Supervise the non-destructive testing of rails

This standard is about supervising the testing of rails using non-destructive testing equipment.
You will be required to supervise the non-destructive testing of rails, which may include plain line, switches and crossings. You will also know the type and complexities of tests to supervise, and the types of tools and equipment available for rail integrity testing either by ultra-sonic or other means.

The type and complexity of tests to be carried out will be approved by your organisation.

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.

You will be expected to work within approved procedures and specifications and will work within the limits of your own responsibility.

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 supervising the non-destructive testing of rails.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety and environmental requirements applicable when supervising the non-destructive testing of rails.

This standard is for all supervisors 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 ensure all of the equipment required to carry out non-destructive testing of rails are made available and is in safe and usable condition
P4 source and follow the appropriate schedules, diagrams and related specifications for the work being carried out as approved by your organisation
P5 analyse and confirm the type of tests to be carried out, the sequence which they are to be performed and the types of tools and equipment to be used
P6 supervise to ensure equipment is calibrated as required prior to use
P7 supervise to ensure the tests are carried out using the correct procedures and within agreed timescales
P8 analyse the results of the tests and access and record any defects or variations from the specification in the appropriate format in line with your organisations procedures
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 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 type and complexity of tests to be supervised including:
K8.1 the use of handheld testing equipment
K8.2 the use of trolley mounted testing equipment
K8.3 the use of train mounted testing equipment
K8.4 reading and assessing data
K8.5 specialised techniques
K8.6 reporting defects
K9 how to access and interpret the relevant diagrams and engineering specifications
K10 the types of test equipment and their application(s) and limitation(s) as approved by your organisation for the testing of rails
K11 your organisation's procedures for
K11.1 the calibration of equipment
K11.2 the care and use of tools and equipment
K12 the methods and procedures for
K12.1 setting up, carrying out and supervising the non-destructive testing of rails
K12.2 analysing and recording test results
K13 what constitutes a defect or variation to plain line, switches and crossings
K14 how to analyse the effect of the defect or variation and compare against the specification
K15 how to verify that testing has been completed
K16 how to supervise the non-destructive testing of rails
K17 the environmental controls relating to testing and the reporting documentation and procedures as approved by your organisation
K18 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K19 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes and procedures as approved by your organisation
K20 the impact of your work on the operations of other departments and the impact of their work for you
K21 the allocation of tasks and duties
K22 the benefits of team working and methods to achieve this
K23 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved