Safety-oriented parameter in railways

01.11.2007 - 30.06.2009
Research funding project
The rail road sector is known as the most secure transport mode. In order to maintain this high security standard security-relevant parameters have to be observed carefully in order to react adequate and immediately in risky situations. Due to the liberalisation of railway operation and the separation of railway operation and railway infrastructure and therefore the rearrangement of responsibilities of the separated railway operator and railway infrastructure management companies, new strategies for the gathering, processing and adequate handling of security-relevant parameters have to be developed. Within the course of the study the topic ¿observation of security-relevant parameters¿, regarding all relevant aspects, will be investigated in detail within five work packages. At first all security-relevant parameters of the railroad system will be acquired, so a matrix with relevant applications, established within railroad companies, can be elaborated. Next step has to be the classification and systematization of the applications. One of the most important aspects will be the identification of existing discrepancies within the railway system. Result of study will be a set of strategies for the efficient observation of security-relevant parameters on the railway, also useful as guidelines for further decisions for all companies involved in the railway system. Methods used for this are: Systematic collection of applications and processes established within the railway system, interviews with keyplayers, execution of a SWOT (Strenghts-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis and the elaboration of a matrix displaying allocation and emphasis of the parameters in adjustment to situation and technology. Also at least two workshops will take place, including the know-how national and international experts. Because of the composition of the project team all relevant stakeholders of the railway system are incorporated in the study. ABC Consulting has vast experience in the execution of R&D projects in the railway sector. The technical university of Vienna, institute for railway engineering, traffic economics and ropeways will act as scientific consultant within the project. Rail Cargo Austria AG and ÖBB Infrastruktur Betrieb AG will provide their know-how and experience as railway operator/cargo operator and railway infrastructure management company. With the study SUParBahn strategies for an optimised and efficient supervision of security-relevant parameters will be identified, considering also different responsibilities, are elaborated as guidelines for further decisions made by railway operators or railway infrastructure management companies. In addition to the standardized security-relevant parameters of railways also further security-aspects will be considered.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FFG - Österr. Forschungsförderungs- gesellschaft mbH (National) Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

Research focus

  • Risk based Design: 100%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
SicherheitSafety
EisenbahnRailway

External partner

  • ABC Consulting
  • RailCargo Austria GmbH
  • ÖBB Infrastruktur Betriebs AG

Publications