Contribute to technical leadership of signal engineering activities

This standard identifies the competencies you need to contribute to the technical leadership of signal engineering activities for the maintenance, fault finding or installation of signalling systems and equipment. It includes providing up-to-date information and advice to others. 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 identify the necessary safety requirements and take the relevant action to ensure the safety of yourself, others and railway operations. You will be able to identify potential deviations from the allocated tasks and alter the plan as required within the limits of your authority. You will ensure that any alterations are recorded, reported and their impact on the allocated tasks monitored. You will be able to clarify and give guidance assistance where information is unclear, inaccurate or conflicting.

P1 maintain safe working practices and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, directives, and guidelines
P2 assess work methods and procedures for their suitability and technical feasibility
P3 anticipate potential problems and implement which action to take to deal with them
P4 identify potential deviations from the allocated tasks and alter the plan as required within the limits of your authority
P5 record and report any alterations and monitor their impact on the allocated tasks
P6 provide colleagues with valid and up-to-date information, advice and guidance as necessary
P7 clarify and give guidance and assistance when information is unclear, inaccurate or conflicting
P8 analyse problems in full and choose effective solutions that will maintain the quality and progress of the work
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 the relevant railway possession and protection arrangements for the work site and equipment to provide a safe system of work and how to check these have been implemented
K3 the Controller of Infrastructure Regulations and procedures
K4 how to determine and source the documentation requirements for the activities undertaken and how to confirm that these meet your organisation's procedures
K5 how to locate and access the site and equipment
K6 the relevant methods and techniques for planning and progressing work activities
K7 how to present and communicate information relating to the engineering activity
K8 the range and type of problem solving methods and techniques
K9 the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity
K10 how to maintain effective working relationships
K11 how to source, interpret and apply relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for signal engineering activities
K12 the range and type of operational constraints and authorisation procedures for carrying out signalling activities on the operational railway
K13 the requirements to make the system safe whilst undertaking engineering activities
K14 how and when signalling activities cannot be achieved and the impact of any deviations from the planned activities
K15 how to respond to influencing factors whilst carrying out the signal engineering activities, including environmental factors, site conditions and working on operational railway equipment
K16 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K17 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved

1. Types of signalling equipment 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. Types of information presented and communicated, as related to the engineering activities being carried out, could include:

   • special notices
   • engineering standards
   • work instructions
   • technical briefings
   • safety briefings