Adjust signalling components and equipment to meet operational requirements

This standard identifies the competencies you need to carry out the adjustment of signalling components and equipment as part of maintenance or fault-finding activities. 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 adjusting activities and to apply a range of methods and techniques to adjust the components and equipment. Where appropriate, you may also work with computers or electronic controllers, making connections, adjusting hardware and loading and updating software. The activities will include making checks and adjustments, in line with your permitted authority, and working with others to ensure that the adjusted components and equipment function 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. You will be expected to work to instructions, alone or in conjunction with others. The adjustment 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 identify the area of work and the components/equipment which is to be adjusted
P4 source and interpret the appropriate documentation and operating specifications for the equipment being adjusted
P5 identify and use the relevant tools, test equipment and measuring instruments in accordance with documentation and operating specifications
P6 carry out adjustments within the limits of your own authority
P7 carry out the required adjustments in the specified sequence and in an agreed timescale
P8 confirm that the adjusted components/equipment meet the required operating specification
P9 complete the relevant integrity checks in line with your organisation's procedures
P10 identify, evaluate and report any instances where the equipment fails to meet the required performance after adjustments or where there are identified defects outside the required adjustments
P11 identify and report any defects in accordance with your organisation’s procedures, and agree a suitable course of action with the relevant person(s)
P12 identify relevant authorisation changes, where urgent action is required, such as the extension of possessions or the setting up of additional protection arrangements
P13 ensure that interference with other systems is minimised, and equipment and systems other than those being maintained are not disturbed without authority
P14 use alternative authorised adjustment practices where existing instructions are insufficient
P15 identify the need for independent testing where required
P16 observe sufficient operations of the components and equipment to confirm it is functioning as expected
P17 maintain documentation in accordance with your organisation's procedures
P18 submit all reports and communications to the appropriate authorities at the relevant times
P19 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 how to secure the system in preparation for the activity
K5 how to protect operational equipment from the adjustment activity
K6 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)
K7 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K8 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K9 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber matting and isolating transformers)
K10 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the maintenance activities
K11 the hazards associated with carrying out signalling maintenance activities (such as stored energy, radio frequency radiation, electrical supplies, electrical/electronic interfaces, using damaged or ill-maintained tools and equipment, not following laid-down procedures), and how to minimise these and mitigate any risks
K12 how to locate and identify the equipment to be worked on
K13 the relevant methods, techniques and procedures for the adjustment of signalling components and equipment
K14 the principles of operation of the equipment to be adjusted
K15 the types of operational constraints that could occur when carrying out the adjustments
K16 the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity, including disturbing other equipment and systems without authority
K17 the correct mode of operation of signalling asset to be adjusted
K18 what constitutes a signalling component/equipment defect and the implication on safety and performance of the operational railway
K19 the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity
K20 how to identify, evaluate and deal with influencing factors whilst carrying out the tasks, including environmental factors
K21 how to source, interpret and apply relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for the adjustment of signalling equipment including any diagnostic information or alarms
K22 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K23 how to check the adjustment activity to ensure compliance with the original specification
K24 the importance of integrity checks, including how and when they should be carried out
K25 when independent testing is required
K26 your organisation's procedures for recording adjustment details
K27 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment including calibration
K28 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K29 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. Types of site equipment 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 on which adjustments could be carried out 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 tools and equipment used, as applicable to the equipment being maintained, will include:

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

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

   • electrical measurements and adjustments
   • electronic measurements and adjustments
   • mechanical measurements and adjustments
   • other specific signalling adjustment activity

6. Maintenance 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
   • Signalling Maintenance Testing Handbook (SMTH)
   • other industry specific signalling standards/specifications

7. 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