Establish information for signal engineering testing

This standard identifies the competencies you need to establish information for signal engineering testing before undertaking signalling testing activities. The testing may be 'verification' or 'functional' testing of newly installed equipment and associated infrastructure, or the testing of new signalling electronic equipment. The signalling equipment in this standard can apply to overground or underground rail transportation systems and can be for the European Train Control System (ETCS).

You will be able to source and interpret the information required to undertake the allocated testing tasks. You will be required to extract the necessary data from the various specifications and related documentation, to establish and carry out the work requirements and to make valid decisions about the work activities based on the information extracted. You will be expected to work to instructions, with a minimum of supervision. You will be able to read and interpret the documentation available and will know about the conventions, symbols and abbreviations used in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities to the required test specification.

P1 identify and interpret the sources of information required for testing activities
P2 source and interpret the relevant information on technical requirements to ensure precision and adherence to specified standards
P3 ensure that the information is current, authorised and contains all essential data for testing activities
P4 identify and deal with information, which is inadequate, contradictory and/or ambiguous in accordance with your organisation's procedures

K1 how to access and interpret technical information for the testing activity
K2 your organisation's procedures for documentation care and control and the requirements for the retention of records
K3 how to ensure that documents are current, authorised and reflect the required level of detail for the testing activity
K4 how to interpret the conventions, symbols, terminology and abbreviations used in site and equipment diagrams, engineering drawings and specifications including an understanding of signalling terminology
K5 how to identify, evaluate and respond to problems occurring with the information and its interpretation
K6 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K7 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved

1. Types of signalling equipment, for which required technical information for testing will be established, 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

2. Sources of information, as applicable to the equipment being tested, could include:

   • design drawings
   • test plans
   • records of previously completed testing
   • installation plans
   • test specifications
   • industry procedures
   • manufacturer handbooks
   • equipment specific requirements
   • test procedures/handbook (such as SMTH)

3. Types of tests, as applicable to the type of signalling equipment being verification tested, could include:

   • physical inspection
   • function
   • wire count
   • continuity tests
   • insulation tests
   • interference
   • correspondence
   • other industry/equipment specific verification tests