Carry out routine adjustments to permanent way assets

This standard is about carrying out adjustments to permanent way assets, including sleepers, rails and ballast profiles on plain line and switches and crossings. The adjustments to permanent way assets will be routine and use simple engineering processes and techniques.

You will be required to carry out routine adjustments to assets and components which may include sleepers, rails and ballast profiles on plain line, and switches and crossings involving a single stage process. You will work to a plan which may include carrying out several single stage adjustments in sequence within the system. Once the adjustment has been made you will be required to confirm that the asset or component meets the required operating specification.

The level and extent of responsibility includes both your own safety and that of work colleagues. Where necessary, authorisation must be obtained before work is carried out on permanent way assets. You will be expected to work within approved procedures and specifications and will work within the limits of your own responsibility.

The type of asset or component to be worked on will be that associated with plain line switches and crossings.
The quality standards and accuracy to be achieved will be in line with your organisation's procedures. It must include reinstating assets to within operational tolerances.

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 making adjustments to permanent way assets.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety and environmental requirements applicable when making adjustments to permanent way assets.

This standard is for all skilled 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 obtain all of the equipment required for the task ensuring that it is in safe and usable condition
P5 carry out adjustments within the limits of your own authority
P6 carry out the required adjustments in the specified sequence and in an agreed timescale
P7 confirm that the adjusted asset/component meets the required operating specification
P8 report any instances where the asset/component fails to meet the required performance after adjustments or where there are identified defects outside the required adjustments
P9 prepare appropriate documentation to update on progress and report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P10 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 how to locate and access the site
K5 hazards associated with working on permanent way infrastructure
K6 how to source and follow schedules, diagrams and specifications relevant to your role, as approved by your organisation
K7 planning arrangements and mitigation to minimise disruptive effect on normal operations and neighbours
K8 track geometry
K9 the methods, techniques and procedures for the adjustment of permanent way assets and components, including:
K9.1 method statements
K9.2 risk assessments
K9.3 relevant clauses from track standards
K9.4 track work instructions
K9.5 hot weather precaution plans
K9.6 extreme weather plans
K9.7 emergency preparedness plans
K10 the type and complexity of adjustments to be made to the permanent way assets and components, including:
K10.1 rail adjustment and regulation
K10.2 adjustment switch setting
K10.3 sleeper and bearer spacing and squaring
K10.4 ballast re-profiling
K10.5 stressing rails
K10.6 straightening of rail ends
K10.7 operational support for point testing
K10.8 conductor rail
K10.9 check/guard rails
K11 the types of maintenance records and documentation procedures required by your organisation
K12 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment including calibration
K13 the implications of not following the procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment
K14 your organisation's waste disposal procedures, including knowing whom to approach for authorisation
K15 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K16 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes and procedures as approved by your organisation
K17 the impact of your work on the operations of other departments and the impact of their work on you
K18 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved