Establish track geometry and position

This standard is about establishing track geometry and position and covers the methods that are used to gather site information, set out/measure and calculate/mark out, the geometrical requirements within specified tolerances.

You will be required to establish track geometry and position through a variety of engineering methods. You will understand the range of geometry and positioning issues that may arise and ways to respond to them to establish track geometry.

The level and extent of responsibility include acquiring the necessary amount of technical knowledge from a diverse range of sources.

Advice from other relevant people should be sought where needed. You will be able to take responsibility for the quality of your work. 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 establishing track geometry and position.

You will comply with any organisational procedures, and legislative or regulatory health, safety and environmental requirements applicable when establishing track geometry and position.

This standard is for all technical staff carrying out permanent way 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 identify and confirm the objectives to be achieved
P5 assess and analyse the work circumstances and their technical implications
P6 identify technical requirements that could deliver the specified objectives
P7 select and specify for implementation the most appropriate technical requirements to achieve the objectives
P8 use a range of measurement instruments and equipment to establish the position of railway infrastructure in relation to a known or temporarily established datum
P9 identify, analyse and report those requirements which cannot be achieved
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 how to locate and access the site
K5 hazards associated with working on permanent way infrastructure
K6 environmental and safety risks associated with working with hazardous substances and materials
K7 how to source and follow schedules, diagrams and specifications relevant to your role, as approved by your organisation
K8 the principles of geometrical engineering and how they are applied to the track
K9 the variety of engineering methods used to establish track geometry and position, including:
K9.1 gathering information
K9.2 setting out
K9.3 measuring
K9.4 data analysing
K9.5 marking up
K9.6 calculating
K9.7 site surveying /scoping
K10 the ways to respond to the complexities in establishing track geometry, including:
K10.1 calculating by the use of formulas
K10.2 using variable/diverse sources of information
K10.3 applying track configuration matrices
K10.4 deciding the optimum courses of action
K11 the range of geometry and positioning issues, including:
K11.1 top, cross level, alignment and gauge
K11.2 dynamic movement of the track
K11.3 drainage, position and gradient
K11.4 structural clearances
K12 how to source and interpret information and document systems as approved by your organisation, including:
K12.1 work plans
K12.2 method statements
K12.3 skill data bases
K13 how and who to contact to clarify information
K14 the different types of specifications relevant to your role and how they are structured, including:
K14.1 your organisation's procedures
K14.2 manufacturers' specifications and instructions
K14.3 local instructions
K15 the requirements for presenting information as approved by your organisation, including, using set proformas and templates
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 for
K19 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved