AS 7641 Rail Friction Management

This Standard establishes the functional and performance requirements, approved configuration for the design and installation of rail friction management systems, comprising of gauge face rail lubricators and top-of-rail friction modifiers.

This Standard establishes the functional and performance requirements, approved configuration for the design and installation of rail friction management systems, comprising of gauge face rail lubricators and top-of-rail friction modifiers.

This edition of the Standard has been updated to improve clarity, usability, and coverage of rail friction management practices. Key changes include revisions to the Objective and Scope sections to provide clearer guidance on the intent and application of the Standard. Guidance and explanatory content that does not constitute a mandatory requirement has been moved to an appendix, making it easier for users to distinguish between requirements and supporting information. In addition, requirements for top-of-rail (TOR) friction management have been introduced, expanding the Standard’s coverage and providing greater consistency in the management of wheel-to-rail friction across the rail network.

This Standard supports safer and more reliable railway operations by establishing requirements for the effective management of friction at the wheel-to-rail interface. Rail friction management involves the controlled application of lubricants or friction modifiers to optimise wheel and rail interaction, helping to reduce wheel and rail wear, minimise the risk of flange climb derailments, limit the development of rolling contact fatigue and rail corrugation, and reduce noise generated when trains negotiate curves.

By adopting consistent rail lubrication and friction management practices, infrastructure managers can reduce the rate of track deterioration, improve the condition and performance of track and rolling stock assets, and lower the risk of wheel-to-rail interface issues that may contribute to derailments. The Standard also promotes a common approach to rail lubrication management, supporting interoperability across rail networks while helping to minimise infrastructure damage, noise pollution, and environmental impacts.

This Standard helps manage key risks associated with the wheel-to-rail interface, including derailment, track degradation, and noise and environmental impacts. By establishing requirements for the effective management of wheel and rail interaction, the Standard supports safe railway operations, protects track assets from excessive wear and damage, and helps minimise adverse environmental and community impacts.

Rail infrastructure managers should review their existing procedures and processes for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of rail lubrication systems to ensure they align with the requirements of this Standard. Where gaps are identified, organisations should update their documentation, practices, and controls to meet the minimum requirements and support consistent, effective management of rail lubrication systems across their network.