AS 7532:2016

Railway Rolling Stock - Audible

Warning Devices

Rolling Stock Standard

 AS 7532:2016
Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
Warning Devices

This Australian Standard® AS 7532 Railway Rolling Stock - Audible Warning Devices was prepared by a RISSB
Development Group consisting of representatives from the following organisations:
EPA Atkins Faiveley
UGL ARTC Asset Standards Authority
Queensland Rail
The Standard was approved by the Development Group and the Rolling Stock Standing Committee in June, 2016.
On June 30, 2016 the RISSB Board approved the Standard for release.
This standard was issued for public consultation and was independently validated before being approved.
Development of the standard was undertaken in accordance with RISSB’s accredited process. As part of the
approval process, the Standing Committee verified that proper process was followed in developing the standard.
RISSB wishes to acknowledge the positive contribution of subject matter experts in the development of this standard.
Their efforts ranged from membership of the Development Group through to individuals providing comment on a draft
of the standard during the open review.
I commend this standard to the Australasian Rail Industry as it represents industry good practice and has been
developed through a rigorous process.

Paul Daly
Chief Executive Officer
Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board

Keeping Standards up-to-date

Australian Standards developed by RISSB are living documents that reflect progress in science, technology and
systems. To maintain their currency, Standards are reviewed every seven years, and new editions are published.
Between editions, amendments may be issued. Australian Standards developed by RISSB may also be withdrawn.
It is important that readers assure themselves they are using a current RISSB Standard, which should include any
amendments that may have been issued since the Standard was published. Information about Australian Standards
developed by RISSB, including amendments, can be found by visiting www.rissb.com.au
RISSB welcomes suggestions for improvements, and asks readers to notify us immediately of any apparent
inaccuracies or ambiguities. Members are encouraged to use the change request feature of the RISSB website at:
http://www.rissb.com.au/products/. Otherwise, please contact us via email at rissb@rissb.com.au or write to Rail
Industry Safety and Standards Board, PO Box 4271, Kingston, ACT 2604.

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Accredited Standards Development Organisation
 AS 7532:2016
Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
Warning Devices

AS 7532:2016

Railway Rolling Stock - Audible Warning Devices

Document Details
First published as: AS 7532:2016
ISBN 978-1-76035-550-0

Published by SAI Global Limited under licence from the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board,
PO Box 4271, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia

Copyright
©RISSB
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of RISSB, unless otherwise permitted under the
Copyright Act 1968.

Notice to Users
This RISSB product has been developed using input from rail experts from across the rail industry and represents
good practice for the industry. The reliance upon or manner of use of this RISSB product is the sole responsibility of
the user who is to assess whether it meets their organisation’s operational environment and risk profile.

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Accredited Standards Development Organisation
 AS 7532:2016
Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
Warning Devices

Document Control

Identification
Document Title

AS 7532:2016 Railway Rolling Stock - Audible Warning Devices

Document History
Publication Version Effective Date Reason for and Extent of Change(s)

2016 June 30, 2016 First Publication

Approval
Name Date

Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) 30/06/2016

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 AS 7532:2016
Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
Warning Devices

Contents
1 Introduction......................................................................................................................5
1.1 Purpose .............................................................................................................5
1.2 Scope ................................................................................................................5
1.3 Compliance........................................................................................................5
1.4 Referenced documents .....................................................................................6
1.4.1 Normative references ........................................................................................6
1.4.2 Informative references .......................................................................................6
1.5 Definitions ..........................................................................................................6
2 Audible Warning Device Requirements ...........................................................................7
2.1 General Requirements ......................................................................................7
2.2 Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock ..........................................................9
3 Noise Test Procedure ....................................................................................................10
4 Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock Reversing Beepers ......................................10
5 Infrastructure Plant Start- Up Warning Devices ............................................................10

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Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
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1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This document describes requirements for audible warning devices for the following types of
Rolling Stock:
(a) Locomotives.
(b) Self-propelled passenger rolling stock driving vehicles including driving
vehicles on a push/pull set.
(c) Infrastructure maintenance rolling stock vehicles.
The main purpose of the requirements is to ensure that the design is suitable to allow the
audible warning device to operate as an effective safety system.

1.2 Scope
This document applies to new and modified rolling stock.
The document covers the design, construction and maintenance of rolling stock.
Operation of rolling stock in regards to network safe working rules, procedures and route
standards is not covered.
Rolling stock used on light rail, cane railway and monorail networks are not covered.
Road-Rail Vehicles are not covered in detail (see Section 2.2 for further details).

1.3 Compliance
There are two types of control contained within RISSB Standards:
(a) Mandatory requirements.
(b) Recommended requirements.
Each of these types of control address hazards that are deemed to require controls on the basis
of existing Australian and international Codes of Practice and Standards.
A mandatory requirement is a requirement that the standard provides as the only way of
treating the hazard.
Mandatory requirements are identified within the text by the term shall.
A recommended requirement is one where the standard recognises that there are limitations to
the universal application of the requirement and that there may be circumstances where the
control cannot be applied or that other controls may be appropriate or satisfactory, subject to
agreement with the Rolling Stock Operator, Rail Infrastructure Manager and/or Rail Safety
Regulator.
Recommended clauses are mandatory unless the RIM or RSO can demonstrate a better
method of controlling the risk.
Recommended requirements are to be considered when compliance with the standards is being
assessed.
Recommended requirements are identified within the text by the term should.
Hazards addressed by this standard are included in an appendix. Refer to the RISSB website
for the latest Hazard Register Guideline: www.rissb.com.au

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1.4 Referenced documents

1.4.1 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this
Standard:
(a) AS 2377 - Acoustics - Methods for the measurement of rail bound vehicle
noise.

1.4.2 Informative references

The following referenced documents are used by this Standard for information only:
(a) AS 7501 Railway Rolling Stock Compliance Certification.
(b) AS 7533 Railway Rolling Stock - Driving Cabs.
(c) BS EN ISO 7731 Ergonomics. Danger signals for public and work areas.
Auditory danger signals.
(d) AS 1055 Acoustics – Description and measurement of environmental noise.
(e) AS 7513 Railway Rolling Stock Interior Environment.
(f) AS 7502 Road Rail Vehicles.

1.5 Definitions
Audible Warning Device: Equipment fitted to rolling stock for the purpose of ensuring that
individuals in and around the railway vicinity are aware that rail traffic is approaching or is about
to be moved. It is also used to communicate with rail workers. Usually referred to as a warning
horn, train whistle or a beeper in the case of Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock.
Country Warning Device: A warning device that is intended for main line operation where a
higher sound level is required.
Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock: Track Machines also known as On Track Vehicles
or Infrastructure Plant. A flange wheeled vehicle used for infrastructure maintenance,
construction and inspections. Separate to freight rolling stock (e.g. wagons used for carrying
rail, sleepers, spoil, ballast etc.) and Road-Rail Vehicles.
Locomotive Rolling Stock: Self-propelled, non-passenger-carrying railway vehicles used for
hauling other (typically freight or passenger) rolling stock.
Passenger Rolling Stock: Rolling stock carrying people and facilities for these people.
Excludes Locomotive and Infrastructure Maintenance rolling stock.
Quadricycle: A small self-propelled rail bound vehicle used for conveying personnel, tools, or
equipment along the track. A quadricycle may be hand powered or fitted with an engine.
Road-Rail Vehicle: A vehicle that can travel on a road and can also travel on rail by use of a
rail wheel guidance system as defined in AS 7502.
Track Machine: A flange wheeled vehicle used for infrastructure maintenance, construction
and inspections. Separate to freight rolling stock (e.g. wagons used for carrying rail, sleepers,
spoil, ballast etc.) and Road-Rail Vehicles.
Rolling Stock Operator: A person who has effective control and management of the
operation or movement of rolling stock on rail infrastructure for a railway, but does not include a
person by reason only that the person drives the rolling stock or controls the network or the
network signals.

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Shall: The word "shall" indicates that a statement is mandatory for the applicable vehicles.
Should: The word "should" indicates that a statement is a recommendation for the applicable
vehicles.
Town Warning Device: A warning device that is intended for stations, depots, yards or
workshops where there are no noise restrictions or main line urban operating environments
where a lower sound level is required when compared with the Country Warning Device.
Yard Warning Device: A warning device that is intended for use by rail vehicles in depots,
yards or workshops where horn volume as deemed by the Operator and/or local noise
restrictions would adversely affect local residents or workers in the vicinity and thus lower horn
volumes apply as specified in this standard.

2 Audible Warning Device Requirements

2.1 General Requirements
Rolling Stock within scope of this Standard shall be equipped with two Audible Warning Devices
which provide two different levels of audibility referred to as "Town Warning Device” and
"Country Warning Device” except for Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock that will not lead
outside of work closures or lead at greater than 30 km/hr.
Rolling Stock should additionally be equipped with an Audible Warning Device referred to as a
"Yard Warning Device”.
The tone of the warning devices should be distinctly different from automotive horns with the
exception of some types of Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock.
Rolling Stock shall have Audible Warning Devices fitted at each leading end.
The designer should consider the range at which the Audible Warning Device needs to be
effective and the potential muffling caused by the location of the Audible Warning Device.
The Audible Warning Device should be installed upon a suitable mount which meets the
appropriate shock and vibration requirements of AS7520 with the air supply (if used) connected
by a flexible hose.
The housing for the Audible Warning Devices should be designed to minimize acoustic
obstruction.
Locomotives with one cab only and typically operated in either direction shall have a bi-
directional Audible Warning Device arrangement.
Controls shall be provided which allow the driver to operate the Country Warning Device and
Town Warning Device either individually or both sets simultaneously from one controller.
Where a control lever is used the Country Warning Device should operate for backward
movement of control lever, and Town Warning Device for forward movement.
The noise levels of the Audible Warning Devices with the rolling stock stationary shall achieve a
steady tone compliant with the values in Table 1.
Each Audible Warning Device shall be able to operate four (4) times for fifteen (15) seconds
each, with a maximum dwell time of 30 seconds between each sounding with the vehicle in
normal operating mode and shall maintain the minimum noise level for each horn operation as
prescribed in Table 1.

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Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
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Figure 1 - Audible Warning Device Noise Level Requirements

Table 1 - Audible Warning Device Tabulated Values

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Accredited Standards Development Organisation
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Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
Warning Devices

Figure 2 - Frequency Spectrum Five Chime Horn

The Audible Warning Devices shall be maintained and inspected such that the specified sound
levels are assured throughout the operational phase of the asset life cycle.
Appropriate controls shall be put in place by the Rolling Stock Operator to ensure safe Rail
Vehicle operation when the Audible Warning Devices fail during operations.
Maintainability and access should be considered when designing an Audible Warning Device.
The Supplier’s data should be referenced to establish the predicted life for an Audible Warning
Device.
The Supplier’s data should be referenced for the maintenance requirements of an Audible
Warning Device.
Supplementary note: There is a requirement in the visibility standard AS 7531 that the visibility lights shall
be flashing whenever the Audible Warning Device is sounded.

2.2 Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock

All Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock that will lead with a maximum speed of 30 km/h or
more shall be fitted with a Town Warning Device.
Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock with a maximum speed of less than 30 km/h or having
a maximum speed of greater than 30km/h but not leading shall be fitted with an Audible
Warning Device equivalent to an automotive horn providing there is an additional control to
ensure safety at level crossings within the work site.
Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock with a maximum speed of 30 km/h or more, can
operate as a lead vehicle and operating outside of urban areas shall be fitted with a Country
Warning Device.
A powered Quadricycle shall be fitted with a horn equivalent to an automotive horn.
Supplementary note: Refer to AS 7502 for audible warning requirements for Road Rail Vehicles.

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Accredited Standards Development Organisation
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Railway Rolling Stock - Audible
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3 Noise Test Procedure

The Audible Warning Device noise level shall be measured with equipment, acoustical
environment and meteorological conditions in accordance with the stationary vehicle test
method defined in AS 2377 “Acoustics- Methods for the measurement of rail bound vehicle
noise" by a suitably competent person.
The testing should take place using the representative Audible Warning Device housing of the
final design.
The testing shall be undertaken with the rail vehicle main air pressure at the highest and lowest
operational values.
The Audible Warning Device shall be operated four (4) times for fifteen (15) seconds each, with
a maximum dwell time of 30 seconds between each sounding with the vehicle in normal
operating mode and shall maintain the minimum noise level for each horn operation as
prescribed in Table 1.
The four operations of the Audible Warning Device shall provide minimum noise level
measurements within a measuring tolerance of +/- 1 dB(A).
The noise level shall only be measured at a single point which is 30m in front of the leading end
of the vehicle.
Supplementary note: AS 2377 states that horns must not be operating, however they need to be fully
functional to undertake this test.
The Country Warning Device shall achieve the noise levels in Table 1 during the noise test.
The Town Warning Device shall achieve the noise levels in Table 1 during the horn noise test.
The Yard Warning Device shall achieve the noise levels in Table 1 during the horn noise test.

4 Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock Reversing Beepers

To protect personnel who may work on the ground in the vicinity of the machine, all
Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock vehicles shall be fitted with a warning beeper that
sounds when a change of direction is made in work mode.
The beeper shall sound for two seconds and be at least 10 dB(A) above vehicle noise at 5
metres from the machine.
Supplementary note: Infrastructure Maintenance Rolling Stock that continually change direction as part of
the normal work function may be exempted in work mode providing a suitable control is in place to protect
personnel on the ground and appropriate sighting requirements are met from the one operator’s position
in both directions.

5 Infrastructure Plant Start- Up Warning Devices

A warning device shall be fitted to sound before remotely starting or operating equipment that
could injure workers in the vicinity for a duration appropriate to allow workers to move to a
position of safety.
When an Infrastructure Plant changes direction or reconfigures its operation a warning beeper
should sound.
The warning device shall produce a sound pressure level of the greater of 85 dB(A)or 10 dB(A)
above any potential background noise in the vicinity.

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Accredited Standards Development Organisation
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Railway Rolling Stock -
Audible Warning Devices

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 ABN 58 105 001 465

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