TRANSLINK NI RAILWAYS COMPETENCY COURSES
INITIAL CERTIFICATION AND REFRESHER/RECERTIFICATION AVAILABLE FOR ALL COURSES LISTED
PERSONAL TRACK SAFETY (PTS)
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PTS is a 2-day course, specifically designed for individuals who intend to work 'on or near the line' on the Northern Ireland Railway Infrastructure. The course will provide an overview of the various safe systems of work employed, distinguishing between Red and Green Zone Working, outlining the specific parameters in each zone. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential safety elements and aspetcts of the railway system, including the acquisition of safety critical terminology such as the Phonetic Alphabet.
Furthermore, participants will learn about the responsible parties involved in establishing a safe system of work at their workplace, receive instruction on following safe procedures, emergency call protocols, and the proper techniques for halting trains in both daylight and darkness during emergencies. The second day of the training will incorporate a practical component on the track, allowing participants to apply and identify the concepts covered throughout the course. By the conclusion of the training, participants will possess a comprehensive understanding of the systems implemented to ensure their safety.
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This course is open to candidates aged 18 years and over and who are employed by a Translink Approved Supplier, or who’s company is sponsored by an approved supplier.
All candidates must have completed a medical examination as well as drug and alcohol screening to confirm their fitness prior to attendance, this must be carried out by a Translink Approved Provider.
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Your documentation will be forwarded to Translink for the issuance of the PTS card. The PTS competence certification remains valid for a period of two years – the Translink Training Academy (TTA) should be contacted directly to arrange collection.
WORKPLACE LEARNING SUPPORT
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMME
WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT
LOOKOUT (LO)
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LO course focuses on the crucial role of ensuring safety when working in a Red Zone. Persons employed in the role of LO will be responsible for providing warning signals to individuals working in the railway environment when a train approaches (Red Zone), candidates will gain valuable insights into protecting these work groups in this high-risk area.
The training covers the essential components of a complete Lookout kit, as well as methods for alerting work groups to approaching trains and the appropriate warning techniques to employ, this includes the use of horns, whistles, and touch signals – these techniques will also be covered in a practical component which demonstrates how to execute the LO role according to the required standards set by the Northern Ireland Railways infrastructure.
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This course is intended for candidates who hold a current and valid PTS competence and is not undergoing Learning Support, having undertaken both workplace mentoring and assessment in accordance with the Translink Competency Management document, candidates should be deemed suitable for the Lookout role by their employer.
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Your documentation will be forwarded to Translink for the issuance of the updated PTS card. The LO competence certification remains valid for a period of two years – the TTA should be contacted directly to arrange collection.
WORKPLACE LEARNING SUPPORT
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMME
WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT
TRACK SAFETY COORDINATOR (TSC)
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TSC is a 2-day course which prepares individuals to work independently (lone working) and organise safe systems of work (SSOW) for groups operating 'on or near the line.' This training program focuses on the essential arrangements necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of a TSC. It is crucial for safety that individuals working in proximity to the railway are under the supervision of a competent TSC.
During this course, candidates will receive instruction on establishing and terminating Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) while adhering to Translink rulebook standards within the NIR railway infrastructure. Candidates will be informed about the appropriate sign-in and sign-out procedures during engineering works. Additionally, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for setting up a safe system of work in a Green Zone (Safeguarded, Separated & Fenced) and how to effectively implement and test a safe system in the Red Zone (work conducted between train passages). The course will cover the correct procedures for initiating a line block (T2A), including locating the necessary information, communicating with the signaller in the controlling signal cabin for the area, and carrying the appropriate equipment in compliance with Translink rulebook regulations.
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This course is designed for candidates who possess a valid PTS and LO competence certification – have completed their learning support for both competencies, including workplace mentoring and assessments as per the Translink Competency Management document.
Candidates must have a good level of literacy, sufficient level of network knowledge and have undertaken Safety Critical Voice Communications (SCC) training.
Individuals must also have been assessed by their employer as being suitable for training using the TSC Pre-training evaluation as per Translink guidelines.
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Your documentation will be forwarded to Translink for the issuance of the updated PTS card. The TSC competence certification remains valid for a period of two years – the TTA should be contacted directly to arrange collection.
WORKPLACE LEARNING SUPPORT
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMME
WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT
POINTS OPERATOR (PO)
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PO course provides candidates with the necessary skills to access and manually operate a set of points on the Northern Ireland Rail Network.
Candidates will learn who to receive instructions from on the network, and how to apply rulebook standards to their job role as PO. The practical element of the course will demonstrate how to take local control and operate points safely using scotch blocks and clips.
This training enables candidates to contribute to the safe movement of engineering trains, on track-machines (OTMs), and road rail vehicles (RRVs) on the NI Rail Infrastructure.
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This course is suitable for candidates who possess a valid PTS and TSC competence certification, are no longer undertaking learning support, and have completed the required workplace mentoring and assessments as detailed in the Translink Competency Management Framework Document. Candidates must have been approved by their sponsor to pursue the PO competence.
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Your documentation will be forwarded to Translink for the issuance of the updated PTS card. The RRVO competence certification remains valid for a period of two years – the TTA should be contacted directly to arrange collection.
WORKPLACE LEARNING SUPPORT
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMME
WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT
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