Assist in the installation of signalling equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to assist in the installation of signalling systems and equipment under direction, including the use of correct tools and equipment. The signalling equipment in this standard can be for overground or underground rail transportation systems and can apply to the European Train Control System (ETCS).

You will be required to use the appropriate tools and equipment throughout the installation activities and to apply a range of installation methods and techniques to position, level and align the equipment and to make connections as appropriate to the equipment installed. Where appropriate, you may also assist in working with computers or electronic controllers, making connections, installing hardware and loading and updating software. The installation activities will include making checks and adjustments, in line with your permitted authority, and assisting others to ensure that the installed equipment functions to the required specification.

On completion, you will ensure the work area is cleared of all tools, equipment, and materials, and complete job documentation accurately. Collaboration and following instructions are key.

The installation activity may be carried out as a team effort, but you must demonstrate a significant personal contribution to the installation activities to satisfy the requirements of the standard.

Safety is a key theme; you must practice and demonstrate safe working methods, understanding and implementing necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

P1 maintain safe working practices and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, directives, and guidelines
P2 follow all relevant diagrams, specifications and procedures for the installation being carried out
P3 assist in the installation activities within the limits of your own authority, responsibility and competence, including as appropriate integrity checks
P4 use the correct tools and equipment for the installation and check that they are in a safe, usable condition and calibrated
P5 install, position, secure and label the equipment, components and cables in accordance with the installation specifications and standards
P6 run, secure and terminate wires and cables in accordance with the installation
P7 identify and label wires and cables in accordance with installation requirements
P8 ensure that the installation is complete and that all components are free from damage, including checking that all necessary connections to the equipment are complete and all waste items are dealt with in line with your organisation's procedures
P9 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 how to locate and access the site
K3 how to locate and identify the equipment, components and cables to be worked on
K4 the isolation and lock-off procedure or permit-to-work procedure that applies to the system (such as electrical isolation, locking off switchgear, placing of warning notices, proving the isolation has been achieved and secured)
K5 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K6 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K7 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber matting and isolating transformers)
K8 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the installation activities
K9 the hazards associated with carrying out signalling installation activities (such as stored energy, radio frequency radiation, electrical supplies,electrical/electronic interfaces, using damaged or badly maintained tools and equipment, not following laid-down procedures), and how to minimise these and mitigate any risks
K10 the relevant methods, techniques and procedures for installation activities
K11 how to follow relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for installation of signalling equipment
K12 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment
K13 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K14 how to select the correct tools for the activity, including how to confirm that they are calibrated and stored correctly after use
K15 how to identify the various types of connectors used and the correct tools and equipment to make the connections correctly
K16 the different types of mounting, connecting and cable supporting systems used in the installation of signalling equipment
K17 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K18 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved

1. Types of health and safety legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures, as applicable to the work location and activities, could include:

   • your organisation's safety management system
   • control of substances hazardous to health
   • safe work plans
   • track access restrictions
   • track work instructions
   • track possession
   • task risk control sheets
   • current rule book
   • regulations for working under OLE and in the vicinity of DC lines (where appropriate)
   • equipment disconnections
   • manual handling
   • reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences
   • safety signage legal requirements
   • PPE

2. Site installation locations could include:

   • trackside
   • internal (such as signal box, equipment room)
   • areas to which the public have access
   • confined spaces
   • elevated structures

3. Types of signalling equipment installed could include:

   • points
   • train control (such as signals, balises or other method of authorising train movements)
   • train detection (such as track circuits or axle counters)
   • power supplies
   • ETCS
   • other industry specific signalling equipment

4. Types of approved/calibrated tools and equipment used, as applicable to the equipment being installed, will include:

• power tools
• hand tools
• wire and cable strippers
• IDC tools (such as punch down tool)
• crimping tools
• torque wrenches
• measuring equipment
• levelling equipment
• test equipment

5. Types of terminations/connections made during the installation could include:

• crimping
• mechanical
• fluid power
• soldering
• IDC
• optical
• other specific type of termination/connection

6. Installation activities may need to be carried out in accordance with the following:

• infrastructure guidelines and standard operating procedures
• work authorisations
• installation charts/diagrams
• equipment manufacturer's documents
• BS, ISO and/or BS EN standards
• other industry specific signalling standards/specifications

7. Types of installation records that need to be completed and passed to the appropriate people could include:

• job card
• installation log and action report
• completion certificates
• company reporting procedures
• other industry specific installation records