T&H operators who use RRVs should take note of the above findings in order to improve safety outcomes. There are some useful industry publications available to operators, such as RISSB Rolling Stock Standard AS7502 Road Rail Vehicles, – that provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of RRV operations. Management of change Introduction of plastic railway – sleepers Rail transport operators often introduce changes to their railway operations. The December 2016 edition of Rail Safety News included an article on Management Guidance on Systematic “Change – Approach”. It outlined a structured approach to managing change. The June 2017 edition of Rail Safety News included a follow up article outlining how this approach may be applied to upgrading an existing crossing project. It is understood that considerable work has been undertaken to develop and test plastic railway sleepers, as a potential alternative to timber sleepers. This article outlines how this change management approach may be applied to the introduction of plastic railway sleepers into a rail transport operator’s track. Step 1: Establish the context of change When considering the introduction of plastic railway sleepers it is important that the change is defined within the context of the organisation’s existing rail operations. It is suggested that specific questions be considered and answered. What is the scope of work? What are the project’s major stages? What are the benefits associated with this change? What are the legislative and safety management system compliance requirements? Rail transport operators should consider whether: to conduct a of plastic sleepers on a short section of track, install some plastic sleepers in a section of track (for example replacement of one sleeper in three) replace all existing sleepers with plastic sleepers in a section of track. A key question to be considered is what impact this proposed change will have on the rail transport operator’s existing inspection and maintenance regime. Step 2: Consult stakeholders or parties affected by the change There is a duty under the law to consult with all of the affected parties. Consultation provides the opportunity for organisations and individuals who may be affected by this proposed change to consider the introduction of plastic railway sleepers from their perspective. This engagement may result in the identification of additional risks to safety that need to be considered by the rail transport operator. It is suggested that the following questions be considered and answered:
T&H operators who use RRVs should take note of the above findings in order to improve safety outcomes. There are some useful industry publications available to operators, such as RISSB Rolling Stock Standard – AS7502 Road Rail Vehicles, that provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of RRV operations. Management of change – Introduction of plastic railway sleepers Rail transport operators often introduce changes to their railway operations. The December 2016 edition of Rail Safety News included an article on “Change Management – Guidance on Systematic Approach”. It outlined a structured approach to managing change. The June 2017 edition of Rail Safety News included a follow up article outlining how this approach may be applied to upgrading an existing crossing project. It is understood that considerable work has been undertaken to develop and test plastic railway sleepers, as a potential alternative to timber sleepers. This article outlines how this change management approach may be applied to the introduction of plastic railway sleepers into a rail transport operator’s track. Step 1: Establish the context of change When considering the introduction of plastic railway sleepers it is important that the change is defined within the context of the organisation’s existing rail operations. It is suggested that specific questions be considered and answered. What is the scope of work? What are the project’s major stages? What are the benefits associated with this change? What are the legislative and safety management system compliance requirements? Rail transport operators should consider whether: to conduct a of plastic sleepers on a short section of track, install some plastic sleepers in a section of track (for example replacement of one sleeper in three) replace all existing sleepers with plastic sleepers in a section of track. A key question to be considered is what impact this proposed change will have on the rail transport operator’s existing inspection and maintenance regime. Step 2: Consult stakeholders or parties affected by the change There is a duty under the law to consult with all of the affected parties. Consultation provides the opportunity for organisations and individuals who may be affected by this proposed change to consider the introduction of plastic railway sleepers from their perspective. This engagement may result in the identification of additional risks to safety that need to be considered by the rail transport operator. It is suggested that the following questions be considered and answered: