Ensure that the track is fit for operational purposes

This standard is about ensuring that the track is fit for operational purposes and covers the assessment of the condition of the infrastructure, following the completion of maintenance, inspection and/or renewal work, to determine its fitness for use. This includes track that has been taken out of use and takes account of appropriate speed restrictions.

You will be required to ensure the track is fit for operational purposes. The type of assets will include the track and associated infrastructure following remedial work and inspection. The scale of the work could range from minor maintenance to major renewal/repair activities.

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 ensuring the track is fit for operational purposes.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety and environmental requirements applicable when ensuring the track is fit for operational purposes.

This standard is for all skilled operatives and 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 confirm that other affected disciplines agree that the asset is in a satisfactory condition for operational use
P3 identify and confirm any unusual features of the condition of the asset
P4 reach agreement between everyone involved on the precise moment of transfer of responsibility and initiate the transfer to operational use
P5 ensure that all records are clear, accurate and complete while the transfer of responsibility is being made
P6 take responsibility for the care and use of the resources within the limits of your own authority
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 the hazards associated with working on permanent way infrastructure
K5 how to source and interpret engineering specifications as approved by your organisation
K6 the scale of the work from minor maintenance to major renewal/repair activities, including:
K6.1 raising/removing speed restrictions
K6.2 temporary and permanent situations
K6.3 major geometrical repair
K6.4 removal of environmental hazards
K6.5 maintenance works or inspections
K6.6 track infrastructure alterations
K6.7 requirements for ongoing monitoring of track position
K6.8 emergency inspections
K7 the transfer of responsibility procedures as approved by your organisation, including:
K7.1 raising/removing speed restrictions
K7.2 temporary and permanent situations
K7.3 major geometrical repair
K7.4 the removal of environmental hazards
K7.5 arrangements for ongoing monitoring of track position
K8 your organisation's methods and techniques for effective communication including the appropriate method for communicating changes
K9 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K10 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes and procedures as approved by your organisation
K11 the impact of your work on the operations of other departments and the impact of their work for you
K12 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved