MMRA, a provider of independent third-party assurance, inspection and certification services, has been accredited with the European Commission’s Common Safety Method – Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-REA) by the UK Accreditation Service. The CSM-REA provides a legal obligation and mandatory framework for the evaluation and assessment of risk associated with engineering, operational and organisational changes to the mainline railway.
The safety directive aims to harmonise risk evaluation and assessment common to all railway systems across the European Union (EU). It intends to enhance Europe’s railway safety and reduce barriers to free trade of railway products, vehicles and systems between EU member states. Compliance with CSM-REA is a core statutory requirement for risk assessments in the UK under the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems Safety Regulations 2006 (ROGS), under which the safety directive is set in UK law.
As an accredited assessment body, MMRA can provide independent assessments of the suitability of risk management processes and its results when an organisation makes technical, operational or organisational changes that may affect rail safety. The company can also assess hazards associated with any significant changes to the mainline railway and provide advice on the application of the CSM-REA and safety management systems.
MMRA is currently acting as an independent assessment body under CSM-REA for Devon County Council for the Marsh Barton station project as well as for Network Rail for the Cranbrook station project.
Paul Bardsley, head of MMRA, said: “We have wide ranging experience of the assurance procedures applicable to different types of guided transportation systems and are well placed to offer advice and guidance on how to meet the requirements of both ROGS regulations and the European Commission’s safety directive. We’re delighted that MMRA is now in a position to assist all project sponsors, managers and stakeholders in the management of any significant changes to the mainline railway.”
