Assess and prepare permanent way materials, components and equipment for moving

This standard is about assessing and preparing permanent way materials, components and equipment for moving to ensure that the actual movement will be done safely and correctly.

You will be required to select the appropriate moving methods and techniques to lift and move permanent way assets safely in accordance with the lifting plan. These methods and techniques may be manual or mechanical and consideration must be given to the nature of the load and its intended destination. In order to lift, move and handle equipment you must understand the level and extent of your authority and responsibility.

The quality standards and accuracy to be achieved will be in line with your organisation's procedures. You will be expected to work within approved procedures and specifications and will work within the limits of your own responsibility.

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 assessing and preparing permanent way materials, components and equipment for moving.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety and environmental requirements applicable when assessing and preparing permanent way materials, components and equipment for moving.

This standard is for all skilled operatives engaged in the engineering activities associated with the movement of permanent way materials, components and equipment.

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 establish the weight of the load to be moved
P5 establish the characteristics of the load to be moved
P6 follow the lifting plan and identify suitable equipment to move the load
P7 assess the equipment to be used to confirm it is capable of moving the load
P8 ensure the planned route for moving the load is still suitable, ensuring minimum risk to people and property
P9 ensure that the load is correctly loaded, secured and protected before moving, in accordance with your organisations procedures
P10 prepare appropriate documentation to update on progress and report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P11 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, including 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 type of safety equipment (PPE) and where to obtain it from
K4 the hazards associated with working on permanent way infrastructure
K5 how to locate and access the site
K6 how to source and follow schedules, diagrams and specifications relevant to your role, as approved by your organisation
K7 how to locate and identify the component(s) to be lifted/moved
K8 what information is required prior to moving materials, components and equipment
K9 the type of lifting, moving and handling equipment to be used including:
K9.1 rail/timber nips
K9.2 jacks
K9.3 grabs
K9.4 slings
K9.5 iron men
K9.6 trolleys
K9.7 rail scooters/skates
K9.8 cranes
K9.9 road/rail vehicles
K9.10 hand tools
K9.11 frame with lifting equipment
K10 the range of methods and techniques for lifting, slinging, moving and handling materials, components and/or equipment approved by your organisation including:
K10.1 hand signals
K10.2 dealing with obstructions
K10.3 securing of loads
K11 how to identify the different characteristics of the loads to be moved, including:
K11.1 weight distribution
K11.2 shape/size/length
K11.3 vulnerability to damage
K11.4 alternative methods of lifting
K12 how to determine the weight of loads
K13 the methods and techniques for securing and protecting a load
K14 the methods and techniques for route planning should cover:
K14.1 safety considerations
K14.2 obstructions
K14.3 fouling other assets and components
K14.4 the most direct route
K15 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of lifting equipment
K16 the relevant data management processes and technologies for recording information
K17 the relevant reporting lines, timeframes and procedures as approved by your organisation
K18 the impact of your work on the operations of other departments and the impact of their work on you
K19 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved