Code of Practice - Type Approval - Signalling

Code of Practice – Type Approval – Signalling provides a consistent, risk‑based approach to the type approval of signalling products. It is based on the following key factors:

• A standardized and transparent framework aligned with AS 7702 to ensure consistent assessment across the industry.
• The use of a Product Information Pack (PIP) as the central evidence base for demonstrating compliance and product suitability.
• RTO-led decision making, ensuring approvals consider network-specific risks, conditions, and requirements.

The Code was reviewed to improve interoperability and harmonization across rail networks by aligning approval processes and reducing duplication. It also strengthens safety assurance through updated risk‑based assessment and hazard management.
Additionally, it enhances efficiency and productivity by enabling cross‑acceptance of approvals, while ensuring the Code keeps pace with current technology, industry practices, and regulatory requirements, maintaining its relevance.

The review strengthens alignment with current industry practices and national frameworks, with a focus on improving consistency and efficiency. Key changes include alignment with AS 7702:2023 and support for the emerging National Product Type Approval Framework. There is a stronger emphasis on cross-acceptance of approvals between organisations, which helps reduce duplication of effort. The Code also provides improved guidance on Product Information Packs, risk-based assessments, change management and decision making. In addition, it increases focus on emerging risks such as system interoperability, configuration complexity and interface dependencies. These updates make the approval process clearer and more consistent across the industry.

The Code manages several key risks associated with signalling product approval and use. These include safety risks arising from hazards and system failures, which are addressed through structured risk assessment. It also manages the risk of inconsistent approval decisions across different networks, which can lead to confusion or unsafe outcomes. Operational and interoperability risks are addressed by ensuring products are assessed consistently and can function across different systems. In addition, the Code considers risks related to product changes and the introduction of new technologies, helping ensure these are properly assessed before being deployed.

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. The Code also supports RTO-led decision making, ensuring approvals consider specific network conditions and risks. It is designed to improve harmonisation by aligning processes across the industry and enabling cross-acceptance of approvals. In addition, it reflects current technology, regulatory requirements and industry practices, helping ensure the approval process remains relevant and effective.

The Code improves safety by requiring a systematic, evidence-based approach to risk management. This ensures that hazards and potential failure modes are identified, assessed and controlled before a signalling product is approved for use. It improves interoperability by standardising approval processes across rail networks, which supports consistent assessment and reduces variation. The ability to cross-accept approvals between organisations allows products to be deployed more efficiently across different networks. These measures help ensure that signalling systems are both safe and compatible across the broader rail system.

The Code can be implemented by embedding a risk-based type approval process into the organisation’s safety management system. This includes assigning clear roles and responsibilities for assessing products and making approval decisions. Organisations should establish processes for reviewing Product Information Packs, assessing risks and managing changes. Systems should be put in place to manage approval records and supporting evidence, ensuring traceability. Training and guidance should be provided to staff and suppliers to ensure consistent understanding of the approval process. Ongoing audit and monitoring of product performance should also be carried out to support continuous improvement and maintain alignment with industry practices.