scope:

The requirements set out in this Standard apply to physical products, including components, assemblies, embedded software, firmware and data and systems, and to processes and services which, if not fit for purpose, could expose LU to unacceptable risk. These are referred to collectively as 'Products' throughout this document.

The requirements set out in this Standard apply in the event of any change to a Product. 'Product Change' is defined as:-

• The introduction of new Products

• Changes to the design, use or maintenance of approved Products

• Changes to the materials or manufacturing process used in the supply of approved Products

• Changes to the supply arrangements of approved Products

• Trials or testing of new products on the railway infrastructure

This Standard covers the requirements for the:-

• Management of Product Change from the application for acceptance through to approval and registration

• Maintenance of the records associated with Product acceptance

• Management of subsequent changes to approved Products including the provision for the withdrawal of approval

• Essential features of registers for approved Products

• Suppliers of Products and the supply arrangements

• Verification of compliance with limitations or conditions of approval

There are no restrictions on who can apply to LU for a Product Change to be approved; the 'applicant' may be an LU employee or an external party.

Purpose

The purpose of this Standard is to define the minimum requirements for the acceptance and registration of physical products, processes and services.

The objective of this Standard is to:-

• Protect LU from unacceptable risk (In this context the risks may relate to safety, service performance, environment and the Company's assets, finance and reputation)

• Provide a consistent and objective basis for the assessment and approval of products, processes and services

• Provide a product acceptance process that is comparable with the system used by the UK national railway in order to assist suppliers and simplify cross acceptance

• Provide a more detailed set of requirements for changes to products related to engineering assets than provided for in the over-arching standard for Assurance S1538

This standard does not set out a single prescriptive process for Product Acceptance. Each case must be considered on its merits, using a risk based approach. The intention of this standard therefore, is to set out the main principles and minimum requirements for a framework within which products can be assessed for their acceptability for use on the network.