The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has updated the standard on requirements for the operation of freight trains and the conveyance of dangerous goods.
Freight is vital for rail as the backbone of a sustainable transport system, with Government setting a challenging growth target of 75% by 2050. Moving freight by rail has numerous advantages, but if freight trains aren’t prepared properly, they can introduce risk of incidents and delay on the network.
RSSB has published an updated standard setting out the requirements for the operation of freight trains and the conveyance of dangerous goods. The standard is intended for freight operating companies, operators of freight terminals and yards, and those who prepare engineering trains.
The standard introduces a new requirement for organisations to assess the time and resources required to prepare a train for service. These new industry-agreed requirements are supported by detailed guidance on train preparation factors and examples of Certificates of Readiness.
This will help operators of freight trains consider:
- The suitability and appropriateness of existing arrangements.
- Arrangements for new traffic flows.
- The introduction of new wagons.
- Wagons being considered for loads that they have not previously carried.
The updates will reduce the risk of operational incidents such as derailments, reducing delays for both freight and passenger services.
Tom Lee, RSSB’s director of standards said:
“The safe and economic movement of freight is vital to the country. Learning from incidents and good practice we’ve worked with freight operators and other industry partners to drive improvements that will reduce delays and waste. The industry has agreed that this will lead to savings of at least £15m over the next five years, probably much more.”
Lee Shann, RSSB’s senior rail operations specialist, added:
“We have worked with Freight Operating Companies, Network Rail and industry working groups to develop and agree these changes, bringing safety and performance benefits to the rail freight industry.”
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