HSE press release E227:03 - 13 November 2003

RAILWAY SAFETY REVIEW: COME AND HAVE YOUR SAY

Following the recent publication of the Health and Safety Commission's (HSC) discussion document 'Safety on the Railway - Shaping the Future', the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is inviting interested parties to attend an open meeting to debate the issues raised in the document.

The document invites views and comments on options to renew and update railway safety legislation. It is aimed at all those working in the industry or interested in its safety performance, and is the outcome of a wide-ranging review by HSE. The review was driven by new European requirements, the need to implement public inquiry recommendations and a periodic evaluation of current law.

Dr Elizabeth Gibby, Head of HSE's Cullen Legislation Division, said: "This is the perfect opportunity to contribute to the regulatory and industry arrangements for securing safety on the railway. HSE, as the independent health and safety regulator, is keen to hear the views of all those interested in railway safety. I would encourage them to attend and let us hear their views and ideas on these important proposals."

The discussion document specifically seeks views on:

• the future of the current railway safety case regime;
• the most effective means of controlling risks from new plant and equipment;
• development of an accredited licensing system for key safety-critical workers;
• use of independent certification of safety-critical products and services; and
• managing competence, fitness and fatigue of safety-critical workers.

HSE is holding two open events:

• on Wednesday 19 November in London at 10.30 am; and
• on Monday 3 December in York at 1.00 pm.

Each event is scheduled to last around two hours and will begin with a short overview presentation by HSE officials. Following this, the meeting will be thrown open for questions and discussion.

Attendance is free but place numbers are limited; anyone wishing to attend either event should register their interest by telephoning 020 7717 6064 or e-mailing railwaydd@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The Discussion Document 'Safety on the Railway - Shaping the Future' was published on 27 October (see HSC press notice C059-03) and can be accessed via the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm. Hard copies can be obtained by e-mail on railwaydd@hse.gsi.gov.uk or by telephone on 020 7717 6064.

2. Comments on the Discussion document should reach HSE by Wednesday 31 December 2003.

3. The topics covered in the document are arranged by theme, preceded by an introduction setting out the review's objectives and constraints. One chapter discusses which transport systems should be captured by future legal and other requirements and remaining chapters cover:

• a review of the Railways (Safety Case) Regulations 2000;
• a review of the Railways and Other Transport Systems (Approval of Works, Plant and Equipment) Regulations 1994;
• improving the management of the supply chain through certification of suppliers of safety-critical products and services;
• improving the management of competence, fitness and fatigue through a review of the Railways (Safety Critical Work) Regulations 1994; and
• the development of an accredited licensing system of key safety-critical workers.

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES

: Call HSE's InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact, or write to: HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

PRESS ENQUIRIES relating to this press release: Journalists only

: Mark Wheeler 020 7717 6905.