Assist in the planned maintenance of signalling equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to assist in the planned maintenance 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 maintenance activities and to apply a range of methods and techniques to maintain the equipment. Where appropriate, you may also assist in working with computers or electronic controllers, making connections, maintaining hardware and loading and updating software. The maintenance activities will include making checks and adjustments, in line with your permitted authority, and assisting others to ensure that the maintained 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 maintenance activity may be carried out as a team effort, but you must demonstrate a significant personal contribution to the 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 identify the area of work and the equipment which is to be maintained
P3 follow the relevant maintenance schedules or procedures to carry out the required work
P4 assist in the maintenance activities within the limits of your own authority
P5 carry out the maintenance activities in the specified sequence and in an agreed timescale ensuring that the work does not interfere with any operational railway systems
P6 select and use the correct tools and equipment including measuring instruments and check that they are in a safe usable condition and calibrated
P7 ensure waste items and tools are removed or stored in line with your organisation's procedures
P8 report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P9 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 check authorisation is in place for maintenance activities
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 maintenance activities
K9 what hazards are associated with carrying out signal maintenance 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 how to locate and identify the equipment to be worked on
K11 how to follow maintenance schedules, procedures, instructions specifications, site and equipment diagrams
K12 the methods, techniques and procedures for the maintenance of signalling systems and equipment
K13 the types of operational constraints that could occur when carrying out signalling maintenance activities
K14 your organisation's procedures relating to maintenance records and documentation including how to access and version control
K15 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment including calibration
K16 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K17 how to check the maintenance activity to ensure compliance with the original specification
K18 the types of damage or disturbance that could occur to operational equipment when undertaking a maintenance activity
K19 your organisation's procedures for disposing/storing of waste items
K20 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K21 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. Equipment site 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 subject to planned maintenance 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 maintained, will include:

   • power tools
   • hand tools
   • wire and cable strippers
   • IDC tools (such as punch down tool)
   • crimping tools
   • multi-meters
   • measuring equipment
   • test equipment
   • other specific signalling maintenance tools/equipment
   • test equipment
   • wrenches
   • termination tools

5. Maintenance activities carried out, as applicable to the equipment being maintained, will include:

   • visual and aural checks
   • electrical measurements and adjustments
   • mechanical measurements and adjustments
   • routine servicing
   • cleaning
   • lubricating
   • other specific signalling maintenance activity

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

   • job card
   • SMTH
   • maintenance log and action report
   • company reporting procedures
   • other industry specific maintenance records