Level crossings ranking by integrated risk analysis for typical hazards

The paper starts from the introduction of the safety management systems, as tools for the continuous improvement of rail safety performances and for the processes to identify the most effective measures to prevent accidents. The focus is on the level crossings, largely representing the most dangerous elements of the railway networks. The scope is the setup of an effective methodology for ranking the level crossings in view of the prioritization of actions to reduce the risks on intersections between rail and road. The methodology will act as a strategic tool for the maximization of effectiveness of safety-related investments. The proposed approach is basing on risk analysis methods, focused on significant variables for typical hazards, customized for the level crossings’ operation. The proposed method allows determining an up-gradable ranking process, which qualifies and sorts single level crossings according to typical hazards, addressing viable times and modes for their mitigation.