Standards for protection of train crew from debris
Date issue released
Issue number
Issue Status
Open – Safety action pending
Transport Function
Rail: Other
Issue Owner
Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board
Mode of Transport
Rail
Safety Issue Description

Contemporary Australian industry rail standards did not include structural requirements for cab doors, or other performance-based requirements, that addressed the protection of train crew in the case of vehicle overturn.

Issue Status Justification

The review of rail industry standards addressing structural requirements is considered an appropriate safety action. The safety issue is retained as open to provide for reporting on the outcome of this review on the ATSB website.

Proactive action
Action number
RO-2020-002-PSA-120
Organisation
Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board
Action Status
Monitor
Action description

The Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board advised that in response to this safety issue it will review AS 7520.1 Body Structural Requirements – Locomotive.

Organisation Response

Date Received
Organisation
Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB)
Response Text

The Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board advised that the relevant standards (AS7522 – Access & Egress and AS7520.1 – Body Structural Requirements – Locomotive) are already included within our 2024/25 Work Plan, and are scheduled to commence next month. Depending upon the complexity and the interest and responses from the Public Consultation process, we expect the reviews to be completed by early 2025.

ATSB Response

Action satisfactory and continue to monitor progress.

ATSB Response date

Organisation Response

Date Received
Organisation
Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB)
Response Text

The Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board advised that the review of the relevant standards (AS7522 – Access & Egress and AS7520.1 – Body Structural Requirements – Locomotive) has commenced and the scope of change includes findings from the said ATSB report. The project is progressing well, once the drafting is completed, the product will be made available for public consultation. 

ATSB Response

Action satisfactory and continue to monitor progress.

ATSB Response date