Cat 1 Medical
Cat 1 Medical is the highest level of rail medical available and is for rail workers or contractors undertaking a safety critical role requiring a high level of attentiveness to their tasks and where sudden incapacity may result in a serious incident affecting the public safety or the rail network.
According to the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers, a serious incident means: an accident or incident that affects the public or the rail network resulting in: death of a person; incapacitating injury to a person; a collision or derailment involving rolling stock that results in significant damage; or any other occurrence that results in significant property damage.
What is included in a CAT 1 Medical:
The Category 1 Rail Medical requires workers to fast the night before undertaking the pathology test. The medical includes the following:
- K10 Questionnaire for Psychological Health
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale
- Alcohol AUDIT Questionnaire for alcohol use
- Hearing Assessment up to 3000Hz
- Vision Assessment
- General Health Assessment & Questionnaire
- Drug and Alcohol screen (breath and urine analysis)
- ECG (heart check) prior to your medical
- Blood test prior to your medical
We can arrange for you to receive a blood test and ECG request form prior to attending your Cat 1 rail medical. This will allow your results to be reviewed at this appointment.
How long is a CAT 1 Rail Medical valid for?
Category 1 Rail medicals are valid from the time of commencement to:
- Every 5 years up until the age of 50, then
- Every 2 years from age 50 up until the age of 60, then
- Every year form age 60 onwards
Railway medical tests your ability to be in the rail corridor and hear instructions, move to a safe place, and maintain an awareness of your surroundings.
CERT Training in partnership with CMS, an Authorised ARA Health Professional, are pleased to provide Category 1, 2 and 3 rail safety medicals, as well as pre-employment medicals and other services nationally.
It is recommended you wear clothing that allows you to comfortably and freely perform a full range of movements including bending, squatting, kneeling, and stretching.
If you have hearing aid/s, any glasses, contact lenses or corrective lenses, please make sure to bring them to your appointment, as well as your prescription medication and/or any other documentation to assist with the Drug and Alcohol screening.
Assessments are conducted by appointment and must be booked in advance via our state-based online system.
Book your Category 1 Rail Medical by contacting us via email: medbookings@cert.edu.au or, phone: 1300 042 378
Still have questions? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for more advice.
Rail Medical Categories
A rail workers safety medical is a crucial requirement under the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers. Employers typically specify the type of medical assessment required by the rail safety worker. It ensures that individuals who perform safety-critical work are fit for duty, thereby minimising the risks associated with ill health, safeguarding a worker’s own safety, public safety, and the rail corridor.
While a railway medical is not necessary to enrol in CERT courses, it must be completed before engaging in any work on the track, on-the-job mentoring, or practical assessments. Ensuring the medical is suitable for all roles you will be working in is vital to prevent any serious incidents.
CAT 2 Medical
CAT 3 Medical
