Document Number: NIST-2831

STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

1. PURPOSE
To define the Standards for Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs) and attached trailers to be used
on the V/Line network.

2. SCOPE
This document defines the standards with which RRVs (and attached trailers) must
comply to be registered by V/Line to operate on the V/Line network.
This Standard applies to RRVs owned or leased by V/Line, contractors or other third
parties wishing to access the V/Line network.
This Standard does not apply to trains or rail bound track machines.
This Standard does not apply to trolleys of 100 kg or less.
This Standard does not apply to specific track maintenance and condition measuring
machines being spikepullers, spike drivers, Pandrol applicators, track gauge and
clearance measuring trolleys.
The provisions of this Standard are mandatory.
This Standard describes different requirements for two different operating contexts:
On the Open Running Line: Traversing the running line using light or heavy rigid
vehicles for tasks such as track inspections, light work
and weed spraying. Safeworking under Road/rail
permission or Track Warrant.
Within a Defined Worksite: A controlled worksite using various vehicles which may
also include excavators, cranes, and elevated work
platforms. The adjacent line may be open to rail traffic.
Safeworking under absolute occupation or track force
protection or track warrant.

3. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

EWP – Elevating Work Platform.
Road Rail Vehicle (RRV): (Also known as a hi-rail vehicle) Any type of vehicle, which
can travel on either the road, or rail and which can be configured to operate in one mode
of operation to the other. It may include excavators, cranes, and elevated work
platforms. It includes any trailers or trolleys attached to the vehicle.
Running line: The running line shall include any track on which trains run between
stations or crossing loops and shall include all other running tracks within station limits
controlled by signallers. The running line excludes sidings containing points operated by
hand levers.
Plant: Covers items such as lifts, cranes, pressure equipment, machinery, hoists,
powered mobile plant, amusement structures, lasers, turbines, explosive powered tools,
scaffolding and temporary access equipment.

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 Document Number: NIST-2831

STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

For the purposes of this standard, the term plant typically refers to excavator and
backhoe machines.
It also includes;
 any machinery, equipment, appliance, container, implement and tool;
 any component of any of those things;
 anything fitted or connect to any of those things.

Rolling Stock: (as defined in the Rail Safety Act) a vehicle or a part of a vehicle that
operates on or uses a railway track, and includes road/rail vehicle and trolley/trailer. It is
not considered rolling stock when it is not operating on a railway track.
Track Vehicle: (as defined by the Book of Rules) Rolling stock used for inspections and
maintenance that is not a train. This includes road rail vehicles as well as rail-bound plant
such as tampers and regulators.
Overhead Line Equipment (OLE): Equipment used to transmit electrical energy to
trains.

4. REGISTRATION

4.1.1 RRVs must be registered prior to operation on the V/Line Regional Network. Refer
to instructions in the Network Service Plan on the V/Line website.

4.1.2 To apply for registration, forward a completed SAFO-146 Road Rail Vehicle
Approval Form for each vehicle to V/Line, with attachments as applicable.

4.1.3 If operating under V/Line’s supervision/accreditation, a completed NIFO-2831.2

Road Rail Vehicle (TV2) Acceptance Checklist must also be supplied to V/Line.
This is a joint form with Metro Trains Melbourne. An assessment completed for
Metro Trains Melbourne will be accepted by V/Line with the registration application.

4.1.4 Registered RRVs are listed under the nominated Accredited Rail Operator in the
Network Service Plan Addenda, available on the V/Line website. The same vehicle
may be registered under different Accredited Rail Operators.

4.1.5 Operating restrictions for the vehicle will be listed in the Network Service Plan
Addenda.

4.1.6 Any vehicle that has been modified or has been involved in an incident that may
affect the vehicle’s integrity must be confirmed to remain compliant with this
standard. Any changes to details supplied with the original registration must be
supplied to V/Line.

5. STANDARD
5.1 General

5.1.1 RRVs to be registered for use and permitted to be used on the V/Line network shall
be designed and constructed to comply with this Standard and other applicable
Standards referenced in this document. Other Australian, Rail Industry and
International Standards may also be applicable.

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 Document Number: NIST-2831

STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

5.1.2 The design and construction of RRVs shall comply with all relevant legislative
requirements and codes.

5.1.3 This Standard supports the formal process for the registration of RRVs as described
in Section 4.
5.2 Safety

5.2.1 RRVs shall be safe at all times and in all modes of operation and functionality.

5.2.2 RRVs shall comply with all OH&S legislation and codes. Risks to safety must be
eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable. A risk assessment must
be supplied with the vehicle covering the life-cycle of the vehicle including operation
and maintenance.

5.2.3 Specific protection shall be provided to protect personnel from vehicle swing areas,
vehicle overturning with changes in centre of gravity during operation, fall prevention
from heights and all other matters arising from the functionality of the vehicle. The
hierarchy of controls should be considered for the type of protection.

5.2.4 RRVs with booms, jibs and lifting devices which alter the vehicles centre of gravity
when in use shall be provided with a means to prevent unloading of the rail wheels
and over turning.
5.3 Environmental Requirements

5.3.1 RRVs shall be designed and constructed to be safe and suitable for transit and use
for their intended functionality under all environmental conditions experienced in the
V/Line Regional Network.
5.4 Functionality

5.4.1 RRVs shall be designed, constructed and certified by the accredited operator as
safe for their specific functionality.

5.4.2 RRVs with multiple functionalities shall be designed, constructed and certified as
safe and suitable for use in each functional mode.

5.4.3 RRVs shall have propulsion and braking capabilities so as to be in control of the
movement of the vehicle at all times.

5.4.4 RRVs shall be designed and constructed to prevent vehicle run away on grades.

5.4.5 RRVs with components that may move outside the rolling stock outline shall be fitted
with devices to secure the components whilst the vehicle is in transit.
5.5 Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) Safety

5.5.1 Transit:
RRVs must not exceed a vertical height of 4120mm above top of rail when transiting
under Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) i.e. on the Melbourne Metropolitan
electrified network.

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STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

5.5.2 Movement Restrictor Devices:

RRVs must be fitted with devices which limit the maximum height of any part of the
RRV (including loads or attachments) to 3.9 metres above top of rail if working under
or within the vicinity of the “OLE No-Go-Zone” (as defined in SAPR-73).
5.6 Vehicle Clearance

5.6.1 The RRV shall:

 In transit, remain within the static rolling stock outline RISSB Reference Vehicle 1
from VRIOGS 001, Structure Gauge Envelopes – Minimum Clearances for
Infrastructure Adjacent to the Railway. Previously known as Plate A. (Note: For
vehicles certified to NSW standards and operating on or near the Melbourne
metropolitan network. Note that the maximum allowable tyre width under NSW
standards is not compatible with Rolling Stock Static Outline and may conflict with
Melbourne train stop trip arms)
 For rolling stock that does not comply with the static rolling stock outline above refer
to NIST-2617 – Transit Space Clearances.
 RRVs intended to travel or work under OLE must comply with the paragraph 5.5 of
this Standard. In particular, the height requirements and movement limiting devices to
prevent proximity to the overhead wiring system.
5.7 Towing and Lifting

5.7.1 RRVs shall have a means of being moved in the event of disablement and shall
have available suitable towing devices to permit safe removal (e.g. suitably rated
tow-bar and autocoupler adapter, towing/lifting points).

5.7.2 RRVs shall be fitted with jacking points for safe jacking of the vehicle. RRV must
carry a jack that is rated for the vehicle and carried equipment.
5.8 Loading

5.8.1 RRVs shall not exceed the maximum axle load for the network of 19 tonnes (Refer
V/Line Network Service Plan - Network Operating Requirements).
5.9 Braking performance

5.9.1 RRVs shall be fitted with a service brake to bring the vehicle to a stop. (Note special
requirements for friction drive vehicles).

5.9.2 Brake performance must, at a minimum, stop the vehicle at gross weight on level
tangent track in dry conditions from the vehicle’s normal operating speed (i.e.
maximum allowable speed) within the maximum stopping distance shown in Table 1
below. (The maximum stopping distance is based on NSW standards deceleration
criteria of 0.9 m/s2 for vehicles with steel wheels).

5.9.3 Vehicles operated Within Defined Worksites only and incapable of higher speeds
must stop within 20 metres from 15 km/h (also based on NSW standards).

Table 1 Brake performance criteria

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 Document Number: NIST-2831

STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

Speed (km/h) Max stopping distance (m)

(deceleration of 0.9 m/s2)
60 155
40 70
15 20

5.9.4 RRVs shall be fitted with a holding brake to hold the loaded vehicle indefinitely at
rest on a 1 in 30 grade.

5.9.5 Vehicles utilising hydraulic motors shall not use the hydraulic motors in any park
brake capacity. Spring applied, hydraulic released park brake assemblies shall
have adequate protection (for example filters) from foreign materials and debris
contaminating the hydraulic circuitry. Fail safe designs should be utilised in the
event of contamination affecting the park brake assembly, particularly preventing the
park brake from applying.
5.10 Braking requirements for friction drive vehicles

5.10.1 RRVs with friction drive (i.e. rubber tyre acting on the rail wheel or hub) are not
permitted on the V/Line network unless the rail wheels are directly fitted with park
and service brakes to the rail wheels.
5.11 Rail Guidance

5.11.1 Road rail vehicles shall be fitted with rail wheels and rail operating systems
designed and manufactured in accordance with accepted railway standards.

5.11.2 RRVs shall have their rail guidance gear designed such that under fully loaded
conditions the suspension components (flexitors, springs, etc) and running gear
components, wheels, axles, bearings, etc) shall be within their design and fatigue
loadings.

5.11.3 The wheel tread profile must comply with ANZR (refer to AS 7514. 4 Railway rolling
stock – Wheels – Part 4 Infrastructure). In particular, note that AAR (American)
Standard thick flange wheel tread profile is not acceptable.

5.11.4 Rail wheel Back to back measurement must be within: 1523 to1525 mm (Broad
gauge) and 1358 to1360 mm (Standard Gauge).

5.11.5 RRVs shall be capable of negotiating curves of 100 metres radius.

5.11.6 Rail guidance shall not be of a form that allows the vehicle to be without brakes
during the transition from road to rail operation and vice versa. This requirement
also applies when using emergency hand pumps (Note: refer also to special
requirements for friction drives).
5.12 Road registration

5.12.1 RRVs capable of road registration shall be road worthy and registered for road use
during the period of registration as an RRV.

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STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

5.12.2 RRVs that operate on roads must meet relevant requirements of the Australian
Design Rules.
5.13 Lighting

5.13.1 RRVs shall have an orange flashing warning light, headlights, tail and stop lights.

5.13.2 RRVs shall be fitted with lights for transit and working modes. They shall have
lighting of the environment at a level appropriate to the work being performed.

5.13.3 The orange flashing light must be visible to a person standing 4 metres, in any
direction, from the vehicle. If the flashing light is not visible from any side/end, then
additional flashing lights will be required.

5.13.4 Any vehicle operating on the Open Running Line in hours of darkness must be fitted
with lighting complying with AS 7531.4.
5.14 Safety Equipment

5.14.1 RRVs require the following safety equipment:

 First aid kit.
 Reversing light and warning beeper. Excavators and plant with restricted
operator vision in both forward and reverse directions must be fitted with a travel
alarm, which operates in both directions.
 Speed indicator and a label showing maximum permitted speed (if the vehicle is
capable of >15 km/h).
 A functioning horn.
 Rear view mirror (or camera).
 Working fire extinguisher.

5.14.2 RRVs travelling only within a Defined Worksite require a radio for local
communications.

5.14.3 RRVs travelling on the Open Running Line require the following functioning
equipment:
 Train to base radio (and/or ICE Digital Radio depending on location and
transitional implementation).
 Vigilance Control System.
 Two each red and green flags.
 Two boxes of Audible Track Warning devices (ATW) in a suitable container.
 One multi-coloured hand lamp or torch.
 Emergency tow bar and auto-coupler adaptor.
 Pin drive and engineers hammer (700 g).
 Working fire extinguisher.

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STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

 Fully stocked first aid kit.

 Knapsack spray in fire danger season.
 Any additional safety equipment to be carried as specified in Section 34-134-
Operation of Road/Rail Vehicles.
5.15 Marking and Labelling

5.15.1 RRVs shall be labelled with the maximum permitted speed for the vehicle (Note that
maximum allowable speed for RRVs on rail is 60 km/h on welded track and 40 km/h
on jointed track).

5.15.2 RRVs shall be labelled with the loading capacity for the vehicle.

5.15.3 All controls shall be appropriately labelled.

5.16 Cranes, Elevating Work Platforms and Excavators

5.16.1 Cranes, Elevating Work Platforms, front-end loaders, tractors and similar machines
fitted with wheels or guides that enable part or all of the vehicles to be mounted on
or guided by rails are to be registered as an RRV. Where the vehicles are used on
the road network they shall be road worthy and registered for road use.

5.16.2 Cranes, Elevating Work Platforms, front-end loaders, tractors and similar machines
shall comply with the relevant Australian or International Standards applicable to the
type of machine.

5.16.3 Vehicles requiring registration of ownership or design under occupational/work

health safety legislation must be registered.

5.16.4 EWPs must be tested on rail for stability and comply with AS 1418 Cranes, hoists
and winches – mobile elevating work platforms. EWP chained to a flatbed truck is
prohibited.

5.16.5 RRVs with potential for overturning shall be fitted with movement limiting devices as
necessary to prevent wheel unloading and vehicle over turning.
5.17 Trailers or Trolleys

5.17.1 This Standard does not apply to trolleys of 100 kg or less.

5.17.2 Trailers or trolleys must be fitted with a fail-safe runaway brake.

5.17.3 All trailers or trolleys must be fitted with a service brake.

5.17.4 Trailers or trolleys must be labelled with a maximum load capacity.

5.17.5 Tow bars must be marked with towing capacity.

5.17.6 Towing equipment must be suitable for its intended function and rated accordingly.

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STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

5.18 RRVs used as a Locomotive

5.18.1 Rolling stock approval is required for an RRV used as a locomotive. This refers to
vehicles capable of hauling rail wagons including operation of the rail wagon air
brake system.

5.18.2 RRVs capable of operating as a locomotive and hauling freight wagons must have a
braking system compatible with the hauled wagons.

5.18.3 The maximum allowable train mass that can be hauled must be marked on the sides
of the vehicle and in the drivers cab.

5.18.4 The traction and braking performance for the maximum loads on various grades
must be proven. The couplers and draft gear must be suitable for the maximum
loads.

5.18.5 The RRV must be fitted with the safety equipment required for an RRV on the Open
Running Line.
5.19 Insulation and Track Circuits

5.19.1 Due to the low relative weight of RRVs they cannot reliably activate track circuits.
For this reason the rail wheels must be insulated to prevent any activation of track
circuits. No action is permitted to bypass this insulation system.
5.20 Hydraulics

5.20.1 All hydraulic and pneumatic systems must comply with applicable Australian or
international Standards.

5.20.2 Rail guidance gear shall be fitted with safety latches to prevent unintentional
deployment when travelling off rail.

5.20.3 RRVs must be equipped with a manual means of retracting rail gear in the event of
hydraulic failure.
5.21 RRV Inspection and Maintenance

5.21.1 RRVs shall be supported by a formal maintenance regime appropriate to the type of
vehicle and as recommended by the manufacturer.

5.21.2 A maintenance log of all planned and reactive maintenance for the vehicle shall be
established and maintained.

5.21.3 Maintenance regime must include the following annually as a minimum:

 Twist test (Wheel unloading not to exceed 60%)

 NDT crack testing on stub axles

5.21.4 Vehicles operating Within a Defined Worksite may be exempt from passing a twist
test and crack testing by completing a risk assessment to define a maximum
allowable speed.

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Road Rail Vehicles

5.22 Access and Egress

5.22.1 Means of access to the RRV should minimise potential injury due to manual
handling, slips/falls or train movements on adjacent lines.

5.22.2 Recommended maximum step height is between 200 mm up to 500 mm above rail
level. The upper limit only applies to older vehicles and may be less suitable if the
step is used with high frequency. Optimum height is 250 to 350 mm above ground
level based on rung dimensions in AS 1657. Steps should be centrally located
within the door centreline so far as practicable.
5.23 Management of Change

5.23.1 In accordance with SAPR-13, a Management of Change (MoC) process and

Notification of Change to the Rail Regulator must be conducted if amendments are
made to this standard.

6. REFERENCES
SAFO-146 V/Line Road Rail Vehicle Approval Form
SAPR-13 Rail Safety Management of Change
NIFO-2831.2 ROAD RAIL VEHICLE ACCEPTANCE CHECKLIST (Joint V/Line and
Metro Trains Melbourne form)
RISSB Reference Vehicle 1 from VRIOGS 001, Structure Gauge Envelopes – Minimum
Clearances for Infrastructure Adjacent to the Railway (Plate A).
Metro Trains Melbourne Engineering Standard MTST 060800-01 Track Vehicles
Checklists Road Rail Vehicles Ver 1 (contains Daily Road-Rail vehicle checks by End
User, Weekly checks by End User and Detailed Road-Rail Maintainer Checklist)
AS 7505.4 Railway Rolling Stock Signalling Detection Interface – Part 4: Infrastructure
Maintenance Rolling Stock
AS 7531.4 Railway Rolling Stock - Lighting & Rolling Stock Visibility - Part 4 -
Infrastructure
AS7507.4_AS 7507.4 Railway Rolling Stock - Rolling Stock Outlines - Part 4 -
Infrastructure
AS7514.4_AS 7514.4 Railway rolling stock - Wheels - Part 4 - Infrastructure
AS7518.4_AS 7518.4 Railway Rolling Stock - Suspension - Part 4 - Infrastructure 21 Mar
2011.xls
Motor Vehicles Standards Act 1989 and ADR – Australian Design Rules (Third Edition)
AUSTRALIAN CODE OF PRACTICE Roll 41-1 (Ver 1.0) Guideline for the Safe Operation
of Road-Rail Vehicles 17 May 2006

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 Document Number: NIST-2831

STANDARD Date of Issue: 22/08/2016

Revision Number: 5

Road Rail Vehicles

7. ATTACHMENTS
Differences between this standard and the Metro Trains Melbourne Track Vehicle
Standard
V/Line standard does not include rail-bound track machines. As such it does not require
the three vehicle categories for registration: TV 1, TV 2, TV 3.
V/Line do not specify a registration period or re-registration.
V/Line specify additional requirements for operating on the Open Running Line (as
opposed to access Within a Defined Worksite.)
V/Line does not include the emissions control requirements for the MURL
Lighting requirements for use at night – V/Line require compliance to AS 7531.4 on the
open running line.
V/Line static outline is RISSB Reference Vehicle 1 from VRIOGS 001, Structure Gauge
Envelopes – Minimum Clearances for Infrastructure Adjacent to the Railway (Plate A).
V/Line refers to Metro requirements for vehicles intended to travel under the overhead
wiring system.
V/Line specify braking requirements for trailers
Differences between this Standard and the RailCorp Standards
Braking performance can be proven by a measured stopping distance rather than using
accelerometer readings.
V/Line does not include specific requirements for:
 Road Vehicle Ground Clearance
 Road Vehicle Rail Clearance
 Axle design calculations
 Axle bearings
 Ride performance type test
 Data logger (capable of greater than 30 km/h)
 Driver Safety System (ESR 001 – D, Section 4.3.2) not required for vehicles with
kinematic energy <= 600 kN. (However, vehicles operating on the V/Line open
running line require a vigilance controller.)
 Engineering report ESR 0004

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