Get the story behind the standards: March update

On-train camera monitoring systems guidance and noise and vibration legislation are changing

Quarterly standards update: what’s new, and why?

Sarah Shooter
Editorial Content Manager, RSSB

Each quarter, we make updates to the standards catalogue, which contains RSSB-managed railway standards. These are based on the latest legislation, research, and industry goals. Setting railway standards and keeping them current allows the industry to stay compliant, efficient, and safe. On 2 March 2024, we published the latest updates to standards, including changes for plant; rolling stock; energy; and control, command and signalling. There were also updates to the Rule Book and non-RSSB standards. We also provided the Department for Transport with the industry recommendation on the revision of seven National Technical Specification Notices, following successful industry agreement. Let’s take a deeper dive into two of the updates for rolling stock, to find out how, and why, they’ve changed.On-train camera monitoring systems
The Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB) published a report in February 2023 following a tragic accident. A train driver was fatally struck by a passenger train. It was a dark evening, and the driver had exited the cab of the stationary train in West Middle Worthing Siding. RAIB was unable to determine why the driver had left the train. However, they did find that no request was made for trains on the adjacent line to be stopped. RAIB recommended a revision of railway standards so all new trains are fitted with forward-facing CCTV equipment. The updated standard, RIS-2712-RST, aims to keep our train drivers safer, both in their cabs and in sidings.

Want to learn more?

Read the updated ‘On-Train Camera Monitoring Systems’ standard (RIS-2712-RST Iss 1.2) in full.

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Noise and vibration
To help protect the health and wellbeing of employees, passengers, and neighbouring communities from the impact of railway noise and vibration, we have published a new technical note. Technical notes aren’t binding documents. However, they allow us to give the best guidance we can on the application of standards and compliance with legislation.Noise and vibration from rail can cause hearing damage or loss or symptoms found in Raynaud's disease. It can also affect the general quality of life of those who face regular exposure. Technical note 2310 will help organisations operating on GB railways to understand their statutory responsibilities in this area. This includes manufacturers, constructors, occupational health practitioners, and rail leaders involved with planning significant projects that could generate harmful noise and vibration. Setting the standard
The safety of our people is of utmost importance. Even the smallest changes to railway standards can help us reduce the risk of fatal injuries. With each quarterly update, we hope to make rail safer and more efficient than before.

Want to learn more?

Read the technical note TN2310 issue 1, Compliance with noise and vibration legislation, in full.

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Watch the Standards Quarterly Update March 2024 webinar, where RSSB’s standards team shared the March updates to rail standards, which coverd noise and vibration, design of rail freight vehicles, and on-train camera monitoring systems. There were briefings on the standards management processes, how to apply for a deviation, standards consultations, and how you can get involved in standards drafting.