Complete testing, gauging and acceptance of overhead line equipment
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to carry out the testing, gauging and acceptance of installed, renewed or modified overhead line equipment (OLE) prior to handback.
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.
To prove competence in this standard you shall need to demonstrate your ability to complete the testing, gauging and acceptance checks on overhead line equipment in accordance with current working instructions.
You will be required to determine, from the inspection/testing plans and specifications, what has to be done and how best it can be achieved safely, within the time frames allowed and appropriate to the environment and site conditions.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work, and provide an informed approach to carrying out the testing, gauging and acceptance checks. You will understand the principles and processes associated with the testing and gauging of newly installed, modified or enhanced overhead line equipment. You will know about the testing and gauging methods and techniques, as well as the care and use of the testing tools and equipment in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities and ensuring the finished overhead line equipment is produced to the required specification. You will understand the safety precautions required when working at height and using associated tools and equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the safe testing, gauging and acceptance checks to be undertaken and to report any problems with the component parts, equipment or testing and gauging activities that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with minimum supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.
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 all relevant setting up and operating specifications for the products or assets being tested
P3 use the correct tools, plant and equipment for the testing and gauging activities and check that they are in a safe and usable condition and are fit for purpose
P4 follow the defined procedures and set up the equipment so that all operating parameters are achieved
P5 check and confirm that all necessary connections, fittings and components are secure, complete and free from damage
P6 address problems within your control and report unresolved issues
P7 check testing and gauging is complete and that all equipment operates to specification
P8 complete all relevant testing, gauging and acceptance documentation
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 requirements for a safe system of work and the limits applicable
K3 how the activity may affect the safe operation of the railway
K4 what procedures need to be followed, to confirm operational and personal safety, is maintained during the work
K5 the general electrical hazards associated with working on and around overhead line equipment
K6 how to prevent personal injury and injury to others during the work
K7 the hazards associated with the testing and gauging activities (such as working at height, tensioned wires, radial loads and initial energisation) and how the risks can be minimised
K8 the personal protective equipment (PPE) that you need to use for the activities that you are undertaking
K9 the documentation and certification that supports the activities (such as overhead line specifications, work/task instructions, inspection/test plan, height/stagger sheet)
K10 the purpose of the different types of design drawings used in OLE wiring installation (such as layouts, cross section diagrams, OLE system design range (such as OLEMI))
K11 how to carry out currency/issue checks of the specifications you are working with
K12 the construction methodology for the installation being undertaken
K13 how the OLE is designed to function under normal operating conditions
K14 what each of the component parts contribute to the overall operation of the system
K15 what terminology and methods are used to identify OLE and to describe the operational status of the equipment
K16 the safe procedures for testing, gauging and acceptance checks
K17 the acceptance parameters for handback
K18 how to use the tools, plant and equipment needed for the testing and gauging process and how to check that maintenance checks are in date and any calibration certificates are available
K19 the methods of using test pantographs
K20 the principles of electrical section proving
K21 how to use magnet strength and polarity testers
K22 what the limits of your responsibility and authority are
K23 who is responsible for taking equipment out of operational service and handing the equipment back to operational service
K24 the testing, gauging and acceptance activity reporting documentation
K25 reporting lines and escalation procedures
K26 the industry protocols relating to communication of important safety information
K27 how to complete records and confirm that they are retained and preserved
K28 acceptance and handback documentation
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Activities carried out during the testing and gauging will include:
- adhere to safety briefing instructions, risk assessments, control of substances, safe system of work and other relevant safety standards
- checks to ensure currency of installation documentation (such as drawings, layouts, instructions, manufacturers' data, settings and other documentation)
- obtain authority before carrying out the testing activities
- dispose of waste items in accordance with the project plan
- leave the work area in a safe condition
Types of personal protection equipment used could include:
- safety harnesses
- safety helmets
- approved high visibility clothing
- approved safety footwear
- gloves
- safety eyewear
- ear protection (as appropriate)
- other specific equipment
Types of design drawings and specifications, used for the testing and gauging requirements, include:
- layouts
- cross sections
- inspection/test plan
- electrical section diagrams
Testing/gauging activities carried out will include:
- use of measurement and recording equipment to check profile/set up/clearance
- record readings on test plan
- use of test pantographs
- use of bond testers
- use of magnet strength and polarity (S and P) testers
- assist with electrical section proving
Checks carried out on the OLE will include:
- checking that the installed components comply with the installation specification
- checking final adjustments for position, clearances, level and alignment
- making visual checks for completeness and freedom from damage
- checking locking devices (as appropriate)
Recording and reporting procedures followed could include:
- installation record
- handover document
- other specific recording document