European and International Standards provide tests for safer rail fastening systems

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) plays a crucial role in establishing widespread homogeneity in Railway Infrastructure safety and performance through a series of International Standardization Organization (ISO) international standards on rail fastening systems. Established and implemented seamlessly across EU nations, these standards champion the call for uniform safety, performance, and efficiency of Railway Infrastructure development across the European Union.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, CEN introduced a new series of standards that replace their older railway standards published back in 2021. EN ISO 22074-1:2024 to EN ISO 22074-8:2024, these newly established standards delve into the intricacies of rail fastening systems, creating an exhaustive and comprehensive guideline that holds ground across all EU nations.

The importance of these pan-European standards cannot be underscored enough. Firstly, they provide manufacturers in the single EU market with a clear set of rules and specifications to adhere to, thereby reducing the risk of incompatibility among components created by different manufacturers - a crucial aspect of railway safety. This way, standardization also boosts the cost-effectiveness of railway equipment production, as manufacturers can leverage economies of scale.

Secondly, users - railway operators and infrastructure managers - benefit from this standardization, too. They can be reassured that the products they purchase meet an internationally recognized standard of quality and safety, making decision-making more straightforward and reducing the risk of purchasing sub-par equipment.

The EN ISO 22074 series outlines uniform vocabulary (Part 1), test methods for longitudinal rail restraint (Part 2), proof load test methods for pull-out resistance (Part 3), test methods for resistance to repeated loading (Part 4) and severe environmental conditions (Part 6), a test method for electrical resistance (Part 5), and test methods for clamping force and uplift stiffness (Part 7) and vertical stiffness (Part 8).

This exhaustive list ensures that everything from the terminology used through to the most complex aspects of rail fastening systems - such as their physical attributes and performance under different environmental conditions - are standardized.

Importantly, these new standards are identical adoptions of international ISO standards, ensuring global market access of EU rail systems. This international conformity widens the potential market for EU manufacturers while ensuring railway systems are future-proof and can adapt to developments in international railway technology.

In summary, CEN's adoption of the EN ISO 22074:2024 series of standards marks an important milestone in the further development of the EU single market for railway equipment. By aligning the European railway infrastructure standards with internationally recognized ISO standards, CEN not merely enhances safety and performance aspects but also fosters economic growth through the reduction of trade barriers. Ensuring the railway market's interoperability, efficiency, and safety across Europe, these standards pave the way towards a more connected and standardized railway future.