What is BS EN 50128:2014?

BS EN 50128:2014 is a technical standard that pertains to the development of software for railway control and protection systems. This European standard outlines the requirements and processes that need to be followed during the design, development, and testing of safety-related software in the railway industry. The main objective of BS EN 50128:2014 is to ensure the reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety of software used in railway signaling, train control, and other safety-critical systems.

The Purpose and Scope of BS EN 50128:2014

The purpose of BS EN 50128:2014 is to establish a common set of criteria and guidelines for the entire software development lifecycle in the railway industry. This standard covers various aspects such as requirements specification, architecture design, coding, verification, validation, and configuration management. It also addresses the documentation and quality assurance processes needed to achieve compliance with safety standards.

BS EN 50128:2014 applies to both new software developments and modifications to existing software. It emphasizes the importance of following a systematic and structured approach throughout the software development process to ensure the safety and integrity of the final product. The standard applies to all parties involved in the development, integration, and maintenance of safety-related software, including developers, suppliers, and assessors.

The Key Requirements of BS EN 50128:2014

BS EN 50128:2014 defines several key requirements that need to be met during the software development process:

Management and organization: The standard requires the establishment of clear responsibilities, competent staff, appropriate resources, and defined processes within the organization developing the software. It emphasizes the need for effective project management, risk assessment, and configuration management.

Requirements specification: The standard emphasizes the importance of a clear and comprehensive requirements specification, including safety and integrity requirements. It requires traceability between different stages of the software development process, from requirements to design and testing.

Architecture and design: BS EN 50128:2014 stresses the importance of a well-defined software architecture and modular design. It promotes the use of proven design principles, structured programming techniques, and robust error-handling mechanisms.

Verification and validation: The standard requires thorough verification and validation of software at different levels, including integration testing, system testing, and validation against the specified requirements. It emphasizes the need for formal methods and extensive testing to ensure correctness, reliability, and safety.

Benefits and Compliance

Compliance with BS EN 50128:2014 is essential for organizations involved in the development of safety-related software for railway control systems. Adhering to this standard ensures that software follows a systematic approach, meets specific safety and performance requirements, and undergoes rigorous testing and validation. By complying with BS EN 50128:2014, organizations can enhance their reputation, minimize risks, improve safety, and gain credibility in the railway industry.

In conclusion, BS EN 50128:2014 plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of software used in railway control and protection systems. By establishing a set of requirements and guidelines, this standard helps organizations develop high-quality software that meets the stringent safety standards of the railway industry.