The standard also saw the drugs ketamine and tramadol added to the substance testing panel, while propoxyphene was removed.

As a reminder, this came into force on 3 March 2023, and we notified industry how we intended to audit suppliers later that month here. 

In summary, RISQS (Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme) auditors began auditing suppliers against delivered tests and plans for future tests from 3 March 2023.

However, we will now be auditing suppliers against the updated standard that came into force on 3 March 2023, requiring 20% or more people to have been tested and plans for future tests to still be in place from 3 March 2024.

Therefore, just having a plan to deliver tests will no longer achieve compliance. We expect 20% and a plan and/or contract for future tests.

For further information, please read the communications notice uploaded to RISQS website on 20 March 2023 and subsequently sent via email to scheme members here. 

If you have any questions regarding RISQS, please contact info@risqs.org.