Prepare and move railway traction and rolling stock assets, components and equipment — City and Guilds of London Institute Vocationally-Related Qualification Motor Vehicle & Transport Revision
This element focuses on the safe and effective preparation and movement of railway traction and rolling stock assets, components, and equipment within a de
Topic Synopsis
This element focuses on the safe and effective preparation and movement of railway traction and rolling stock assets, components, and equipment within a depot, workshop, or trackside environment. Learners must demonstrate competence in conducting pre-move inspections, selecting and using appropriate lifting, hauling, and securing methods, and following strict safety and operational procedures to prevent damage, injury, or service disruption.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Health and safety regulations: Understanding and applying the Railway Safety Regulations 1999, COSHH, and PPE requirements when working on traction and rolling stock.
- Fault diagnosis techniques: Using systematic approaches (e.g., visual inspection, functional testing, and diagnostic equipment) to identify faults in electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
- Component replacement procedures: Correctly removing, fitting, and adjusting components such as brake blocks, couplers, and traction motors, following manufacturer specifications.
- Documentation and reporting: Completing maintenance logs, defect reports, and work orders accurately to ensure traceability and compliance with company policies.
- Teamwork and communication: Coordinating with colleagues and supervisors to ensure safe and efficient maintenance operations, especially during shift handovers.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- To strengthen your portfolio, visibly reference the specific company procedure or rail standard (e.g., GE/RT8000, RIS-1700) that governs each task and explain how you complied.
- When providing witness testimonies, ensure they explicitly state that you demonstrated competence autonomously and safely across multiple different types of moves (e.g., a bogie exchange, lifting a traction motor, shunting a vehicle using a traverser).
- Include annotated photographs or diagrams in your evidence that show you have correctly identified and labelled the lifting points, sling angles, and exclusion zones, as this strongly confirms your understanding to the assessor.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to isolate or discharge stored energy sources (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical) on components before disassembly and movement, leading to uncontrolled release or injury.
- Assuming that all moving equipment is fit for purpose without performing a physical visual inspection or checking the last certification date, resulting in the use of damaged or out-of-date gear.
- Underestimating the importance of clear communication with banksmen or colleagues, which can cause collisions, overloading, or striking hazards during coordinated lifts or moves.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for clearly documenting pre-use checks on all moving and lifting equipment, confirming serviceability before any movement begins.
- Assessors should expect evidence that the learner correctly identified the weight, centre of gravity, and lifting points of the asset, and selected suitable slings, shackles, or handling equipment accordingly.
- Look for confirmation that the learner reviewed and adhered to the relevant risk assessment, method statement, and any permit-to-work or isolation requirements before commencing the move.