This European Standard defines the laboratory tests and requirements for approval of an aluminothermic welding process using welds produced in workshop conditions. It applies to the joining of new, Vignole rails as described in EN 13674 1 of the same profile and steel grade. Compliance with the requirements of this standard does not of itself ensure the suitability of a welding process for specific conditions of track and traffic. The standard does not cover welds made between different rail sections, differently worn rails and different rail grades. In addition to the definitive requirements this standard also requires the items detailed in Clause 4 to be documented. For compliance with this standard, it is important that both the definitive requirements and the documented items be satisfied.