Learn to develop, assure and deliver safer rail systems more effectively with the internationally accredited iESM Handbook course.

Supported by ONRSR (Office of National Rail Safety Regulator) and major Australian and international rail operators as a guideline to safety management in the development of major rail projects, the iESM Handbook course offers an intensive introduction to key safety principles, processes and methods in addition to the latest tools and international standards.

What’s Involved?

Participants receive practical guidance on utilising a structured and systematic approach to managing safety activities throughout the entire project lifecycle, including:

• Determining safety objectives and planning safety activities.
• Identifying hazards and applying international standards.
• Evaluating risk and managing safety responsibilities.

The Handbook course utilises exercises based on real-world case studies to provide an in-depth understanding of the key processes of developing rail applications in accordance with international safety standards.

In addition, participants receive structured guidance on developing and delivering successful safety cases for complex rail projects and effectively managing regulator safety criteria.

What are the Benefits?

By learning to apply iESM’s easy-to-use processes for integrating safety assurance practices in to complex rail projects from the ground up, rail professionals can develop systems more efficiently and effectively, which results in:

• Reduced risk of delays and budget over-runs caused by unforeseen safety factors.
• Improved incident prevention.
• Faster, more assured acceptance of new technologies and novel applications.
• Better preparedness to manage the increasing complexity of rail projects and regulator safety requirements.
• All participants will be registered as iESM Practitioners on successful completion of an exam.

Who is it for?

The iESM Handbook course has been specifically developed for all rail design, engineering, assurance and management professionals to bridge the knowledge gap between safety experts and other rail engineering disciplines.

Acmena has trained over 500 rail professionals and has delivered iESM courses to a range of organisations, including contractors, rail operators and government agencies across Australia over the past eight years.

Who are the trainers?

Andrew Gabler

A highly respected systems assurance engineer, Andrew offers iESM trainees invaluable insight and experience gained from over 15 years in the Australasian rail industry.

As Systems and Safety Assurance Manager for the Cross River Rail – Tunnels, Stations and Development package, Andrew can provide in-depth knowledge on planning and delivering safety assurance activities across the lifecycle of major rail infrastructure projects. This includes the practical application of key assurance processes – hazard analysis, risk management, safety case development, SIL allocation and SFAIRP – for the delivery of complex rail systems. Andrew also has experience in product development and advanced signalling including ETCS, train control and automatic train protection (WESTECT II, ETCS L2).

Offering a deep, pragmatic understanding of how to develop safety activities inline with regulator requirements and international standards, Andrew is the perfect guide to help any rail professional learn to navigate and apply iESM principles. View Andrew’s full profile here.

Campbell Sims 

Campbell is Acmena’s Head of Discipline for Systems and Safety Assurance. A highly-capable chartered professional engineer, Campbell offers iESM trainees expertise gained from over 20 years in the rail, energy and defence sectors.

Specialising in technical safety, risk assessment, safety management systems and regulatory compliance, Campbell offers in-depth insight into the process of developing and integrating safety assurance processes to support the delivery of safety-critical products and projects globally.

Having supported Cross River Rail, in addition to several rail signalling projects across Queensland, Campbell can provide iESM trainees with pragmatic guidance on developing assurance deliverables for safety-critical systems in line with regulations and standards, including EN 50126/8/9. Attendees will also benefit from his expertise in developing safety cases and arguments to demonstrate that risk has been reduced SFAIRP.

Leveraging his broad industry experience, Campbell offers a holistic approach to the application of safety management principles that will help trainees to be better prepared to manage the increasing complexity of rail projects, no matter what their area of expertise. View Campbell’s profile here.

Course Details & Options

Course duration: 1 day (8 hour) and 2 day (16 hour) courses available

Delivery options: Courses available for public and private bookings via online (virtual classroom) and onsite delivery

Prerequisites: Participants should ideally have a technical background

Enquiries: iesm@acmena.com.au

2025 Public Courses (Online): 

• Feb – Tues 18 & 25 – iESM Overview with Practical
• Jun – Tues 3 & 10 – iESM Overview with Practical
• Sep – Tues 2 & 9 – iESM Overview with Practical
• Nov – Tues 18 & 25 – iESM Overview with Practical

Previous iESM Training Clients

Proudly delivered in conjunction with Abbott Risk Consulting