Safety and Compliance in Rail Equipment Hire: What Every Rail Contractor Needs To Know

Rail possessions leave zero room for guesswork. The gear you have on track must be right for the task, be able to work to Australian or New Zealand Standards depending on the location and may need certification. Here’s how our Rail Operations Product Specialists approach safety and compliance for the projects we work on, and what you should check before you accept specialised rail equipment on site.

Why “rail-certified” beats “rail-capable”

Generic gear can look similar, but rail work demands equipment that’s designed, set up and documented for the specific corridor being worked on. Rail-certified and track-compliant means the equipment, attachments and controls meet the relevant rail standards, the correct gauge, and (where applicable) independent certifications.

Standards, accreditation and tri-gauge benefits

Australia and New Zealand operate standard, broad and narrow gauges.  Our tri-gauge equipment can be shipped across the country to suit all three gauges.  We configure machines to your corridor and rail profile and provide calibrated equipment such as electronic straight edges and geometry tools.

Examples that matter on the track

• Hi rail booms with pantographs and clipping machines: we supply highly sought-after Hi rail equipment such as Hi rail booms and clipping machines verified for the task and gauge.
• Electronic straight edges and digital gauges: used for checking works to ensure track safety and quality workmanship
• Portable Clipping machines, tensors, grinders and welding tools: rail-profile matched and supported with the right consumables to ensure you get the job done safely and correctly.

Rail equipment and on-site support

We offer operator manuals and standard operating procedures which can be accessed quickly and easily via QR codes on equipment, so your crews can keep moving, day or night. We also offer on-site support and equipment familiarisation.  If something isn’t right, we swap or fix fast to keep site possessions on schedule.

Improving safety with sustainability

You don’t have to compromise on safety or environmentally friendly options with new rail equipment being developed.  We’re progressively adding hybrid and battery technologies to our rail equipment range. Talk to use about our range that delivers reduced emissions in tunnels, lower noise near public areas and reduced need for site access for refuelling.

Quick checklist: audit your hire partner before you accept units

1. Certification & standards - evidence of rail certification for required equipment and compliance, calibration or setting for your gauge.
2. Configuration - machine set up such as jaws, guides and labels that match your rail profile and site possession method.
3. On-site Support - Accredited support available on site.
4. Documentation - equipment manuals and standard operating procedures accessible via QR placed on the asset and risk assessments available.
5. Response plan - after-hours contacts and swap-out Service Level Agreement.
6. Sustainability options - hybrid/battery alternatives for sensitive locations.
7. Reporting - usage and cost data available for longer programs.

Kennards Hire’s rail ready solutions

We focus on rail-certified and compliant equipment that is designed and manufactured for Australian and New Zealand rail infrastructure maintenance and construction. We back our range with a team of Rail Operations Product Specialists. Tell us your rail profile, gauge and work window and we’ll line up the right solution and support for the right result.