Rail freight transport: W.S. Werkstoff Service audits workshops across Europe

Since 2009, our experts at W.S. RailwayCenter have been travelling throughout Europe to carry out recognition assessments of maintenance workshops in the railway sector. Today, we support more than 50 workshops in 13 European countries.

We work with these workshops to continuously improve their testing and quality processes, support them with our specialist expertise and thereby help to ensure that rail transport is and remains safe.

The basis of our work: standards and technical rules

Our work is based on a German standard that the German Federal Railway Authority has designated as a recognised technical rule within its area of responsibility. This standard requires safety-related components to be examined using non-destructive testing methods during rail vehicle maintenance. The associated testing processes must also be recognised by a designated competent technical body, known in German as a “Fachlich Zuständige Stelle”.

Recognition of testing processes in workshops

Carrying out these recognition assessments is one of our responsibilities as one of two competent technical bodies in Germany. Our expertise is based on our specialists’ more than 20 years of professional experience in the railway industry. This includes work in research and development, quality management, supplier qualification, materials testing, damage analysis and, of course, non-destructive testing (NDT).

What we examine during our audits

During our recognition audits, we first take a close look at the workshops’ quality management and check whether the required documentation is complete and up to date. We also assess the performance of the testing equipment in use and its regular monitoring. Another key focus is the competence and practical skills of the testing personnel: we observe testing procedures on site and analyse how they are carried out and evaluated.

A positive interim assessment after three years

After three years, our interim assessment is very positive. We have been welcomed openly at every workshop, and our audits are generally seen as support for the continuous improvement of testing processes.

The vast majority of workshops operate to a high standard, with modern testing equipment and qualified personnel. At the same time, we also learn from many of our visits. The numerous international contacts and insights into the different working practices of workshops throughout Europe are particularly valuable to us.

Working with VPI

With our experience in non-destructive testing, we also support the Hamburg-based Vereinigung der Privatgüterwagen-Interessenten (VPI), an association representing private freight wagon interests. VPI represents companies in the European rail freight industry that together operate more than 60,000 freight wagons. Through our work, we help to ensure that these and many other wagons continue to travel reliably and safely on Europe’s railways.

Werkstoff Service – expertise in the railway sector

Whether it is damage analysis of a railway component or non-destructive testing of a rail vehicle, the experts at our W.S. RailwayCenter support operators, manufacturers and maintenance providers with quality assurance, materials and component testing, and approvals in the railway sector.

You can find an overview of our services at W.S. RailwayCenter.