1 Drive and monitor medium/heavy self-propelled on-track equipment

1.1 Authority is obtained from relevant personnel to travel vehicle in accordance with network owner procedures

1.2 Vehicle is driven in accordance with manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures

1.3 Vehicle handling techniques are applied to eliminate or minimise risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment

1.4 Vehicle is monitored to maintain optimum running conditions and identify faults, defects and inefficiencies

1.5 Appropriate action is taken in response to identified faults, defects and deficiencies to ensure safe operation of vehicle

2 Control and monitor medium/heavy self-propelled on-track equipment

2.1 Events and circumstances affecting planned running schedule are communicated to relevant personnel in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2 Instructions received from relevant personnel are interpreted and applied to ensure safe and effective control of the vehicle

2.3 Communications are maintained with relevant personnel during train journey in accordance with relevant safeworking systems, network requirements and organisational procedures

2.4 Instructions concerning vehicle operation are given to relevant personnel to ensure safe and efficient running

3 Respond to changed operating factors

3.1 Temporary signs and/or signals, hand signals and verbal movement commands are interpreted and followed, in accordance with safeworking systems, network owner requirements and organisational procedures

3.2 Hazardous/emergency situations are recognised and actions are taken in accordance with safeworking systems, network owner requirements and organisational procedures

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Completing required documentation

Procedures to be followed in emergencies

Relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) and environmental procedures and regulations

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

Use of communications equipment

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when assisting with train operations

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Modify activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

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

Read and interpret instructions, procedures and information relevant to vehicle operations

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

Work collaboratively with others when assisting with train operations

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

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 required knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and organisational procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

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

demonstrating correct management techniques

identifying typical faults or defects that may occur

using correct communication protocols when driving and monitoring on-track equipment

correctly responding to trackside signs and signals

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 organisational

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

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and

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

Method of assessment

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

Practical assessment must occur on a medium/heavy self-propelled on-track vehicle:

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.

Vehicles may include:

single medium/heavy self-propelled on-track equipment

vehicles coupled together

attached rolling stock

Medium/heavy self-propelled track vehicles may include:

rail crane

spot tamper

ballast regulator

inserter/remover (TR10)

track recorder

tamper

dynamic stabiliser

rail grinder

ballast cleaner

track layer

Track and road characteristics may include:

track and bridge limitations

speed limitations

gauge limitation

curves and gradients

curfews

location of signals and crossings

emergency cross-overs

Vehicle handling techniques may include:

brake operation

use of tractive effort

brake application and release

Relevant personnel can include:

network control officer

train controller

maintenance personnel

train crews

yard and other operational personnel

traffic officer

station staff

track protection officer

signaller

hand signaller

Temporary signs and/or signals may include:

speed restrictions

perway signs

flashing lights

strobe lights

railway track signals

crossing protection

flags

warning signs

Hazardous/emergency situations may include but are not limited to:

obstruction on track

track defects

unauthorised people on track

animals on track

crossings

signal failures

adverse weather conditions

chemical spill

fire beside track

derailments

Depending on the type of organisation concerned organisational procedures may be called:

standard operating procedures

company procedures

enterprise procedures

workplace procedures

established procedures

site procedures

Safety and personal protective equipment may include:

gloves

sunscreen and sunglasses

safety eye wear

safety headwear

safety footwear

flags

audible indicators

fire extinguishers

high visibility clothing

hearing protection

Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:

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

relevant Australian Standards and related requirements

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant sate/territory environmental legislation