Certify the safety of railway systems through independent ISA assessments, supported by product and system certification and Type A inspection activities
In the railway sector, the safety of systems and infrastructure is a fundamental requirement throughout the entire project lifecycle. Independent safety assessments are required to ensure compliance with international rules and standards, particularly in the case of new developments, modifications or subsystem integration. Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) makes it possible through impartial verification of the safety of railway subsystems and components, supporting authorization and commissioning processes.
RINA provides Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) services as an accredited independent body, carrying out independent safety assessments of railway subsystems and components in accordance with international standards. The activity is performed under ACCREDIA accreditation for product certification (UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012) and for type A inspection of railway subsystems and components (UNI CEI EN 17020:2012).
ISA activities apply to subsystems such as rolling stock, infrastructure, energy, and Control, Command and signalling and also include the integration between
subsystems, for example in the case of new railway lines, including operation and maintenance (O&M) aspects.
The process includes independent assessment activities, defined according to the project (new development, major or minor modifications), such as design review, audits, inspections, witnessing and execution of tests.
Assessment plans and technical reports are prepared or updated for each phase. At the end of the activities, the ISA Report is issued and, if required, the safety certification, supporting authorization processes.
We are an Independent Safety Assessment Body, recognized by ACCREDIA as an accredited body for product certification according to UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 and for type A inspection according to UNI CEI EN 17020:2012 of railway subsystems and components. RINA has solid experience in the railway sector, with expertise in signalling systems, rolling stock, infrastructure and the integration of complex subsystems, ensuring independent and highly qualified assessments.
Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) is a third-party process applied to railway subsystems and components, aimed at verifying compliance with international rules and standards throughout the project lifecycle.
The ISA process includes activities, such as design review, audits, inspections and test witnessing, with the issuance of a final report (ISA Report) and safety certification in the event of a positive outcome, if required.
EC verification of interoperability aims at certifying the compliance of railway subsystems with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) required by Directive (EU) 2016/797, enabling their placing on the European market.
Independent Safety Assessment (ISA), on the other hand, is a third-party process aimed at verifying that a railway system meets the safety requirements set out by international rules and standards, particularly in the case of new developments, modifications or subsystem integration.
Safety is, however, one of the essential requirements listed by the Railway Interoperability Directive and, consequently, Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) is an integral part of the EC verification process.
