This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to test the operation of an electric train braking system in accordance with workplace procedures and the requirements of relevant safeworking regulations and codes of practice.

It includes preparing for train brake testing, testing train brake operation, dealing with identified faults, and recording brake test results in accordance with workplace requirements.

People achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements and to comply with relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines.

Work is generally performed without supervision and within a team environment.

It involves the application of operational principles, regulations, safeworking codes, protocols and procedures when testing electric train braking systems, as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail industry.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for train brake testing

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures are identified and followed

1.2

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and risk control measures are implemented

1.3

Train is isolated or secured in accordance with workplace procedures to make the work area safe for testing

1.4

Brake system is checked to ensure it is ready for testing

2

Test train brake operation

2.1

Brake tests are conducted to ensure compliance to required rail industry standards

2.2

Modified brake tests are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures to meet required rail industry standard, as required

2.3

Continuity tests are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures to ensure train braking system meets functional specifications

2.4

Brakes are applied and released on train and their function is confirmed

2.5

Faults are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken to ensure operational safety

3

Deal with identified faults

3.1

Identified faults are reported, rectified or isolated in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Confirmation/verification to continue is determined in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Detachment/uncoupling arrangements are made in accordance with operational requirements, as required

3.4

Faults or defects found during brake tests are recorded and/or reported in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying rail safety practices and procedures

assessing brake system defects

conducting all relevant continuity brake system tests in accordance with workplace procedures and functional specifications

conducting pre-safety tasks prior to brake test

documenting outcomes of operation tests in accordance with workplace procedures

identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

implementing contingency plans

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating and adapting to differences in brakes and related equipment in accordance with operating procedures

reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

applicable minimum rail industry standards and codes of practice and/or guidelines

brake systems, their components and their operation

communications protocols

diagnostic techniques

documentation requirements relating to brake testing

emergency procedures

possible faults and appropriate reporting and rectification/isolation procedures

relevant safety, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS), and environmental procedures and regulations

relevant workplace procedures

types of brake tests and their purpose.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or, where this is not available, in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate rail corridor workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, rail industry standards, codes of practice and operation manuals.