 22evaluates Sept Freedom Train Workshop York regimes wheelsettoperformance, maintenance and costs. It can either be used as a stand-alone tool, to assess changes on wheelset life and costs, or within 30 Sept DRACAS Seminar RSSB London VTISM, to evaluate system costs. The model will predict (Defect reporting and Corrective Action System Seminar) wheelset wear and damage that could be expected during the vehicle life, including output of profile wear, RCF prediction and wheelset costs. For more information on these RSSB organised events, • please Two case studies projectsconference undertakenmanager by the Permanent contact StellaofOkezie, on Project Group (PPG) were described. The first considered 020 3142 5329 or stella.okezie@rssb.co.uk ride quality assessment using on board data capture to warn of problem locations. The second reviewed work done to optimise track design. This involved investigating RSSB ENQUIRY DESK ON 020 3142 5400 1 TORRENS STREET LONDON EC1V 1NY OR ENQUIRYDESK@RSSB.CO.UK WWW.RSSB.CO.UK ©©2011 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS 2009 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDSBOARD BOARDLIMITED LIMITED 5 Continued from page 04 The SRM templates, which are produced to help transport the propensity initiate RCF inrisk curves. operators create a to comprehensive profileOutputs for theirare being used to recommend changes to guidance for track design. operations in support of their safety management activities, • Improvements in track maintenance are due to be released in August. A tool for undertaking • Introduction mobile buttSafe welders. Cost-Benefit Analysis of in road/rail accordance withflash ‘Taking • The of a newisultrasonic railfinal testing train in Decisions’ anddelivery ORR guidance also in the stages the New Year and improvements in the performance. of development. • Wear resistance reports from the premium rail trial at Hett. • Update from the Adhesion Research Group whose aim is to understand the science behind the current adhesion problems and prioritise development of new ideas and sponsor research projects in & this area. Page 05 If you would like any further information, assistance or training • Update Wheelset Group including in the use offrom the the SRMv6 and itsManagement associated outputs, please the development of a model to evaluate axle maintenance contact George Bearfield, safety risk assessment manager on and inspection regimes. 020 3142 5464 or risk@rssb.co.uk. We welcome feedback • Railway Noise Management - Examples of work on noise frommapping users oflinking the bulletin or templates and are keen to hear it to legislation. Impact of noise from the proposed HS2 and a demonstration of comparative noise about our members particular needs for risk information, levels with existing suburban trains. models and tools. • Heavy haul freight applications of Track-Ex in the USA. The test facility at Pueblo is providing validation data from the FAST test track, where a range of track components are being evaluated in accelerated loading environment including; rail material, ballast, sleepers (ties) and bridge structures. RSSB to publish M EE Group Codes of Practice The presentations can be found at http://www.rssb.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/vtsic_ presentations/2011/Agenda-VTSIC%202011.pdf Measuring Safety Performance Have you got the measure of your organisation? Are the risks in your organisation fully understood, and do the control arrangements deliver efficient and effective control of risk on a sustained basis? The Baker Report, produced in response to the Texas City explosion in the United States, criticised BP for inferring that overall safety performance was good as a result of only From 1 at August 2009safety RSSBissues, will bewhereas publishing documents looking personal safety incidents produced by the M&EE Networking Group on the rgsonline linked to a series of processes within the plant had been on the rise. Relying on a limited range of Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) is not likely to be helpful to those who need a more complete picture to make effective decisions. Focusing attention on safety management activities and precursors to accidents as well can enable actions to be taken before accidents occur. For this reason a greater focus on more leading, proactive activity indicators is required. the content). See http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Pages/M_and_EE.aspx website (www.rgsonline.co.uk). For further information about the publication of documents The M&EE Networking Group is dedicated to the sharing of contact Marie Marks at marie.marks@rssb.co.uk professional engineering and railway operations information and to provide a focus to the rail industry relating to For further information about M&EE Networking Group operational and technical safety of plant. It is a meeting of the documents contact Mick James at mick.james@rssb.co.uk professional heads of mechanical and electrical engineering and operations from infrastructure contractors operating ontrack machines outside of possessions, Network Rail, RSSB, RSSB Events 2009 the Rail Plant Association, London Underground and elected representatives from other infrastructure renewal companies, Date Event Location technical services. Measuring Safety Performance – how to develop and manage safety performance 22 Sept Freedom to Train Workshop York The M&EE Networking Group produces Codes of Practice as 30 Sept DRACAS Seminar RSSB London (Defect reporting and Corrective Action System Seminar) plant owners, and manufacturers/suppliers of plant and good practice for all members of the industry and they have Indicators Britain’s railways on is aseveral new guidance previously for only been available disparatedocument websites. produced by the industry through RSSB, for use by individual companies. It is the culmination of a two year research In orderwhich to make Codes of Practice available to the a wider project hasthe investigated and drawn together best practice that is available from other industries, considering all audience, RSSB has agreed to publish them (though the aspects of SPIs. The guidance has also been tested in trials M&EE Group remains responsible for all of with twoNetworking train operating companies. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF RSSB ’ S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT THE RSSB BLOCK 2 ANGEL SQUARE The document comes in two parts: the first provides an overview and background to Safety Performance Indicators For more information on these RSSB organised events, (SPIs) and is relevant to managers, supervisors and directors. please contact Okezie, conferenceguidance manageron onhow to The second part Stella provides a step-by-step develop and5329 manage SPIs. 020 3142 or stella.okezie@rssb.co.uk RSSB ENQUIRY DESK ON 020 3142 5400 1 TORRENS STREET LONDON EC1V 1NY OR ENQUIRYDESK@RSSB.CO.UK WWW.RSSB.CO.UK ©©2011 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS 2009 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDSBOARD BOARDLIMITED LIMITED 5 Continued from page 05 The SRM templates, which are produced to help transport operators create a comprehensive riskto profile forSPI their The detailed guidance describes how run an programme involves a seven process. Each step operations inand support of their safetystep management activities, of the process is described in detail along with supporting are due to be released in August. A tool for undertaking information. Cost-Benefit Analysis in accordance with ‘Taking Safe By implementing an SPI programme the following benefits Decisions’ and ORR guidance is also in the final stages can be realised: of development. • Reduced risk Page 06 If you would like any further information, assistance or training in the use of the SRMv6 and its associated outputs, please • Strengthened safety culture contact George improvement Bearfield, safety risk assessment manager on • Continuous 020Learning 3142 5464 or others risk@rssb.co.uk. We welcome feedback • from fromEnhanced users of the bulletin or templates and are keen to hear • efficiency about our members particular needs for risk information, Copies of the guidance can be downloaded from the RSSB modelswebsite. and tools. RSSB will be facilitating regional industry briefings starting in December 2011, if you are interested in attending a briefing or want to find out more, contact Jay.Heavisides@rssb.co.uk or Kevin.Thompson@rssb.co.uk RSSB to publish M & EE Group Codes of Practice Rail research body – RRUKA – officially launched, and welcomed by Minister Both the railways and universities are looking to exploit the mutual benefits of even closer cooperation. The Rail Research UK Association (RRUK-A), which was started up a year ago, was officially launched at a highprofile launch event with rail industry personnel and over 20 universities on 8 November at Westminster Central Hall, London. This included a cross-section of chief executives, operations and engineering heads from across the industry in RSSB, LUL, HS2, the Technology Strategy Board, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the From 1 August 2009 RSSB will be publishing documents Department for Transport. produced by the M&EE Networking Group on the rgsonline The launch seals the joining of forces between UK universities website (www.rgsonline.co.uk). and the rail industry in a virtual research body, to be a bridge between the rail industry’s research needs and potential providers of research in the university sector. The M&EE Networking Group is dedicated to the sharing of The Minister of State for Transport, Theresa Villiers MP, professional engineering andinrailway operations information welcomed the development the keynote address, alongside RRUK-A industry co-chairs, Anson Jack, and to provide a focus to the rail industry relating to of RSSB and Professor Simon Iwnicki, of Manchester Metropolitan operational and technical safety of plant. It is a meeting of the University. Network Rail’s Andy Doherty chaired a panel professional of mechanical and electrical session with heads four university researchers and twoengineering industry representatives, talking about research that been onand operations from infrastructure contractorshas operating track machines outside of possessions, Network Rail, RSSB, done to date and the benefits that it has brought. The final presentation was an inspirational insight into the potential use of nanotechnology in the rail sector by Professor Martyn Pemble of the Tyndall National Institute. The industry believes that there is a wealth of knowledge, ideas and creativity at universities, which could be used to meet the needs of the railway in the UK, and that there is the opportunity to build on existing relationships and to provide further focus to realise the full potential of all of this capability. RRUKA opened the content). Seefor membership in 2010, and has over 25 members across the UK’s leading academics in railway http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Pages/M_and_EE.aspx science and engineering, with an enviable cache of research capabilities. For the is publication documents Onefurther of the information key aims ofabout RRUK-A to removeofthe barriers between academia and the railway industry through better contact Marie Marks at marie.marks@rssb.co.uk focusing research effort towards solutions for real-world problems and also through a better understanding within industry of information what university research can offer and how it can For further about M&EE Networking Group be supported. documents contact Mick James at mick.james@rssb.co.uk RRUK-A is run with oversight from an elected executive committee of industry and university representatives, and is funded by RSSB and Network Rail. RSSB Events 2009 For more aboutLondon RRUK-A membership, contact the secretariat: Tony Leyland, Southampton the Rail Plantdetails Association, Underground and elected University secretariat@rruka.org.uk and for matters of rail industry engagement: Tanya McCallum, representatives from other infrastructure renewal companies, Date Event Location RSSB rruka@rssb.co.uk plant owners, and manufacturers/suppliers of plant and technical services. 22 Sept Freedom to Train Workshop York Paul is awarded a Fellowship The M&EE Thomas Networking Group produces Codes of Practice as 30 Sept DRACAS Seminar goodThomas practice RSSB’s for all members of the and they have Paul Chairman, hasindustry been awarded Fellowship of the City and Guilds of London Institute for previously only been available on several disparate websites. distinction in the field of Engineering, and in particular, Nuclear Engineering. In order to make the Codes of a Practice available to a wider Rear Admiral Thomas CB has long and distinguished career in the Royal Navyhas looking after propulsion systems audience, RSSB agreed to nuclear publish them (though the but especially focussed on addressing the risks and improving M&EE Networking Group remains responsible for all of efficiency and safety. Since leaving the Navy, he has been involved with the civil and defence nuclear industries with FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF RSSB ’ S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT THE RSSB BLOCK 2 ANGEL SQUARE RSSB London (Defect reporting and Corrective Action System Seminar) a particular interest in safety culture and performance improvement. His work at information the Royal Academy Engineering, For more on these of RSSB organisedcontributing events, to safety and to the development of others, has been a please contact Stella Okezie, conference manager on continuous personal achievement. 020 3142 5329 or stella.okezie@rssb.co.uk Since joining the RSSB Board in 2005, he has been able to combine his lifelong interest in railways and share his extensive knowledge. RSSB ENQUIRY DESK ON 020 3142 5400 1 TORRENS STREET LONDON EC1V 1NY OR ENQUIRYDESK@RSSB.CO.UK WWW.RSSB.CO.UK ©©2011 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS 2009 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDSBOARD BOARDLIMITED LIMITED 5 Continued from page 06 The SRM templates, which are produced to help transport operators create a comprehensive risk profile for their Page 07 If you would like any further information, assistance or training Cost-Benefit Analysis in accordance with ‘Taking Safe in the use of the SRMv6 its associated Vice-Chair of City andand Guilds of London outputs, please Institute Mrs Valerie Bayliss contact George Bearfield, safetyCB, riskFCGI assessment manager on presents Paul Thomas CB with his 020Fellowship. 3142 5464 or risk@rssb.co.uk. We welcome feedback from users of the bulletin or templates and are keen to hear Decisions’ and ORR guidance is also in the final stages about our members particular needs for risk information, of development. models and tools. operations in support of their safety management activities, are due to be released in August. A tool for undertaking RSSB to publish M & EE Group Codes of Practice Eversholt Rail gets RISAS certification Eversholt Rail has become the second of the three major rolling stock companies (ROSCOs) to achieve RISAS (Railway Industry Supplier Approval Scheme) certification. Passengers and freight customers using the 21st century railway rely on well-maintained, reliable, safe, rolling stock. For the railway system to work safely and efficiently, companies need to be confident that their suppliers can meet their requirements. RISAS is the cross-industry scheme which provides a way of sharing assurance based on a onceand-for-all rigorous assessment of suppliers, initially for the assurance of critical products and services for rolling stock maintenance. From 1 August 2009 RSSB will be publishing documents Eversholt’s achievement helps to cement the ongoing produced by the M&EE Networking Group on the rgsonline commitment throughout the rail industry supply chain to websiteRISAS (www.rgsonline.co.uk). embed as the ‘standard’ in this area. The RISAS certificate means that Eversholt, which owns a large portfolio of 23 separate 3,495 passenger vehicles, The M&EE Networking Groupfleets, is dedicated to the sharing of 31 passenger locomotives, 83 freight locomotives and 981 professional engineering anditsrailway operations freight wagons, has proven capabilities at theinformation highest level, in buying, managing and overseeing maintenance and to provide a focus to the rail industry relating toof the most critical aspects of rolling stock crucial to safety, reliability and operational and technical safety of plant. It is a meeting of the performance. professional heads of mechanical and electrical engineering This means that customers like passenger and freight train and operations from infrastructure operating onoperating companies can rely on acontractors high level of assurance based on one universally accepted, rigorous assessment track machines outside of possessions, Network Rail, RSSB, in RISAS, avoiding the duplication and unnecessary cost of the Rail generic Plant Association, London Underground and elected multiple audits. representatives infrastructure companies, The assessmentfrom wasother undertaken by SGSrenewal CORREL Rail, as aplant Railowners, Industryand Supplier Approval Body (RISAB), accredited manufacturers/suppliers of plant and technical services. by RSSB. Such assessments pose ambitious challenges to candidates like Eversholt, to be able to demonstrate excellence across their entire spectrum of activities from board room to shop floor. This contributes to ‘duty holders’ safety management systems (SMS) in controlling risk, competence management and organisational learning as well as meeting the requirements of UK and EU legislation. Unlike a generic questionnaire or tick-sheet, the RISAS assessment gets under the skin of the company to obtain hard evidence that its performance meets the railway’s requirements. RSSB provides the content). Seethe rail industry with the framework for RISAS to work, as both the scheme manager and the accreditation http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Pages/M_and_EE.aspx agency, on behalf of the rail industry, represented by the RISAS Board. For further information about the publication of documents contact Marie Marks at marie.marks@rssb.co.uk For further information about M&EE Networking Group documents contact Mick James at mick.james@rssb.co.uk RSSB Events 2009 Date EventPorter, RSSB Chief Executive; Location Left to right: Len Mary Kenny, Eversholt Rail CEO, Ruud Haket, Chair of the RISAS Board. 22 Sept Freedom to Train Workshop For more information, contact Brian Evans, head of supplier assurance, brian.evans@rssb.co.uk. The M&EE Networking Group produces Codes of Practice as good practice for all members of the industry and they have York 30 Sept DRACAS Seminar RSSB London (Defect reporting and Corrective Action System Seminar) previously only been available on several disparate websites. RSSB would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas in 2011 and good wishes for the New Year Forbe more information on these RSSB organised and to say that, as in previous years, we will making a donation to charity instead ofevents, sending Christmas cards. please contact Stella Okezie, conference manager on In order to make the Codes of Practice available to a wider Our chosen charity in 2011 is Cancer Research and5329 the donation will go toward helping save lives 020UK 3142 or stella.okezie@rssb.co.uk audience, RSSB has agreed to publish them (though the from cancer. Their work includes supporting research into the disease; influencing public policy; and M&EE Networking Group remains responsible forprevention, all of providing information - on helping people cope with its effects, and for health professionals. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF RSSB ’ S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT THE RSSB BLOCK 2 ANGEL SQUARE RSSB ENQUIRY DESK ON 020 3142 5400 1 TORRENS STREET LONDON EC1V 1NY OR ENQUIRYDESK@RSSB.CO.UK WWW.RSSB.CO.UK ©©2011 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS 2009 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDSBOARD BOARDLIMITED LIMITED