Assess the performance and condition of signalling assets
Overview
This standard is about assessing the performance and condition of signalling assets using data obtained from measuring equipment and by visual or vehicular inspection.
You will be required to assess the performance and condition of signalling assets using data obtained through inspection. The analysis methods to be used will include both calculation and comparison.
During this work, you must take account of the relevant worksite operational requirements, procedures, and safe working practices as they apply to you.
The signalling assets 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).
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying problem-solving techniques when assessing the performance and condition of signalling assets.
You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety, and environmental requirements applicable when assessing the performance and condition of signalling assets.
This standard is for all supervisors carrying out signalling engineering activities.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
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 that you have the necessary test data on which to conduct the assessment
P5 carry out the assessment using all relevant data and approved methods
P6 check that the assessment provides clear and accurate information
P7 compare and analyse current performance and condition data with that from previous assessments
P8 record and review the outcomes and take appropriate action in line with your organisation's procedures
P9 prepare appropriate documentation to update on progress and report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P10 address problems within your control and report unresolved issues
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
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 the type of assets to assess
K8 how to source and follow schedules, diagrams, and specifications relevant to your role, as approved by your organisation
K9 how to access and interpret the relevant equipment operating and test specifications as approved by your organisation
K10 how to source and interpret approved manuals and related information
K11 the methods and procedures for monitoring equipment including ensuring consistency of data retrieval
K12 the type of data to be analysed
K13 how to analyse information received from equipment, including as appropriate, performing calculations
K14 the assessment methods and techniques as approved by your organisation and the manufacturer(s)
K15 how and when the data and/or information received may be compromised
K16 the relevant reporting documentation and control procedures as approved by your organisation
K17 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K18 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes, and procedures as approved by your organisation
K19 the interfaces and impact of the work that you are undertaking on others
K20 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved
Scope/range
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
Schedules, diagrams, and specifications could include:
- organisational work schedules
- technical diagrams and schematics
- maintenance and installation specifications
- project timelines and deadlines
Types of assets to assess 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
Assessment methods and techniques as approved by your organisation and the manufacturer(s), could include:
- reading data
- calculation
- comparison
Types of data to be analysed could relate to:
- signal performance records
- signalling inspection records
- signalling integrity testing reports
- signalling defect analysis
- survey information
- dynamic/static readings
- off-site information
- environmental information
- electronic testing records
Types of documentation to prepare and report could include:
- assessment checklists
- progress reports
- safety inspection forms
- work completion records
- handover documentation