Restore plain line track geometry to operational condition

This standard is about restoring plain line track geometry to operational condition by manual or mechanised means.

You will be required to restore track geometry to optimum condition and the complexity of repairs will be influenced by track alignment and geometrical tolerances. You must be able to measure, mark up and carry out repairs on all types of track including those with steel, concrete, plastic and timber bearers. Dimensional clearances must be taken into account at all times.

The type of assets to be repaired will be plain line.

The quality standards and accuracy to be achieved will be approved by your organisation and the manufacturer and must include restoring components to within operational tolerances.

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 infrastructure.

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 restoring track geometry to optimum condition.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, legislative or regulatory health, safety and environmental requirements applicable when restoring track geometry to optimum condition.

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 prepare the worksite for repair, including:
P4.1 measuring components
P4.2 measuring the position of tracks and structures
P4.3 carrying out health and safety checks
P5 carry out the repairs within agreed timescales using approved materials and components, methods and procedures
P6 ensure that the repaired asset meets the specified operating conditions
P7 prepare appropriate documentation to update on progress and report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P8 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 the hazards associated with working on permanent way infrastructure
K6 environmental and safety risks associated with working with hazardous substances and materials
K7 how to source and follow schedules, diagrams and specifications relevant to your role, as approved by your organisation
K8 the nature of repairs using mechanical or manual equipment including:
K8.1 top
K8.2 alignment
K8.3 cross level
K8.4 track gauge
K9 the methods, techniques and procedures for worksite repair as approved by your organisation including those that are both temporary and permanent
K10 how plain line that has not been repaired to the correct specification can affect the safety and performance of the permanent way
K11 your organisation's procedures for the care and control of mechanised equipment, including calibration requirements
K12 your organisation's procedures for recording maintenance activities
K13 your organisation's methods and techniques for ensuring that repaired assets meet the specified operating conditions
K14 the importance of carrying out repair activities in the specified sequence and agreed timescale
K15 the planning arrangements and mitigation to minimise disruptive effect on normal operations and neighbours
K16 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K17 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes and procedures as approved by your organisation
K18 the impact of your work on the operations of other departments and the impact of their work for you
K19 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved