AS 7521 Interior Crashworthiness

The objective of this document is to set the minimum requirements for the interiors of rolling stock to minimize the risk of injury during derailments, collisions and accidents.

This document supports the management of risks associated with individuals striking or being struck by surfaces, structures, or objects, as well as risks arising from contact with hot surfaces, electrical hazards, chemicals, and other hazardous substances.

This Rolling Stock Standard has been developed to promote passenger safety by reducing the risk of injury during incidents involving sudden deceleration, collision, or other abnormal operating conditions. The Standard provides requirements and guidance for the design of seating, interior fittings, and passenger compartment layouts to minimise injuries caused by secondary impacts within the vehicle. It also specifies requirements for glazing used in windows and partitions, as well as for materials used in seats, tables, and other interior fittings, helping to improve occupant protection. In addition, the Standard includes guidance on the height and positioning of seats to reduce unrestrained passenger movement and free-flight distances, along with test requirements to demonstrate compliance with the specified safety performance criteria.

This edition of the Standard has been updated primarily to reflect amendments made to the referenced industry standard and to improve the clarity and application of requirements across different types of rail vehicles. While the referenced source document has undergone several revisions since the previous review, the impact on the requirements of this Standard is minor. The most significant changes relate to the organisation and structure of the document, making it easier for users to identify and apply relevant requirements. The revised Standard also provides clearer guidance on how requirements apply to different vehicle types, including passenger cars, locomotives, crew cars, and infrastructure maintenance vehicles, helping organisations achieve more consistent and effective implementation.

This Standard helps improve safety by establishing requirements that reduce the risk of passenger injury during derailments, collisions, and other railway accidents. By providing guidance on the design of seats, interior fittings, glazing, and passenger compartment layouts, the Standard aims to minimise injuries caused by secondary impacts and passenger movement within the vehicle during an incident. Consistent application of these requirements enhances occupant protection and contributes to safer rail travel for passengers.

The Standard also supports interoperability by providing a common set of safety requirements that can be applied across different rolling stock types and railway operators. This consistency promotes a uniform approach to passenger safety, helping manufacturers, operators, and rail authorities design, assess, and maintain rolling stock to recognised industry requirements.

This Standard helps manage risks associated with passengers and rail personnel being injured through contact with vehicle interiors, fittings, structures, or other objects during normal operation or accident scenarios. It also addresses risks arising from contact with hot surfaces, electrical systems, chemicals, and other hazardous substances that may be present within rolling stock. By establishing requirements for the design, construction, and safety performance of rolling stock components, the Standard supports the reduction of injury risks and contributes to a safer operating environment for passengers, workers, and other rail infrastructure users.

This Standard should be adopted by rolling stock engineers, safety professionals, maintenance planners, operations managers, and suppliers involved in the design, procurement, modification, operation, and maintenance of rolling stock. Organisations can implement the Standard by incorporating its requirements into engineering specifications, procurement processes, design reviews, and asset management practices.

The Standard applies to both new and modified rolling stock and should be referenced when purchasing new vehicles or developing specifications for modifications to vehicle interiors, glazing, seating, and other passenger-facing components. By integrating the Standard’s requirements into project planning, design, testing, and maintenance activities, organisations can promote a consistent approach to passenger safety and demonstrate compliance with recognised industry practices.