For those without ready access to the question paper, I include the text:
A 36-hour line closure is planned for final installation, testing and commissioning of a new
signalling or trackside telecommunications system.
a) Describe the principal activities which would take place during the commissioning period.
[5 marks]
b) Considering the range of activities which you have described in part (a), identify the main risks
to staff safety and describe any mitigating measures which may be necessary.
[10 marks]
c ) Describe the documentation which should be produced prior to the commissioning in order to
ensure the safety of the commissioning staff and explain how the documentation you have
described ensures this. [10 marks]
Overall I think that the [IP] answer was the best; I'd have preferred a bit more in some areas but I'd have rated as a clear Pass.
The [JF] answer was too short and didn't quite do enough for me in really scoring the marks; you can be very brief but you need to ensure that what you write is absolutely spot on and to the point. Actually the material was generally there and relevant; it was just that it needed to be a bit sharpr in really answering the question. I guiess that this would be hovering around the Near Miss- the extra few words at the end of the second page may just tip it to a Pass perhaps.
The [JB] answer was certainly along the right lines and as some ideas to take to a Study Group session it was fine; if offered as a full answer to the exam question then it was lacking in length and detail. It was best for part b) as it explicitly considered injuries, and clearly gave a range of different ones to a variety of staff.
So here is my feedback, but I'd like others to join in as well so that we can have more of a discussion. I am assuming that the context of the answers (and certainly my experience) is Network Rail UK; we might get somewhat different views from Metroland, India, Ireland, Australia.....
A 36-hour line closure is planned for final installation, testing and commissioning of a new
signalling or trackside telecommunications system.
a) Describe the principal activities which would take place during the commissioning period.
[5 marks]
b) Considering the range of activities which you have described in part (a), identify the main risks
to staff safety and describe any mitigating measures which may be necessary.
[10 marks]
c ) Describe the documentation which should be produced prior to the commissioning in order to
ensure the safety of the commissioning staff and explain how the documentation you have
described ensures this. [10 marks]
Overall I think that the [IP] answer was the best; I'd have preferred a bit more in some areas but I'd have rated as a clear Pass.
The [JF] answer was too short and didn't quite do enough for me in really scoring the marks; you can be very brief but you need to ensure that what you write is absolutely spot on and to the point. Actually the material was generally there and relevant; it was just that it needed to be a bit sharpr in really answering the question. I guiess that this would be hovering around the Near Miss- the extra few words at the end of the second page may just tip it to a Pass perhaps.
The [JB] answer was certainly along the right lines and as some ideas to take to a Study Group session it was fine; if offered as a full answer to the exam question then it was lacking in length and detail. It was best for part b) as it explicitly considered injuries, and clearly gave a range of different ones to a variety of staff.
So here is my feedback, but I'd like others to join in as well so that we can have more of a discussion. I am assuming that the context of the answers (and certainly my experience) is Network Rail UK; we might get somewhat different views from Metroland, India, Ireland, Australia.....
PJW