Access overhead line equipment construction sites
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to gain safe access to overhead line equipment (OLE) construction sites.
The definition of OLE is an arrangement of wires, suspended over the railway line, for supplying electricity to electric trains, together with associated fittings, insulators and other attachments including feeders, autotransformer feeders, overhead line switches, jumpers and return conductors. This equipment together with its structures, foundations, and lineside switching stations is described collectively as Overhead Line Equipment.
The purpose of this standard is to define the competence requirements for you to access overhead line equipment construction sites in line with relevant processes and procedures.
The level and extent of responsibility shall include your own safety and that of others who you may accompany. You will be expected to refer to others for authorisation when required, be responsible for the implementation of instructions, and work within set procedures and processes. Your actions shall not compromise the safety of others.
To prove your competence in this standard, you must be able to demonstrate your ability to access OLE construction sites in a safe manner, in line with processes and procedures. You will also have to show that you can follow recording, reporting and escalation procedures.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 maintain safe working practices and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, directives, and guidelines
P2 follow the relevant instructions in line with safe access procedure
P3 follow directions from competent personnel
P4 carry out on site activities within the limits of your personal authority
P5 report any instances where on site activities cannot be achieved or where there are safety issues outside the planned schedule
P6 complete relevant records and pass them on to the appropriate person
P7 follow recording and reporting procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the relevant health and safety regulations, directives, guidelines, and safe working practices and procedures as defined by your organisation
K2 the specific safety considerations and requirements concerning access to construction sites(such as moving machinery, working plant and equipment, electrified lines, hazards associated with OLE systems, awareness of working at height and how they can differ at each site of work)
K3 the technical terminology associated with construction sites and how that applies to the safe access
K4 the documentation associated with access to OLE construction sites
K5 the requirements for signing in and off site
K6 the purpose of the briefing by the Site Access Controller before gaining access
K7 what procedures need to be followed, to confirm operational and personal safety is maintained during the work
K8 what procedures need to be followed for visitors to the construction site
K9 how to avoid personal injury during the work
K10 how the construction activity may affect the safe operation of the railway
K11 how the OLE is designed to function under normal operating conditions
K12 what each of the component parts contribute to the overall operation of the OLE system
K13 what terminology and methods are used to identify OLE and describe operational status of the equipment
K14 recording, reporting lines and escalation procedures
K15 industry protocols relating to communication of important safety information
K16 what the limits of your own responsibility/authority are and whom you should report to if you have a problem you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Types of site access requirements could include:
- receiving safety briefings
- personal safety
Requirements for site briefings could include the following:
- safety arrangements
- nature of work
- hazards associated with the site
- extent of safe working limits
- emergency arrangements
- welfare arrangements
- PPE requirements
- whom you will need to report while on site
- limits of personal responsibility
Types of documentation that apply to access requirements could include:
- signing in and off site register
- site briefing attendance
- site access authorisation card
- personal track safety card
- track visitor permit
Site requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) could include:
- safety helmets
- approved high visibility clothing
- approved safety footwear
- gloves
- safety eyewear
- ear protection
- safety harnesses
Hazards and risks could include:
- electrified lines
- radial loaded and tensioned lines
- limited clearances
- moving machinery (such as road rail vehicles (RRV's))
- working at height
- lifting and moving equipment
- overloaded plant and equipment
6. Recording, reporting and escalation procedures could include:
- emergency procedures
- standard reporting procedures associated with projects