What is BS EN 15877-1 about?
BS EN 15877 is a series of European standards on railway vehicles that describes standardized marking of freight wagons for use on railway vehicles.
BS EN 15877‑1 is the first part of the BS EN 15877 series of documents that identify the information required to be marked on freight wagons, or parts of freight wagons, relating to their technical, operational, and maintenance characteristics. It defines the characteristics of these markings, the requirements pertaining to their presentation, their shape and position on a vehicle, and their meaning. Some markings are accompanied with a note(s) where appropriate.
NOTE: Tank barrel manufacturers’ design criteria, test, and product specification plates have not been considered in BS EN 15877‑1.
NOTE: Dangerous goods markings have not been considered in BS EN 15877‑1, where fully specified in RID (dimensions, colour, location, and form). Where markings are not fully specified in RID they are included in BS EN 15877‑1.
Who is BS EN 15877-1 for?
BS EN 15877-1 on marking on railway vehicles is relevant to:
- Railway engineers and operators
- Manufacturers of railway wagons
- Freight transport systems
Why should you use BS EN 15877-1?
Marking on freight wagons means lettering or symbols applied to a freight wagon by means of decals, hand painting, or by another agreed method, with the purpose of providing information concerning the wagon.
General principles of markings and the content of information are given in BS EN 15877-1 along with colours used, positioning, and list of markings.
BS EN 15877-1 also provides guidance regarding vehicle markings such as vehicle unique number (EVN), gauge marking, wagon weight, and load, maintenance dates, carrying capacity, and other similar vehicle markings.
Overall, BS EN 15877-1 navigates you through the marking requirements of freight wagons that enable a railway wagon or coach to be positively identified and form a common language between railway operators, infrastructure companies, and the state authorities.
