24 Jun 2026

ARISO Board approves revisions to existing standards

The ARISO Board has approved updates to seven Standards and three Codes of Practice following its June meeting, marking another important milestone in supporting a safer, more productive and more interoperable national rail system.

The approved products support the rail industry across operations, rolling stock, infrastructure and technology, providing contemporary requirements and guidance that enhance safety, consistency and interoperability across the national rail system.

The approved products listed below are now available on the ARISO website:

Approved Standards

• AS 7454 Management of Network Route Competence
  • The Standard outlines clear principles for managing route competence, including how to develop, train, assess, and maintain the skills of rail traffic crew. It provides guidance on managing records and aligning practices with national competency units, helping ensure consistency across the industry.
• AS 7486 Rolling Stock Onboard Electrical Energy Storage
  • The Standard provides national guidance for onboard energy storage systems used on rolling stock, covering their use in traction, braking and auxiliary power. It supports harmonisation by aligning with international standards while adapting them to Australian conditions.
• AS 7504.1 Brake Components – Brake Blocks
  • Provides clear requirements and recommendations for the design and manufacture of brake blocks used in rolling stock. The Standard also addresses the quality of finished products, helping ensure that brake blocks are fit for purpose.
• AS 7507 Rolling Stock Outlines
  • The Standard provides a structured method for assessing rolling stock outlines using defined reference outlines and vehicles. It covers both static and dynamic conditions, including kinematic and swept envelopes, to reflect how trains behave in operation.
• AS 7508 Track Forces and Stresses
  • Sets out requirements to limit forces and contact stresses exerted by rolling stock on track infrastructure. It focuses on reducing track degradation and maintaining the integrity of the wheel–rail interface. The Standard also supports consistent assessment of rolling stock performance in relation to track interaction.
• AS 7510.1 Braking Systems – Locomotive Rolling Stock
• • Defines requirements for locomotive braking systems across several key areas. These include braking performance, requirements for braking system components and air supply systems, and interface requirements with other rolling stock. A key feature is its focus on interoperability, ensuring locomotives can operate with other vehicles and meet network stopping distance requirements.
• AS 7527 Rolling Stock Event Recorders
• • Defines a mandatory set of data that event recorders must capture, including speed, braking, control inputs, doors and vigilance systems, with specified sampling rates and accuracy. The Standard also includes requirements for data extraction and replay using standard formats. These features support consistent, reliable data collection and use across the rail industry.

Approved Codes of Practice

• Code of Practice – Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Locomotive Boilers
• • Provides guidance on the safe inspection, maintenance and repair of locomotive boilers, which are critical components in heritage rolling stock. It includes defined inspection regimes to ensure regular and consistent assessment of boiler condition.
• Code of Practice – Loading of Rail Freight
• • Provides a consistent framework for assessing and managing risks associated with rail freight loading. It includes guidance on safe working practices and operating procedures to support consistent application across the industry.
• Code of Practice – Type Approval – Signalling
• • The Code provides a structured framework for type approval of signalling products, based on a consistent and risk-based approach. A key feature is the use of a Product Information Pack as the central source of evidence to demonstrate compliance and suitability.