The Safety Management System Programme

RSSB Support for Railway Safety Management

Background

A Health & Safety Management System consists of the arrangements and process used by an organisation to effectively manage Health and Safety to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Its objective is to provide the necessary framework around which good performance can be established and maintained and which will support the development of a positive safety culture.

The recent introduction of new railway safety legislation most notably the Railway & Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 provides an opportunity for industry to review / refine existing practices with a view to developing safety management systems which contain more efficient methods, systems and processes based on best practices. 

Harmonisation of certain SMS elements has the potential to deliver operating efficiencies and assist duty holders with the practical operation of the duty of co-operation.  A significant proportion of rail safety system risk is controlled through the combined efforts of transport operators, therefore necessitating clarity of roles, responsibilities and processes at the interfaces.

After consultation with key stakeholders, a number of tasks have been identified that will support and assist duty holders in complying with their statutory duties, through helping to achieve a common understanding and where possible a common approach.

Safety Management Systems Programme

The SMS Programme is established to put together and facilitate the above tasks by working
closely with industry stakeholders to build on existing processes and provide a way forward
on these issues.  The Programme will also seek to provide and establish synergies with other
work streams at a company and industry level thus setting the foundations for continuous
improvement of safety management systems.

The following publications are available from:

ROGS Regulations and guidance notes:
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.7964

Interoperability Regulations and guidance notes:
http://www.dft.gov.uk
Then use the search function to locate the regulations and guidance notes.
A TEN map of the UK is also available from the guidance page.

Other guidance:
HMRI assessment manual - http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/284.pdf
Assessment criteria - http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/285.pdf

Guidance available on ORR website at:
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1106 (Safety critical work)
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/283.pdf (general ROGS guidance)
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/293.pdf (fatigue guidance)

If you have problems accessing any of these links, please go to the website homepage and use the search function for the documents you require.

ROGS Briefing material

RSSB in conjunction with ORR and other industry partners has recently undertaken a programme of briefings to inform Railway Safety Case Holders of the changes introduced by the new Regulations.

A copy of the presentations given at the original four briefings can be accessed below:
Briefing Presentations

A copy of the updated presentations that were given at the briefing on the 1st December can be accessed below:
Friday 1 December Briefing Presentations

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