Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) of Railway Safety-Related Systems

Railway accidents often result from a combination of factors, including human errors, inadequate maintenance, and system design flaws, leading to the realization of risks inherent in identified hazards. This paper investigates selected accidents in Europe, identifying the underlying causes-whether they come from human factors, technical deficiencies, or inadequate design.
To enhance proactive safety management, we propose a systematic approach to risk mitigation starting from the system design phase. This approach combines advanced safety management techniques, including hazard identification, condition monitoring, and failure prediction, with accident analysis to design more resilient systems. Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) is a key part of this approach, not only as a cost-reduction tool but also as a critical method for detecting potential failures early, allowing timely interventions to prevent hazards from escalating into accidents. To support the approach, we build on the results of the PRAMS group within System Pillar project by Europe's Rail.
By analyzing accidents and categorizing them as realized hazards, we establish a framework that integrates CBM and hazard identification tools to propose common design measures, including strategies to mitigate human factors. These measures aim to reduce the likelihood of accidents by addressing risks before they can evolve into dangerous situations, ultimately contributing to the development of safer, more resilient railway systems.

Keywords: Railway safety, System design, Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM), Rail accidents, Risk mitigation.