Undertake detailed inspection of the signalling infrastructure

This standard is about undertaking detailed inspection of the signalling infrastructure, including verifying reported defects, identifying new defects, and prioritising and checking work.

You will be required to undertake a detailed inspection of the signalling infrastructure. The aspects, characteristics, and complexity of the checks will depend on the components that are to be inspected. The inspection methods and techniques to be used will be approved by your organisation and may include the use of inspection vehicles or pedestrian means. The signalling equipment in this standard can be for overground or underground rail transportation systems and can apply to newer systems, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS).

The quality standards and accuracy to be achieved will be approved by your organisation and the manufacturer and must take account of the approved tolerances. The inspection must be undertaken in a thorough and timely fashion.

During this work, you must take account of the relevant worksite operational requirements, procedures, and safe working practices as they apply to you.

Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying problem-solving techniques and procedures when carrying out a detailed inspection of the signalling infrastructure.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety, and environmental requirements applicable for the inspection.

This standard is for all supervisors carrying out signalling engineering activities.

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 source and follow the appropriate schedules, diagrams, and related specifications for the work being carried out as approved by your organisation
P4 ensure equipment is calibrated as required prior to use
P5 select and use the correct equipment to carry out the inspection
P6 identify and confirm the inspection checks to be made and acceptance criteria to be used
P7 carry out all required inspections in line with organisation's procedures
P8 identify and analyse any defects or variations from the specification
P9 take responsibility for the care and use of the resources within the limits of your own authority
P10 record and review the outcomes and take appropriate action in line with your organisation's procedures
P11 prepare appropriate documentation to update on progress and report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P12 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 your responsibilities in respect of health, safety, and environment. This should include the limits of your personal responsibility, your legal responsibility for your own health and safety and the health and safety of others
K3 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate types of safety equipment (PPE) and where to obtain it from
K4 how to locate and access the site
K5 hazards associated with working on signalling infrastructure
K6 environmental and safety risks associated with working with hazardous substances and materials
K7 how to locate and identify the signalling infrastructure for the inspection
K8 how to source and follow schedules, diagrams, and specifications relevant to your role, as approved by your organisation
K9 how to confirm the specification is accurate
K10 what constitutes the signalling infrastructure and how it integrates with other aspects of the rail engineering industry
K11 the types of equipment to be used including signalling gauges, and the equipment or assets to be inspected.
K12 the types of checks to carry out when inspecting the signalling infrastructure.
K13 the operational and environmental constraints that could occur whilst undertaking an inspection.
K14 the methods and techniques for inspection as approved by your organisation.
K15 the types of equipment required for the inspection and how to ensure it is calibrated as appropriate
K16 how to ensure authorisation is obtained for both the inspection and the use of equipment
K17 the recognised techniques to predict deterioration rates in signalling assets
K18 ways to monitor the condition of signalling infrastructure for further deterioration
K19 what constitutes a defect or variation of the signalling infrastructure
K20 how to identify and analyse defects in the signalling infrastructure
K21 the importance of reporting a defect or variation, including when immediate action is required
K22 the impact of a defect or variation on the operational performance and safety of the signalling system
K23 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K24 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes, and procedures as approved by your organisation
K25 the interfaces and impact of the work that you are undertaking on others
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:

   • 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. Schedules, diagrams, and specifications could include:

   • organisational work schedules
   • technical diagrams and schematics
   • maintenance and installation specifications
   • project timelines and deadlines

3. Types of equipment or assets to be inspected 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. Checks to carry out when inspecting the signalling infrastructure could include:

   • visual inspection
   • detailed inspection
   • maintenance work quality checks
   • electronic testing
   • connectivity checks
   • calibration checks
   • other manufacturer/organisational checks

5. Operational and environmental constraints could include:

   • open to traffic
   • closed to traffic
   • restricted track access
   • day work/night work
   • weather conditions

6. Inspection methods and techniques could include:

   • track walks and cab rides
   • manual inspection, basic visual inspection
   • mechanised inspection using signalling inspection vehicles
   • special inspections including interlocking systems, axle counters, block instruments
   • seasonal variation inspections including weather-related adjustments
   • technical inspections including signal timing accuracy, electronic system integrity

7. Ways to identify and analyse defects in the signalling infrastructure could include:

   • visual means
   • measured means
   • calculated means

8. Types of documentation to prepare and report could include:

   • inspection checklists
   • progress reports
   • safety inspection forms
   • work completion records
   • handover documentation