UIC Leaflet 535-2: Safety Standards for Shunter Access and Ergonomics

What is UIC Leaflet 535-2?

UIC Leaflet 535-2 is a critical safety standard titled “Standardisation of steps and handrails for use by shunting personnel.” It focuses on the external physical interfaces of locomotives and wagons that allow railway staff to mount, dismount, and ride on the exterior of vehicles during shunting operations.

In the high-risk environment of a shunting yard, the physical design of a step or a handrail is a direct factor in preventing “fall-from-train” accidents. UIC 535-2 provides the geometric and mechanical specifications to ensure that these components are positioned safely, away from moving parts, and within the clearance gauge.

Key Technical Requirements

The leaflet dictates the exact dimensions and materials for access equipment to ensure uniformity across different types of rolling stock. Key requirements include:

• Step Dimensions: Minimum width, depth, and anti-slip properties of the treads to ensure stable footing in rain, ice, or oil-contaminated environments.
• Handrail Placement: The height and diameter of handrails must be optimized for ergonomics, allowing a shunter to maintain a “three-point contact” (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) at all times.
• Clearance and Space: Ensuring that the shunter’s body remains within a safe envelope and does not violate the lateral clearance limits of the track infrastructure.
• Mechanical Strength: Requirements for the load-bearing capacity of the steps, ensuring they can withstand the weight of a fully equipped worker under dynamic conditions.

Integration with the Berne Rectangle

UIC 535-2 is closely linked to the concept of the Berne Rectangle. While the Berne Rectangle provides the safe “void” between coupled wagons, UIC 535-2 ensures that the steps and handrails used to reach that area (or to ride on the end of a wagon) are positioned so that the worker never enters the “danger zone” where buffers might compress.

Comparison: UIC 535-2 vs. Standard Passenger Access

Modern Regulatory Status

For modern rolling stock operating in Europe, the requirements of UIC 535-2 have been integrated into the TSI LOC&PAS and TSI WAG. These Technical Specifications for Interoperability make the ergonomic and safety dimensions of UIC 535-2 a legal requirement for vehicle certification. Adherence to these rules ensures that a shunter in any country can confidently work on any vehicle, knowing the handrails and steps will be exactly where they expect them to be.