Transfer responsibility of telecoms assets

This standard identifies the competencies you need to transfer responsibility for repaired or newly installed telecoms assets, having confirmed they are fit for entry into service. It also covers the transfer of responsibility for the operation of the equipment. The telecoms equipment in this standard can be for overground or underground rail transportation systems.

You will be required to transfer responsibility for configured telecoms assets following maintenance, fault finding, or installation work carried out by your team to the control of others. You will be able to provide suitable and sufficient evidence to confirm the operational status of the equipment, before the transfer of responsibility. It will include telecoms systems that are fit for entry into service, restricted service, or systems that are not fit for service.

You will ensure that the equipment is handed back for operational use only after sufficient evidence exists to ensure safe working. You will ensure that the transfer of responsibility information that is supplied accurately identifies the operational status of the system and/or equipment.

Safety is a key theme throughout this standard. You will be able to take all relevant action to ensure the safety of yourself, others and railway operations.

P1 maintain safe working practices and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, directives, and guidelines
P2 confirm and define the condition of the asset in accordance with the specification
P3 ensure that all tasks, tests and checks have been completed in line with your organisation's procedures
P4 confirm that everyone involved accepts the asset is in a satisfactory condition prior to transfer of responsibility
P5 identify any unusual features, defects or discrepancies relating to the condition of the asset
P6 make the transfer of responsibility and obtain agreement between everyone involved on the precise moment of transfer of responsibility
P7 make sure that clear, accurate and complete records of the transfer of responsibility are made in line with your organisation's procedures
P8 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 organisation's procedures for the transfer of responsibility of telecoms assets
K3 how to determine the condition of the asset prior to transfer of responsibility
K4 the requirements for the completion of work and testing activities prior to returning equipment to service
K5 what constitutes an unacceptable asset condition
K6 your organisation's procedures for recording and documenting information on the status of the asset
K7 what transfer of responsibility documentation should be supplied and to whom, in line with your organisation's procedures
K8 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K9 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, include:

   • your organisation's safety management system
   • 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. Types of site equipment locations include:

   • trackside
   • internal (such as signal box, equipment room)
   • areas to which the public have access
   • confined spaces
   • elevated structures

3. Types of telecom equipment that may require a transfer of responsibility include:

   • transmission systems
   • bearer circuits
   • telecoms bearers carrying signalling circuits
   • SCADA
   • operational telephones
   • switches and systems (such as telephone exchanges & concentrators)
   • railway operational information systems
   • PA and CCTV
   • operational CCTV (such as OPO/DOO)
   • GSM-R
   • other industry specific telecom equipment

4. Checks to confirm the operational status of telecoms equipment will determine if it is:

   • fit for entry into service
   • fit for entry into restricted service
   • not fit for entry into service

5. Standards underpinning the transfer of responsibility may include:

   • infrastructure guidelines and standard operating procedures
   • equipment manufacturer's documents
   • BS, ISO and/or BS EN standards
   • TMTH
   • other industry specific telecom standards/specifications

6. Types of transfer records that need to be completed and passed to the appropriate people include:

   • job card
   • TMTH
   • maintenance log and action report
   • company reporting procedures
   • other industry specific maintenance records