RIW Card Course: Safely Access the Rail Corridor

April 30, 2022

Railway jobs are rewarding and challenging, offering you a career that can take you many places. Working close to trains is exhilarating, however, as with many jobs, there are ongoing health and safety protocols you will need to follow to keep yourself and others safe. Hence, the importance of courses like the mandatory Safely Access the Rail Corridor (RIW card course).

Accessing the rail corridor, where the train tracks are located, is a core part of many railway jobs. With operational railway tracks, this raises many safety issues related to moving trains, electricity and other hazards.

No matter where you are working in Australia you will need to complete training to show you can safely access this area without putting anyone at risk. Whether you complete a specific rail corridor safety certificate or an equivalent, depends on your role and employer, but the same knowledge is needed.

We get many questions about safely accessing the rail corridor so we have compiled a list of the most common ones with answers.

What is Safely Access the Rail Corridor (RIW card course)?

Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC), previously known as Rail Industry Safety Induction (RISI), is a nationally recognised course for safety around the rail corridor. The course was designed for rail workers who are required to enter the rail corridor as part of their role. It is designed to give learners the basic skills and knowledge needed to safely enter into and navigate the rail corridor, with the permission of the access provider.

Do I need to take a RIW card course to get my card?

The Safely Access the Rail Corridor course is a mandatory requirement for receiving the Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card for many rail network providers. We recommend checking with your proposed employer about their training requirements when you are planning your training. Along with other medical and skills certifications, the Safely Access Rail Corridor course assessment is a requirement for your RIW card if you are employed by, or intend to be employed by, the following rail network providers:

  • Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
  • Aurizon
  • John Holland
  • DPTI (SA)

Other state rail authorities may not require this course completion, but they may have additional safety requirements for employment.

You must renew your RIW card before it expires to avoid any work-related disruptions.

How to get a RIW card?

You can only obtain a RIW card through the following process:

  • Apply directly for new rail industry workers
  • Apply for a RIW card + Job Ready
  • Ask your employer to issue your card

Monitor your RIW profile when you login to myRIW and view your current and expiring competencies, rail health assessments status, your site access history and your approved companies that can view or manage your profile.

Read more about the processes of getting your card here.

How can I get my Safely Access the Rail Corridor certification?

You can complete Safely Access the Rail Corridor with registered and certified training providers around Australia. CERT offers SARC in several locations.

To enquire about SARC courses, contact us at 1300 042 3780 or click your state below:

If you prefer to take the RIW card course online rather than attending in-person classes, you can enrol in Safely Access Rail Corridor (SARC) & TLIF0020 delivered via Zoom.

You can speak to us today about getting started.

How long will the Safely Access Rail Corridor qualification last?

There is no expiry date on the Safely Access Rail Corridor assessment, however, you will need to ensure you have a valid medical assessment at all times. If this has expired you will need to get it renewed, you can check with CERT for options for renewing your medical assessment.

What will I learn from this RIW card course in CERT Training?

The CERT Safely Access the Rail Corridor assessment (RIW card course) covers all the necessary safety topics needed to receive your RIW card. The course will show applicants:

  • How to safely access and work in the rail corridor
  • Recognise the danger zone
  • Identify and access a position of safety
  • Identify the direction of approaching traffic
  • Apply minimum sighting distances
  • Identify electrical safety hazards, risks and controls used in the rail corridor
  • Plus other safety topics

Final Thoughts

For a long and safe career working on the railways, you must be adequately qualified in both the skills and the safety regulations. Keeping yourself and others safe is your primary objective and will ensure your long career. A railway job is very lucrative and can take you to many places.

Speak to CERT today about how to get your railway job journey started with the right certifications.