Carry out removal of components from signalling equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to carry out the removal of components from signalling systems and equipment as part of maintenance or fault finding. 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 components from the equipment and make safe any connections as appropriate to the components removed. Where appropriate, you may also assist in working with computers or electronic controllers, making disconnections and removing hardware components. The removal activities will include making sure that any removed signalling components are 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. You will be expected to work to instructions in conjunction with others or alone. 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 locate and identify the component(s) to be removed
P3 source and interpret all relevant diagrams and specifications
P4 establish, and where appropriate, mark component(s) orientation for re- assembly
P5 ensure that any stored energy or substances are released in accordance with your organisation's procedures
P6 label relevant wiring and components and note the configuration settings
P7 follow the required procedure for disconnection, when isolating the working area from other systems
P8 remove the required component(s) using approved procedures, tools and techniques and in a way that does not interfere with any operational railway systems
P9 use authorised practices where existing instructions are insufficient
P10 take suitable precautions to prevent damage to component(s) during removal
P11 check the condition of the removed component(s) and record those that will require replacing
P12 provide appropriate electrostatic protection for electronic equipment, where applicable
P13 store or discard the removed component(s) in line with your organisation's procedures
P14 ensure that interference with other systems is minimised, and equipment and systems other than those being maintained are not disturbed without authority
P15 address problems within your control and report unresolved issues
P16 complete all relevant documentation in accordance with your organisation's procedures

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 component(s) 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 safe working practices for the release of stored energy, including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical
K6 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K7 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K8 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber matting and isolating transformers)
K9 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the removal activities
K10 the hazards associated with carrying out signalling removal 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
K11 how to source, interpret and apply relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for maintenance of signalling equipment
K12 the importance of marking the component(s) orientation for re-assembly and how to undertake this
K13 the relevant methods, techniques and procedures for component removal and handling
K14 the implications of not following the methods and techniques for safe component handling
K15 the principles of operation of the equipment to be worked upon
K16 the types of component defects that could occur
K17 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and test equipment including calibration
K18 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K19 how to select the correct tools for the activity, including how to confirm that they are calibrated and stored after use
K20 how to identify the various types of connectors used and the correct tools and equipment to make the disconnections
K21 the different types of mounting, connecting and cable supporting systems used by the signalling equipment
K22 how to label and store removed component(s) for re-use, repair or disposal
K23 how to respond to influencing factors whilst carrying out the maintenance tasks, including environmental factors
K24 your organisation's procedures for recording the removal activity
K25 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K26 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 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 components may be removed 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 components being removed, will include:

   • power tools
   • hand tools
   • wire and cable strippers/cutters
   • insulation displacement connection (IDC) tools
   • termination tools
   • wrenches
   • soldering irons
   • manual handling equipment
   • test equipment

5. Types of connections that will be disconnected during the removal of the components could include:

   • mechanical
   • fluid power
   • electronic
   • soldered
   • 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
   • Signalling Maintenance Testing Handbook (SMTH)
   • 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
   • SMTH
   • equipment logs and action report
   • company reporting procedures
   • other industry specific equipment records