scope:

Purpose and scope

This handbook is intended to assist and inform managers of the critical aspects of off-track plant and some on-track plant (non-powered) associated with loss to people and to outline the critical aspects which need to be addressed when the plant condition has reached or is beyond an unacceptable level of risk.

This section explains the purpose and scope in the overview. Section 2 details the critical aspects of plant associated with loss to people. Section 3 explains about the future production of minimum acceptable condition standard and critical aspect tables. Section 4 identifies the statutory regulations and corporate requirements that are essential in managing the critical aspects of track plant. Section 5 is helpful to Track Managers as it gives consideration and guidelines to the plant documentation that is necessary. Section 6 highlights the problems caused by noise and its effects upon staff. The remaining sections 7 to 12 inclusive details the type of plant that this handbook covers.

With todays levels of manpower and limited engineering hours, it is important that the plant used by the track maintenance staff is safe, reliable and ready for use when it is required.

This handbook provides guidance for track maintenance staff involved in using off-track plant, lifting gear and some on-track plant (non-powered) such as iron men and trolleys whilst on the track. The handbook includes details on the regular maintenance and proper use of plant, e.g. generators, compressors, rail saws, lifting gear. It deals with the general generic critical aspects of plant such as lubrication, temperature and fuels, but does not detail specific critical aspects for each item or individual type of similarly categorised plant, e.g. portable pneumatic; includes diesel compressors and clay spades which are both pneumatic but have unique critical aspects of their own.

This handbook defines:

• the intervention point at which minimum actions need to be taken

• the actions to be taken

• the critical condition.

This handbook also identifies:

• the applicable statutory regulations for plant

• the applicable national standards for plant

• the applicable company requirements and standards for plant.

Track plant related failures

In analysing the computer records of track plant related failures and delays for the period 1/1/88 to 1/1/95 the following main causes were noted:

• insufficient training in the use of plant

• bad planning:

• for the use of plant

• insufficient powered tools to do the work

• incorrect tools

• and failed to take sufficient tools to site

• plant not tested prior to use

• plant left on the track

• incorrect use of plant

• air hoses damaged and bores constricted.

In addition to plant related failures the report also disclosed several instances of track staff not wearing or not having suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) which isn't plant as such. However, as the wearing of PPE has a very important part to play in managing the critical aspects of plant it is imperative that it is worn when identified as required.

Effective management of plant may be defined as facilitating the safe operation of plant for the least cost effort and interruption to track maintenance work processes. Its achievement depends on:

• identifying the correct type and quantity of plant that is necessary to ensure that the work undertaken is completed to the programme

• regularly inspecting and maintaining the plant to an approved schedule

• noting and recording its condition

• anticipating when repairs or replacements are required

• providing the necessary resources and planning, and undertaking remedial work before the plant condition degenerates to a state at which staff are exposed to an unacceptable loss risk

• providing the training for all concerned to an acceptable level that fulfils the safe operation of the plant.