Get the headlines: Standards Annual Report 2024
£74m and counting in benefits to industry over the next five years.
Sarah Shooter, Editorial Content Manager, RSSB
The report showcases the significant progress made in 2024, and the real-world results our industry will see. This work is projected to deliver a benefit of £74 million to industry over the next five years. And the final number is likely even higher.
2024's six new/revised standards showcased.
Chairs' messages from standards committees.
Rail Standards Strategy delivery update.
Standards communication and change explained.
Standards committees overview and details.
Read the report ❯
Making standards is a highly collaborative effort. On behalf of ISCC, thank you to all those across the rail industry, as well as those in RSSB, for your significant and impactful engagement in developing standards in the UK and across the world.
This delivers significant safety and efficiency improvements by standardising route and line-proving procedures, minimising risks for staff and passengers. This clarity is crucial as climate change increases route closures. Overall, this work will reduce delays and enhance collaboration between Network Rail and operators.
Estimated benefit: £6 million over 5 years
Find out more: RIS-3771-TOM issue 1 ❯
_______________
Major enhancements for trackworker safety will come from these changes to line access. They clarify the rules, restrict solo line access, give clear guidance on obstacle bypass, and more. These changes have the potential to reduce the risks of train strikes and close calls, fatalities, injuries, and delays.
Estimated benefit: £3.8 million over 5 years
Find out more: GERT8000-HB1 issue 8 ❯GERT8000-HB6 issue 8 ❯GERT8000-HB7 issue 9 ❯
Project costs and timelines will be reduced thanks to the updates to this standard . It streamlines vehicle compliance, incorporates experiential learning, and enhances guidance on track forces and derailment resistance. The changes ensure vehicles meet safety requirements while promoting smoother project execution. This benefits rail’s operational and financial health.
Estimated benefit: £3 million over five years.
Find out more: GMRT2141 issue 5 ❯
Standardising key cab features in train driving cabs improves driver comfort and safety, reducing operational risks like overruns. This human-centred design prioritises both driver well-being and operational efficiency.
Estimated benefits: £830,000 over five years.
Find out more: RIS-2761-RST issue 2 ❯
This groundbreaking new standard takes a holistic approach to level crossing system design to reduce collision risks. It facilitates cost-effective safety improvements through technology and human factors, aligned with ORR guidance and legal requirements.
Estimated benefits: £1.44 million savings over ten years
Find out more: RIS-0793-CCS issue 1 ❯
Advancing infrastructure resilience, new guidance and a free Route Availability Calculator have been published. By simplifying bridge compatibility assessments we can prevent overloads, ensure infrastructure safety, and streamline vehicle introduction and bridge modifications.
Find out more: GEGN8616 issue 1 ❯GERT8006 issue 4 ❯RIS-8706-INS issue 2 ❯
Webinars ❯ Interactive webinars offer expert-led updates and Q&A sessions.
Web pages ❯ Our ‘Latest Updates to Standards’ summaries of recent updates.
BriefingsTailored briefings offer in-depth explanations of standards and their application.
GuidanceOnline resources clarify the different types of railway standards and their use.
Standards NewsA monthly newsletter delivers timely updates on standards and consultations.View the latest issue ❯ Sign up now ❯
