ATHRA Safety

Standards, Codes of Practice, MasterClass Webinars

RISSB (Rail Industry Safety Standards Board)

Standards and Codes of Practice

Standards under review where ATHRA has representation on the working groups

  • AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility

Undergoing a targeted review of AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility.

Undergoing a targeted aged review and to align with current environmental legislative practices at the local, state and federal levels.

  • Code of Practice – Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Rail Locomotive Boilers

The first meeting was held on the 1st September, what was discussed and finalised was areas of the CoP being reviewed and the approach being taken in undertaking the review the current 268 page document. It is anticipated the first stage of the review will take approximately 3 months to complete.

  • AS 7529.3 – Rolling Stock Fire Safety – Part 3 – Passenger

Undergoing a targeted aged review to align with current legislative practices.

 

Call for Public Consultation

AS 7529.1 Fire Safety Locomotives and Freight

Call for Public Consultation

The closing date for comments – Monday 17 November 2025

The AS 7529.1 Fire Safety Locomotives and Freight draft is now open for Public Consultation.

How this product helps the rail industry 

This requirements of this standard will minimise the fire risk on locomotive and freight rolling stock, including from emerging zero emissions technologies, to life of train crew, as well as the risks that a fire may pose to the life safety of other users of the infrastructure.

New zero emissions technologies such as lithium–ion batteries, hydrogen and ammonia are being rolled out in new rolling stock and retrofitted to existing rolling stock. These new technologies have implications for fire safety for those involved in the operation and maintenance of these vehicles.

 

Code of Practice – Operating Road Rail Vehicles

Call for Public Consultation
The closing date for comments – Wednesday 15 October 2025

The Code of Practice draft is now open for Public Consultation.
 

How this product helps the rail industry 

Road rail vehicles (RRVs) are a ubiquitous part of the railways and are used in a wide variety of activities and tasks. Such use has seen several adverse incidents and instances of misuse throughout the country.

This Code of Practice (CoP) provides all users with relevant information and guidance on RRVs and their management. This aids the development and establishment of systems and procedures to ensure the safe and effective operation of RRVs.

AS 7507 Rollingstock Outlines

Call for Public Consultation

The closing date for comments – Thursday 6 November 2025

The AS 7507 Rolling Stock Outlines draft is now open for Public Consultation.

 

How this product helps the rail industry 

This Standard ensures clear and consistent rolling stock clearance, reducing risks of collisions and infrastructure damage.

By addressing key safety hazards and providing a transparent framework for design and approvals, it streamlines processes for operators and manufacturers. Its nationally harmonised approach supports interoperability and reduces duplication, enabling innovation while maintaining safety.

AS 7660 Radio Communications in the Rail Corridor

Call for Public Consultation

The closing date for comments – Friday 31 October 2025

The AS 7660 Radio Communication in the Rail Corridor draft is now open for Public Consultation,

 

How this product helps the rail industry 

AS 7660 Radio Communication in the Rail Corridor sets national requirements for safe, reliable radio communications among rail crews, network controllers, and track workers. The benefits to the Australian rail industry are:

  1. Reduces the risk of accidents by addressing communication failures and black spots.
  2. Streamlines compliance with safety laws and supports smooth technology upgrades.
  3. Enables seamless operations across network and operator boundaries via harmonised requirements.
  4. Drives national reform by aligning communication practices and reducing duplication.

Adopting this Standard directly supports safer, more efficient, and unified rail operations essential for meeting Australia’s transport reform and industry growth goals.

MasterClass Webinars

Understanding Sleep Disorders and the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers

RISSB MasterClass Webinars

When

  • Tue 30 Sept 2025
  • 12:00 AEST | 11:30 ACST | 10:00 AWST

Details

Designed to provide greater clarity to Authorised Health Professionals (AHP) regarding sleep disorder and the health assessment of rail safety workers, this webinar will be presented in three parts:

1. Assessing patients and interpreting results

2. Treatment of OSA

3. Monitoring OSA treatment

Insights from OTSI’s no-blame investigations to enhance transport safety

RISSB MasterClass Webinars

Recorded

  • December 2024

Summary article

  • Reducing fatigue, reducing risk
    Published in Rail Express July 2025