AS 7722 EMC Management

The objective of this Standard is to define requirements for the management of electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility of devices used in the railway so that all systems used in the railway are electromagnetically compatible.
These requirements define the minimum effort required to manage the risk associated with EMC and to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory, safety and reliability requirements. Particular situations could require more detailed assessment.
Advisory information is also provided to support mandatory requirements.
Rail Transport Operators (RTOs) are responsible to ensure that any EMC risks introduced by new or altered systems and products are controlled so far as is reasonably practicable (SFAIRP).

AS 7722 EMC Management establishes a comprehensive, whole‑of‑lifecycle framework for managing electromagnetic compatibility across rail systems, ensuring compatibility, safety, regulatory compliance and reliable operation. It provides mandatory requirements for managing electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility across all railway systems, giving rail transport operators confidence that systems remain electromagnetically compatible, safe, reliable and compliant throughout their lifecycle. It also requires that EMC risks are managed so far as is reasonably practicable when new assets are introduced or existing assets are modified. The updated Standard incorporates new and revised EMC‑related standards and takes a contemporary approach to EMC risk management and functional safety, reducing variation in how rail organisations identify, assess and mitigate EMC risks.

Since the previous review, AS 7722 has been significantly modernised to improve clarity, usability and industry harmonisation. It now incorporates a wide range of updated IEC, EN, AS/NZS and ACMA‑mandated EMC standards published or revised since 2016. It introduces a more contemporary EMC risk management approach with strengthened threat assessment, interface control and functional safety considerations. Lifecycle requirements have been expanded and clarified across design, construction, testing, commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning. The Standard also provides stronger alignment with Radiocommunications, ARPANSA, WHS, RSNL and electrical safety legislation, and introduces more detailed EMC requirements for rolling stock, signalling, telecommunications, power systems and system interfaces.

AS 7722 improves safety by ensuring that electromagnetic interference does not jeopardise the operation of safety‑critical systems, by requiring compliance with human exposure limits and by strengthening functional safety and risk management practices. It improves interoperability by harmonising EMC expectations across Australia, ensuring compatibility between systems, operators, suppliers and infrastructure, aligning with international EMC standards and providing a consistent national framework for assurance and testing.

AS 7722 manages risks associated with electromagnetic interference between rail systems, preventing unintended interactions between rolling stock, signalling, communications, electrification and external systems. It mitigates the risk of safety‑critical system failures by ensuring EMI does not affect train detection, braking, interlocking or other essential functions. It also manages human exposure risks by ensuring emissions remain within ARPANSA and ICNIRP limits for workers and the public. The Standard ensures electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility are controlled so rail systems operate safely, reliably and without unintended interference.

Implementation requires changes across people, processes and systems. AS 7722 applies across engineering, operations and assurance functions because EMC affects rolling stock, signalling, power, communications and safety‑related systems. Organisational processes must integrate EMC into engineering, safety and project workflows, including safety management systems, design processes, procurement and contracting and risk assessments. Implementation intersects with various digital tools and platforms including enterprise asset management systems, test equipment, rolling stock configuration systems and assurance systems. Organisations should establish EMC competency requirements based on role analysis, develop a consistent EMC assessment process that includes design reviews, interface analysis, emissions and immunity testing and clear documentation of compliance evidence, and prepare projects and suppliers early by providing clear EMC requirements and guidance. Ongoing compliance requires regular auditing of EMC management activities, test evidence and maintenance practices, and ensuring that personnel involved in EMC assessment, testing and design hold the necessary skills, competence and qualifications required under AS 7722.