Assist in the removal of signalling equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to assist in the removal of signalling systems and equipment under direction as part of maintenance or fault-finding activities, 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 removal activities, apply a range of disconnection methods and techniques to safely remove the equipment and make safe any connections as appropriate to the equipment removed. Where appropriate, you may also assist in working with computers or electronic controllers, making disconnections and removing hardware. The removal activities will include making sure that any removed signalling equipment is moved and stored safely before it is repaired, refitted or disposed of.

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 removal 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, and you must demonstrate competence in all the areas required by 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 any necessary changes to safety requirements upon site arrival and report to the relevant person(s) without delay
P3 locate and identify the equipment to be removed
P4 follow all relevant diagrams and specifications
P5 establish and, where appropriate, mark component/equipment orientation for re-assembly
P6 ensure that any stored energy or substances are released in accordance with your organisation’s procedures
P7 label relevant wiring and components and note the configuration settings
P8 assist with the removal of the required equipment using approved tools and techniques
P9 take suitable precautions to prevent damage to equipment during removal
P10 provide appropriate electrostatic protection for electronic equipment
P11 store or discard the removed equipment in accordance with your organisation's procedures
P12 report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P13 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 to be removed
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 removal activities
K9 the importance of ensuring any stored energy or substances are released safely and correctly
K10 what hazards are associated with carrying out signalling removal 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
K11 the importance of marking the component/equipment orientation for re- assembly and how to undertake this
K12 the relevant methods, techniques and procedures for the removal activities
K13 how to source and follow the relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for the removal of signalling equipment
K14 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment including calibration
K15 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K16 how to select the correct tools for the activity, including how to confirm that they are calibrated and stored correctly after use
K17 how to identify the various types of connectors used and the correct tools and equipment to make the disconnections correctly
K18 the different types of mounting, connecting and cable supporting systems used by the signalling equipment
K19 how to label and store removed equipment for re-use, repair or disposal
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 replaced 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 removed, will include:

   • power tools
   • hand tools
   • wire and cable strippers/cutters
   • IDC tools
   • termination tools
   • wrenches
   • soldering irons
   • manual handling equipment test equipment

5. Types of terminations/connections to be disconnected during the removal of the equipment, as applicable to the type of equipment, will include:

   • mechanical
   • fluid power
   • soldered
   • electronic
   • IDC
   • optical other specific type of termination/connection

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

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

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

   • job card
   • equipment logs and action report
   • company reporting procedures
   • other industry specific equipment records