The HSC Business Plan for 2005-06 to 2007-08

HSE Rail

28. HSE Rail will merge with the ORR following the conclusions of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) White Paper “The Future of Rail”, published on 15 July 2004. DfT has put legislation to Parliament and the date proposed for the merger is 1 January 2006.

29. HSE will ensure that railway safety standards are maintained until the transfer, and will work closely with DfT and the ORR to ensure a smooth handover. HSE has restructured the way in which it interacts with the rail industry, and is implementing a Rail Delivery Programme (RDP) to improve HSE Rail’s effectiveness, efficiency and ability to discharge its functions with greater consistency and timeliness. A key part of the RDP is developing new rail safety regulations to implement European requirements and replace the separate existing requirements on safety cases, safety critical work and approval of works, plant and equipment.

30. HSE Rail is also working to deliver an integrated package of key work streams which support the aims of the HSC/E Railway Strategy. These include:

• Planned inspection and targeted intervention including investigation, enforcement and strategic action to reduce the risk of a catastrophic event
• Railway safety case assessment and verification
• Statutory approvals and authorisations of railway industry scheme proposals
• Policy advice and guidance, including maintaining effective liaison with other regulators and key stakeholders.

For further information see http://www.hse.gov.uk/railways/index.htm