Persons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from the applicable state and territory, together with any nationally approved compliance codes 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 to the testing of electric train braking systems as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail industry.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Prepare for train brake inspection and testing

1.1 OH&S legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures are identified and followed

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

1.3 The brake system is checked to ensure it is ready for inspection and testing

2Test train brake operation (no inspection)

2.1 Brake tests are conducted to ensure compliance to required standards

2.2 Where required, modified brake tests are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures to meet required standard

2.3 Continuity tests are conducted to conform with workplace procedures to ensure train braking system meets functional specifications

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

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

3Deal with identified faults

3.1 Identified faults are reported, rectified or isolated according to workplace procedures

3.2 Confirmation/verification to continue is determined as per workplace procedures

3.3 If required, detachment/uncoupling arrangements are made in accordance with operational requirements

4Record brake test faults or defects

4.1 Faults or defects found during brake tests are recorded and/or reported as per workplace procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Applicable minimum standards and approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations including codes of practice for manual handling

Brake systems, their components and their operation

Types of brake tests and their purpose

Diagnostic techniques

Communication protocols

Documentation requirements relating to brake testing

Procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when testing train braking system

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the testing of train braking system

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when testing train braking system

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions when testing train braking system in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Apply rail safety practices and regulations

Implement contingency plans for unplanned events

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

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

Assess brake system defects

Operate and adapt to differences in brakes and related equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competent performance of the following in a range of situations:

conducting pre-safety tasks prior to brake test

conducting all relevant brake tests

identifying possible faults and appropriate reporting and rectification/isolation procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Operations may be conducted :

in all weather conditions

by day or night

Movement status of rolling stock to be tested may include:

arriving

departing

stationary

Tests may include:

brake leakage test

power against brake test

air continuity test

modified brake test

train brake tests

Safety and protective equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

gloves

sunscreen

sunglasses

safety glasses

insect repellent

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radios

hand lamps

flags

safety devices

hearing protection

Relevant personnel may include:

train controller/signaller

train examiners

maintenance personnel

train crews

yard and other operational personnel

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may be known as:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Information/documents may include:

workplace procedures and instructions and job specification

brake instruction documentation

safeworking documentation

brake test certification

equipment operations manuals

conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

relevant Australian Standards

This unit contains employability skills.