Traction Linesman at Transnet

Position Purpose

• To ensure the optimal utilisation of high voltage overhead track equipment by performing maintenance, alterations, construction and repairs to overhead track equipment, transmission line and negative return circuits according to prescribed quality and safety standards in live and dead working conditions. 

Position Outputs

• To supervise trade hands, infra-assistants, trainee traction linesman, contractors and unauthorised personnel To ensure that all workers have the correct PPE To provide instructions to the team To put control measures in place to ensure that tasks are completed To ensure that the team understands the tasks needed to be performed To explain the dangers involved in the tasks to be performed To maintain a presence on site so that instructions are adhered to To ensure that the right materials and tools are used To ensure that there is sufficient manpower and capacity to perform tasks To render first aid and hazmat when necessary
• To construct and maintain overhead track equipment (OHTE) according to required standards. To cast foundations and erecting mast poles Rolling, sagging and tensioning wires Ensure that installation and repair bonding (negative returns circuit) is done Isolating and earthing OHTE Ensure that flag protection duties are completed Communicate with train operating personnel and electrical control Basic welding (exothermic and arc welding) Lifting heavy equipment Work to “clearance from” and on live OHTE Alignment of OHTE (Staggering, balancing of striking point) Fault finding on OHTE and return circuit Cable joining /splicing To ccompile reports for feedback purposes
• To transport staff and material from the station depot to site and back Conduct a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle Ensure that the material required for the job is in the vehicle Adhere to road regulations Load, secure and unload material from the vehicle
• To transport staff and material from the station depot to site and back Conduct a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle Ensure that the material required for the job is in the vehicle Adhere to road regulations Load, secure and unload material from the vehicle Ensure that equipment and personnel are clear from the site when cancelling work permit
• To attend to emergency breakdowns on site Identify affected area (Fault finding) Switch off electrical power Communicate with CTC and electrical control Demarcate the affected area Provide feedback to superior
• To operate and pilot on track machines and cranes Maintain speed restriction according to Train Working Rules Ontrack RRV Communicate with the CTC To operate AWP and truck mounted hiab jib crane Conduct pre- trip inspection and break test Observe the signals and ensure that they are adhered to To ensure that the line is dead before you start working Observe the clearance when working near the adjacent ‘live’ line Warn (hooter) subordinates of the passing trains on the adjacent lines and machine movement
• To ensure that workers on site adhere to safety standards Conduct green area / toolbox safety talks before commencement of work Explain dangers and risks involved Explain safe working procedures Make sure that everyone understands what is needed Ensure that flag protection is afforded Make sure that workers are wearing the correct PPE
• To provide on the job training, coaching and guidance to subordinates, trainees and unauthorised personnel To provide coaching to the new trainees Ensure that the correct working procedures are explained and understood Physically demonstrate the correct way of working To assist and supervise the workers To identify the knowledge gaps and train accordingly
• To issue reports to the assistant foreman Complete and submit job cards, Sap01 and logbooks Compile reports of incidents when required Provide verbal reports of incidents

Qualifications and Experience
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12 (NQF4) Maths and Science Traction Linesman Certificate Category A Red/A Brown certificate Train Working rules Code 29 RRV Certificate Firefighting First Aid Working on heights certificate Welding Certificate Protection Certificate ET1, ET2 Vehicle licence Code C1 with PDP