Lift and move permanent way materials, components and equipment

This standard is about lifting and moving permanent way materials, components and equipment using the correct plant/equipment and techniques.

You will be required to lift and move permanent way materials, components and equipment. The moving methods and techniques to be used are manual or mechanical with the aid of lifting devices and consideration must be given to the nature of the load and its intended destination. In order to lift, move and handle loads and equipment you must understand the level and extent of your authority and responsibility.

The type of moving, lifting and handling equipment to be used must be appropriate for the load to be moved.

The type and characteristics of the load to be moved are those associated with loads of an unwieldy nature, with an uneven weight distribution, and of irregular shape.

The final location of the load will be in the approved safe location. This location must ensure no damage to the load and that the load does not create a hazard to people and train/vehicle movements.

During this work, you must take account of the relevant worksite operational requirements, procedures and safe working practices as they apply to you.

Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying problem-solving techniques and procedures when lifting and moving permanent way materials, components and equipment.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety and environmental requirements applicable when lifting and moving permanent way materials, components and equipment.

This standard is for all operatives carrying out permanent way engineering activities.

P1 maintain safe working practices and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, directives, and guidelines
P2 identify any necessary changes to safety requirements upon site arrival and report to the relevant person(s) without delay
P3 source and follow the appropriate schedules, diagrams and related specifications for the work being carried out as approved by your organisation
P4 confirm all necessary documentation is in place prior to movement of the load
P5 identify the weight of the load to be transported and that the equipment is sufficient to complete the task safely
P6 attach the appropriate handling equipment securely to the load, using approved methods to eliminate slippage
P7 check the moving equipment to ensure the weight of the load is evenly distributed
P8 ensure that the load is correctly loaded, secured and protected before moving, in accordance with your organisations procedures
P9 conduct the movement of the load over the selected suitable route
P10 ensure that interference with other systems is minimised, and equipment and systems other than those being lifted/moved are not disturbed without authority
P11 position and release the load safely in its intended location
P12 ensure the load is secure and placed in the correct position according to your organisations procedures
P13 take responsibility for the care and use of the resources within the limits of your own authority
P14 prepare appropriate documentation to update on progress and report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P15 address problems within your control and report unresolved issues

K1 the relevant health and safety regulations, directives, guidelines, and safe working practices and procedures defined by your organisation, as appropriate to the activity and your working area
K2 your responsibilities in respect of health, safety and environment, including the limits of your personal responsibility, your legal responsibility for your own health and safety and the health and safety of others
K3 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate type of safety equipment (PPE) and where to obtain it from
K4 the hazards associated with working on permanent way infrastructure
K5 how to locate and safely access the site
K6 how to source and follow schedules, diagrams and specifications relevant to your role, as approved by your organisation
K7 how to locate and identify the component(s) to be lifted/moved
K8 how to confirm the documentation required for the movement of a load is in place, including:
K8.1 licence and/or permit
K8.2 lifting plan
K9 the types and characteristics of the loads to be moved, including:
K9.1 rails
K9.2 switches and crossings
K9.3 bearers
K9.4 sleepers
K9.5 ballast
K9.6 associated fastenings
K10 how to check for, and what constitutes, an uneven load
K11 the methods and techniques for securing loads, including how to eliminate slippage
K12 the methods and techniques for moving loads
K13 how to identify and use relevant lifting, moving and handling equipment, including:
K13.1 chains
K13.2 straps
K13.3 beams
K13.4 sleeper lifting devices
K14 the methods and techniques for load assessment including:
K14.1 observational means
K14.2 load assessment devices
K14.3 weight charts
K14.4 tolerance devices
K14.5 gauging devices
K15 the methods and techniques to determine a suitable route, including:
K15.1 visual inspection
K15.2 determining available clearances and tolerances
K15.3 load bearing capacities
K15.4 gradients and curvature effects
K16 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of handling equipment, including calibration service and LOLER requirements
K17 how to check and confirm the load is safely in its intended location
K18 the methods and techniques for the safe release of the load
K19 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K20 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes and procedures as approved by your organisation
K21 the likely impact of your work on the operations of other departments and the impact of their work for you
K22 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved