New guidance on the development of tramway Safety Management Systems has been published by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.
In addition to setting out the governance processes that are an essential part of a comprehensive SMS, the document describes the typical procedures to ensure safe operation of trams, as well as the safety of workers, passengers, and members of the public.
The guidance was developed while the organisation supported the transition of Sheffield Supertram into the ownership of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
Mark Ashmore, Head of Safety and Assurance at the LRSSB at the LRSSB, explained: “Our work with the SYMCA provided the ideal opportunity to review existing SMS processes for the benefit of the wider sector while helping the authority to meet its statutory obligations.
“The guidance sets out how an SMS should be developed during the design, construction, testing and handover phases of either new networks or the extension of existing routes, and has been developed to align with national and international standards.
“These include ISO 45001 guidance on occupational health and safety management systems, the Office of Rail and Road’s RM3 framework, and guidance on the assessment criteria for non-mainline safety certificate and safety authorisation applications.”
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