CHAPTER-12

TRAINING AND COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES

I. TRAINING

21200 Introduction
Electric traction is a specialized field. Efficient operation and maintenance of the traction installations
and equipment is only possible if the staff concerned have acquired an intimate knowledge of the
details of construction, adjustments and operation of the equipment. A thorough knowledge of the
special rules and procedures on the part of the staff is also essential to ensure safety of equipment and
personnel. These requirements call for specialized training for all categories of staff before they can be
entrusted with the responsibility for maintenance or operation.

21201 Planning of Training in Advance

Before electric traction is commissioned on any section, adequate strength of well-trained operating,
maintenance and running staff should be kept ready for manning the services. Planning the recruitment
and training of such staff well in advance is one of the most important tasks of the open line
administration. It isalso necessary to establish sufficiently in advance suitable training schools with
the facilities for imparting the training by qualified instructors.

21202 Categories to be trained

Categories of staff for whom special training is required to be organized are generally as under-
1. Degree and Diploma holders recruited directly as Supervisors
2. Apprentice Mechanics to be absorbed as Supervisors
3. Trade Apprentices to be absorbed as skilled artisans
4. Artisans and supervisory staff to undergo Refresher Courses.

21203 Initial Training

1. Categories of staff mentioned below should receive a period of initial training in a training school
before they are posted to working posts-
a. Directly recruited supervisors (Degree and Diploma holders)
b. Traction Power Controllers and Asstt. Traction Power Controllers;
c. Skilled and semi-skilled artisan staff for maintenance of OHE, PSI and RC equipment;
d. Initial Training for Group D,
e. Any other category as approved by PCEE.
2. The period of initial training for typical categories is given below, this may be modified by PCEE
in accordance with local requirements :
a. Directly recruited supervisors (Degree and Diploma Holders)-
i. OHE 52 weeks
ii. PSI 52 weeks

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iii. Remote Control 52 weeks

iv. TPCs/ATPCS 52 weeks
b. Promotee JEs 13 weeks
c. Skilled artisans for maintenance-
i. Direct recruits(ITI/Non ITI) 26/78 weeks
ii. To be absorbed from Diesel/Steam 30 weeks
or Electric general services
d. Group D: 12 days
3. In addition to theoretical training, the trainees should receive thorough practical training on the
work they will have to perform on completion of training. In all cases they should have a period
as under-study to senior and experienced staff in actual execution of the type of work they have to
perform on completion of training.
4. For artisan staff the practical training should be so oriented as to enable them to understand and be
able to carry out independently skilled work of the type covered by ‘Inspection books’, ‘Inspection
charts’, ‘trouble- shooting charts’ and’ technical charts’. Courses of training for each separate
branch viz. OHE, PSI and RC should be carefully planned and implemented for each category of
staff.

21204 Promotional Courses

1. No employee should be promoted unless he passes the trade test or other prescribed departmental test.
2. Before an employee can be promoted, he should, as a rule, receive training to enable him to discharge
his responsibilities in the higher post e.g., a semi-skilled fitter on promotion as a skilled fitter.
Such training should precede the departmental tests which determine suitability for promotion. The
training should be generally on the same lines as initial training, but the period may be curtailed
since the employee would already have a certain amount of background knowledge on account of
his experience.
3. Promotional Training syllabi and Duration should be as given in theRailway Board letter no
E(MPP)2019/3/44 dt 27.1.20.
Particular attention should be paid to the older men, who although very proficient in the practical
aspects of their work, are unable to pass the prescribed trade tests etc. In regard to the theoretical aspects
because of their poor educational background. It often happens in consequence that they are blocked
from being promoted although they are fit in every other respect. By paying individual attention to
such men and teaching them elementary theory, they could be made sufficiently trained to enable their
passing the trade tests. This not only ends their frustration, but boosts staff moral as a whole.

21205 Refresher Courses

1. In accordance with extant instructions current on the subject, refresher courses should be
arrangedonce in 3 years for supervisors and 5 years for technicians. This is obligatory for those
categories of staff dealing with “safety of train operation or having daily contact with the public”.
The following is an illustrative list of traction distribution staff coming with in the scope of these
instructions.
a. Traction Power Controllers
b. Asstt. Traction Power Controllers

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c. Supervisors of OHE
d. OHE Inspection Car Drivers
e. technicians authorized to take power blocks and permit-to-work
2. Refresher courses are also desirable for other categories of maintenance staff. The categories of
staff for whom refresher courses are to be arranged can be decided by the General Manager in
accordance with para 117(a) of the Indian Railway Establishment Manual.
3. The object of a refresher course is to reinforce and update the knowledge of the staff and bring
them up-to-date in regard to the latest rules and procedures and instructions regarding operation
and maintenance in the light of experience gained. The duration of the refresher course for each
category may be decided by PCEE to suit local conditions. The duration for typical categories is
given below for guidance :
a. Supervisors 12 days
b. Artisan Staff 12 days
c. OHE Inspection Car Drivers 6 days
4. For categories of staff liable for inter-divisional transfers, programming of refresher courses should
be arranged by the headquarters office. For staff confined to a particular division, the programming
should be done at the divisional level.
5. Apart from rules and regulations, the refresher courses for the operating staff should lay
emphasis on trouble shooting procedures for various types of equipments. Actual drilling during
the refresher course will be of great benefit. This involves repetition of the same exercise several
times so as to make a lasting impression on the staff and should not to be forgotten easily.
6. For Technicians and Supervisors of the OHE section the main emphasis during the refresher courses
should be on standards to be observed in adjustments of OHE, safety rules applicable to OHE
work and methods of quick restoration of OHE in the event of breakdowns/accidents.
7. During refresher courses, it willbe very useful to arrange group discussions amongst the trainees on
specific problems encountered during the course of work. Such group discussions will be of great
assistance in view of the opportunity for exchange of information based on actual experience in
working.

21206 Facilities for Training

1. Facilities have been provided on an All India basis for the intensive specialized training of officers
and staff of the Electrical Department. The facilities available should be utilized to best advantage.
2. Training schools for OHE staff have also been set up where the specialized techniques of work
on 25 kV OHE are taught to skilled artisans as well as supervisors with particular reference to
safety rules applicable to OHE work and methods of effecting emergency repairs. For example a
cat-walk at a height of about 5 m from ground level is provided, so that a trainee can climb up a
post, walk across the cat-walk and get rid of the fear of height, he can be taught the methods of
protecting himself by means of ropes and safety belts, the correct method of testing and earthing,
the technique of erecting a mast, the correct method of using the various specialized OHE tools and
equipment, the method of splicing various OHE conductors etc.
3. In a training school, the essential equipment to be provided for instructional purposes should
include the following:
a. Special tools and instruments used in electric traction.
b. Cut-models to show constructional details of equipment.

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c. Circuit diagrams, sectioning diagrams, etc. illuminated and arranged to show the sequence of
operations.
d. Samples ofdamaged equipment with tablets explaining the nature and causes of failures and
preventive checks.
e. Publicity boards with slogans and illustrations emphasizing safe methods of working
f. Boards illustrating ‘Do’s’ and “’Don’ts’,
g. Preferably full working models.
4. Model OHE in OHE depots to be provided by RE during initial electrification. At existing major
OHE depots, divisions to provide model OHE for training of staff.

21207 Training in General and Subsidiary Rules

Supervisors, when required, should receive initial training as well as refresher courses in General and
Subsidiary Rules normally in the Zonal Transportation Schools, which usually have model rooms to
facilitate the proper understanding of the rules and systems of working. In exceptional cases when
such training cannot be arranged conveniently in the Zonal Schools, PCEE may authorize the training
in GRs & SRs to be included in the syllabus for training in TrD Training Schools. Separate Instructors
well versed in the subject should, however, be deputed for imparting the training.

21208 Responsibility of Officers and Supervisors

Apart from those in-charge of training schools, other officers and supervisors in-charge of operation
and maintenance should also take a keen personal interest in the trainees of all grades attached to them.
They should deem it as part of their duty to guide the trainees and watch their progress. Training is a
continuous process which helps the officers as much as the trainees not only in developing contacts on
a personal level, but also in understanding the finer points of operation and maintenance. A record of
progress achieved, the period of training given etc. should be maintained for every trainee.

21209 Examination at the End of Training

All trainees should pass the prescribed examination on completion of training. The scope of examination
and the level of officers and supervisor responsible for examining will be laid down by PCEE, The
examination should have a practical bias.

21210 Specialized Training

1. Selected staff from different categories should be deputed to work with the Contractor’s staff
during OHE, PSI and Remote Control construction work, so that they become fully proficient in
the various operations including erection, final adjustment, testing and commissioning.
2. Similarly when large contracts are entered into for supply of electric traction equipment
incorporating new designs and technology, it is usual practice to include in the contract a clause
which permits some staff of the consignee railways to be deputed to the manufacturer’s works
during the production stage for practical training on the equipment, so that they may get thoroughly
acquainted with the operation and maintenance of the equipment, taking advantage of the training
facilities available with the contracting firms.

21211 Syllabi
Syllabi for the various training courses should be as given in the Railway Board letter no
E(MPP)2019/3/44 dt 27.1.20.

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1. OHE Technician (Initial Training) - Duration: 26/156 (ITI/Non ITI) weeks.

a. Theoretical:
As given in the” Railway Board letter no E(MPP)2019/3/44 dt 27.1.20.
b. Practical
a. Climbing up different types of masts and walking across a cat-walk at a height of 56 m to
get over the fear of height.
b. Practicing the use of various tools, tackles and gadgets used in OHE work.
c. Practicing in the repair shop the correct way of assembly and installation of various OHE
fittings.
d. Study of the detailed procedure for imposition of power blocks and precautions to be
followed for typical sections by mock drills including speaking over telephones and issue
and receipt of messages.
e. Drills in correct method of earthing the OHE.
f. Field work with maintenance and construction staff so as to get acquainted with important
items of work e.g. erection of mast and cantilever assembly, replacement of Insulators,
installing splice-fittings, anchoring of wires, replacement of equipment, recording height
and stagger etc.
g. Patrol given section of OHE to spot out and report on defects.

II. COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES

21212 Authorized Person

An “authorized person” is one who is duly authorized to perform specific duties pertaining to his
Employment, the authorization being made by the competent authority empowered for the purpose by
the Railway Administration.

21213 Competency Certificate

Each authorized person will be given a “Competency Certificate”, defining the works which he is
certified as competent to carry out after he has been trained, examined and found fit.
The following categories of traction distribution staff shall be issued with the certificates by the official
indicated against each category after written/oral test as shown:
Designation of staff Category of certificate To be issued by
A. OHE SECTION
1. Khalasi TR-1 JE or SSE after oral test
2. Technician TR-2 ADEE(TRD) after oral test.
3. Supervisor TR-3 DEE(TRD) after written and oral test.
4. OHE Inspection Car Driver TR-4 DEE(TrD) after written and oral test.
B. PSI SECTION
5. Assistant TR-1 JE or SSE after oral test
6. Technician TR-5 ADEE(TRD) after oral test.
7. Supervisor TR-6 DEE(TRD) after written and oral test.
8. Artisans/Supervisors for Protective TR-7 ADEE/DEE(TrD) after written, oral and practical test.

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Relays and Instruments

C. REMOTE CONTROL
9. Technician TR-8 ADEE(TrD).
10. Supervisor TR-9 DEE(TRD) after written and oral test.
11. Station staff TR-10 DEE(TRD)/ADEE(TRD) after practical training
,Oral test and assurance .
12. P Way Staff TR-11 DEE(TRD)/ADEE(TRD) after practical training
,Oral test and assurance .

21214 Period of Training

The period of training mentioned in the following paragraphs may be modified as considered necessary
by PCEE, taking local requirements into account.

21215 OHE Inspection Car Driver

An OHE Inspection Car Driver should undergo courses of training and tests indicated below before the
competency certificate is issued to him:-
General and Subsidiary Rules in the Zonal Training School or other approved establishment followed
by a written, oral and practical test conducted by the school.
An oral and practical test by SSE(OHE) to see if the employee is fully conversant with the mechanism
and operation of the engine and running gear of the Inspection Car, as well as the details of maintenance
he is required to carry out.
Training for a period of one month to learn the road in the section in which he is required to work
the Inspection Car, at the end of such training the employee should sign a declaration that he is fully
conversant with the road.
A period of practical training for 2 months in the actual driving of the Inspection Car under the
supervision of a qualified Car Driver at the end of which a driving test will be taken by DEE(TrD).
Prescribed medical examination.

21216 Knowledge of Rules

Competency Certificate No. TR-1 may be issued to unskilled staff after the safety rules pertaining to
their work are explained to them personally by JE or SSE who should satisfy himself that the person
concerned has fully understood the instructions, in particular what he is not permitted to do. For other
categories of staff, copies of the relevant chapters of the “Manual of AC Traction” and other rules
pertaining to their work should be issued to the employee along with the certificate and necessary
endorsement to this effect made in the office copy of the respective certificate. That they continue to be
aware of the rules prescribed and that they do in practice comply with them shall be checked from time
to time by the SSE and ADEE and an entry made of such checks in the Register of Certificates (para
21217). Station staff should be issued competency certificate no- 10 after practical training , oral test
and assurance signed by staff. The Validity of all the competency certificates will be 5 years.

21217 Register of Certificates

A register of Competency Certificates issued shall be maintained in the office of every supervisory
official, as per proforma given in Annexure 12.01, showing the names and designations of staff under
him who have been Issued with the Certificates.

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21218 Service Record

An entry should be made in the service sheet of every employee who has been issued with a Competency
Certificate.

21219 Inspections
During inspections Officers and Supervisors should make it a point to check the competency certificates
in the possession of the staff and also test-check their knowledge of the rules pertaining to their work.

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Annexure 12.01
Proforma Register of Competency Certificates
Name Designation Certificate Date of Name of Station Date of Remarks
No test and the official where the periodical
issue who employee check
conducted is posted
the test at present

............... RAILWAY
. ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY No. TR-1
(For unskilled Class IV staff)

No........................

Shri ................. S/o shri .................. is authorized to work as an unskilled Assistant in the OHE/PSI
section to assist skilled staff and supervisors in maintenance, repair and installation work. The safety
rules pertaining to his work have been personally explained to him by me.

*He is NOT authorized to work independently on any OHE line or Power Supply installation except
in the presence of and under the direct supervision of an authorized person.

*However a Literate Khalasi having minimum three years of working experience is authorized to
operate isolator under instruction of TPC following all extant procedure/rule issued in this regard.

Date....................
....................
SSE/JE
*Strike out item not applicable.
A fresh certificate should be issued when he is transferred to a new section after the safety rules
pertaining to the new section are explained to him.

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. .............. RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY [Link]-2
(For OHE Technician)

No. ...............
Shri ....................................... S/o Shri................. has been examined for his knowledge of rules and is
authorized to work as Technician grade ................in the electrified section from .......................... to
.........................
He is authorized to*-
a. Take power block from TPC for 25 kV OHE/66/132/220 kV transmission lines and underground
cables
b. effect shut down in yards and sidings by operating isolator switches;
c. operate switching stations on local control under instructions from TPC;
d. carry out repair, installation and maintenance work on 25 kV OHE; duly observing the prescribed
rules.
He [Link] authorized to-
a. issue ‘permits-to-work’; and
b. bring into operation any new installation.
Date ..................
......................
ADEE(TRD)
‘Strike. out item not applicable.

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.............. RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY No. TR-3
(For OHE Supervisor)

No. ...............................

Shri .............................................. has been examined for his knowledge of rules and is authorized to
work as a Supervisor on the installation, maintenance and repairs of 25 kV OHE and 66/132/220 kV
Transmission lines and underground cables. He is authorized to.

a. issue permits-to-work ; and

b. bring into operation new installations after they have been inspected by an officer, duly observing
the prescribed rules.

Date ...........
..............
DEE(TRD)

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............ RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY No. TR-4
(For OHE Inspection Car Drivers)

No. ...............

Shri ............................................... is authorized to drive an OHE Inspection Car in the section

between .......................................... and ..................................................... duly observing the safety
rules and standing instructions. His written declaration* dated .................................................. that
he isfamiliar with the road signals in the above section has been noted in issuing this certificate.

He is further authorized to carry out routine maintenance of the OHE Inspection Car in accordance
with the prescribed schedules.

Date ....... ....

..................
DEE(TRD)

*This declaration must be countersigned by Driving Inspector and personally scrutinized by the Officer
before issue of this certificate. The Driving Inspector before countersigning the declaration, shall orally
examine the employee for his knowledge of the road.

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....................RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY No. TR-5
(For Skilled PSI staff)

No. ......................

Shri ................................................. has been examined for his knowledge of rules and is authorized to
work as a Technician in the installation, maintenance and repair of Traction Power Supply installations
at sub-stations, switching stations and auxiliary transformer stations. He is authorized to -

1. effect shut down on 25 kV equipment under instructions of TPC;

2. take power block from TPC for working, on 25 kV equipment;

3. operate equipment at traction sub-stations and switching stations under instructions from TPC,
duly observing the prescribed rules.

He is NOT authorized to-

1. issue permits-to-work;
2. effect shut downs or take power block for extra high voltage (EHV)installations and
3. bring into operation any new installation,

...............
ADEE(TRD)

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……....... RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY No. TR-6
(For Supervisors of PSI)

No.................

Shri ................................................ has been examined for his knowledge of rules and is authorized
to work as a Supervisor on the installation, maintenance and repair of 25kV and extra high voltage
(EHV) Traction Power Supply Installations at sub-stations, switching stations and booster transformer
stations. In addition to items covered by Certificate [Link]-5, he is authorized to -

1. issue permits-to-work on 25 kV and extra high voltage ((EHV )equipment;

2. bring into operation new 25 kV and extra high voltage installations after they have been inspected
by an Officer, duly observing the prescribed rules.

Date .............................
...........................
DEE(TrD)

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..................................... RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY No. TR-7
(For staff dealing with Protective Relays and Instruments)

No............................

Shri ............................................................(Designation) has been examined for his knowledge of rules

as well as his skill pertaining to the maintenance, testing and repair of protective relays and associated
circuits and instruments in traction substations and switching stations and is authorized to*-

1. work as a skilled artisan to perform the above type of work;

2. supervise the above works.

He is authorized to bring into operation new installations only after they have been inspected by an
Officer.

Date. ..............................

.........................................
DEE(TrD)/ADEE(TrD)

*Strike out item not applicable.

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........... RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY [Link]-8
(For Skilled staff of Remote Control)
No.............................

Shri ................................................. has been examined for his knowledge of rules and is authorised
to work as a skilled Fitter in the installation, maintenance and repair of Remote Control equipment*/
FMVFT equipment at Remote Control Centre and controlled posts.

He is NOT authorized to work on any 240 V medium or higher voltage equipment.

Date. .........................

.......................
ADEE(TRD)

*Strike out item not applicable.

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.......................RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY No. TR-9
(For Supervisors of Remote Control)
No..................

Shri ..................................................... has been examined for his knowledge of rules and is authorized
to work as a Supervisor in the installation, maintenance and repair and testing of Remote Control
equipment including FMVFT equipment.

He is authorized to bring being into operation new installations only after they have been inspected by
an Officer.
Date........................
.........................
DEE(TRD)

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.......................RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY [Link]- 10
(For Station Master/Yard Master/Asstt. Station master/Pointsman)

No. ...............

Shri ....................................... S/o Shri.................Designation……………. has been trained, examined

and found fit for his knowledge of rules and special Instructions applicable to the equipment provided
the station as laid down in the Station Working Rules to enable him to operate isolator switches under
instructions from TPC in the 25 kV OHE electrified section during emergencies with exchange of
private number and initial.

Date ..................
......................
DEE(TRD)/ADEE(TRD)

PROFORMA OF
ASSURANCE
Necessary training for operation of isolator switches has been given to me with necessary operating
instructions.

I can operate the switch during emergencies on receiving message from ON duty TPC.

Date ..................
Signature
Name & Designation
Station Seal

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.......................RAILWAY
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY [Link]- 11
(For Permanent way staff)

No. ...............

Shri ....................................... S/o Shri.................Designation……………. has been trained, examined

and found fit for his knowledge of Subsidiary rules for 25 kV ac traction issued by PCEE and PCOM
and Permanent Way Safety Rules issued by Principal Chief Engineer as supplement to Part “J“ Chapter
II of Indian Railway Permanent Way Manual and ACTM (special Instructions applicable for Changing
the Rails in 25 kV Electrified Section).

At the time of dismantling / replacing track from the site, Shri ....................................... is authorized
to provide continuity jumpers as per instructions given in ACTM in addition to other instructions for
the precautions to be observed by permanent way staff.

Date ..................
......................
DEE(TRD)/ADEE(TRD)

*****

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