NR NR/L2/RSE/100/03 ISSUE 4 PDF

This module specifies the process to be followed by new as well as upgrade and renewal projects and programmes to obtain an authorisation to place into service under the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations.

This module applies:

a) when Network Rail is acting as the Project Entity;

b) where an infrastructure project requires an authorisation to place into service and is working under Network Rail’s Health and Safety Management system, but Network Rail is not the Project Entity;

c) where another contracting entity contracts works to Network Rail and requires them to undertake the role of Project Entity; and

d) to the introduction of new or major modifications of rolling stock including wagons or other specialist vehicles (yellow plant in train formations) permitted to run on the mainline railway, for which Network Rail is the Project Entity.

A Project Entity can apply for an ISV if they are considering seeking authorisation to place into service at a later date but are able to obtain verification at an intermediate stage. In such situations, projects and programmes with a clearly defined strategy for progressive assurance can proceed with the process of authorisation to place into service as stated in 4.5 providing they have agreement from the ORR.

Purpose 

This module assists Network Rail projects and programmes in following Railways(Interoperability) Regulations 2011 on the authorisation for the placing in service of structural subsystems. For the structural subsystems concerned refer to the NTSN Matrix in Appendix A. 

NOTE 1: Conformance with this module alone will not enable full compliance with the legislation referred to in the module. Users are required to consult legislation and associated guidance available from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). The terminology and legal reference points used within this document are those that were applicable in the United Kingdom at the time of the standard's publication. 

NOTE 2: New regulation 47A(2) of the Railway (Interoperability) Regulations 2011 (as amended) contains transitional provisions that allow an application for authorisation made before 1 January 2021 to be treated as a valid application from 1 January 2021. In addition, any ‘EC’ declaration of verification and technical file submitted with that application will be treated as a UK declaration of verification and technical file that have been submitted. However, recognition of an ‘EC’ declaration of verification was only valid until 31 December 2022. After that date, a UK declaration of verification hasneeded to be provided if the authorisation has not yet been granted. Where a NoBo was engaged before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 to carry out an ‘EC’ verification assessment procedure, new regulation 47A(9) contains transitional provisions. They allow the work carried out by the notified body before 31 December 2020 against TSIs or notified NTRs to be treated from 1 January 2021 as work undertaken to carry out the UK verification assessment procedure in relation to NTSNs. However, the UK only recognised EC conformity assessment documentation for placing rail products on the GB market for two years until 31 December 2022. 

Note. Please see the gov.uk/guidance/railways-interoperability-eu-exit-regulations for further information.