The unit involves applying the access provider’s policies, procedures and protocols related to rail safety requirements to all activities in the rail corridor.

Activities are performed using established procedures, with accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving the prescribed outcomes within the limits of responsibility of the person concerned.

This unit applies to all persons accessing the rail corridor and those who may need to enter the danger zone.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Take appropriate safety precautions to access the rail corridor

1.1 Authority to enter the rail corridor is confirmed

1.2 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn consistent with role in accessing the rail system, including the rail corridor

1.3 Rail corridor is visually assessed to determine if it can be accessed clear of the danger zone

1.4 Rail corridor is entered and a visual assessment is maintained to identify potential risks

2 Take appropriate safety precautions to access the danger zone

2.1 A line of sight is established

2.2 Direction of approaching trains and maximum speed are determined

2.3 A safe place is identified

2.3 Types of warning provided are recognised and understood

2.4 Situational awareness is maintained to identify changed local conditions

2.5 Communication with other personnel is maintained in accordance with workplace procedures

2.6 Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified, and appropriate action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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

Required knowledge:

Extent of rail corridor

Access provider’s defined entry requirements and limitations

Basic rail terminology as defined by the applicable network

Access provider’s policies, procedures and protocols, including those in the event of identified unsafe situations or emergencies within the limits of the role being undertaken

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with individuals and groups

Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols

Recognise hazards that may arise and take appropriate action

Conduct a situational awareness assessment

Use PPE conforming to required 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

compliance with site safety plans, OH&S regulations and other regulatory requirements

Assessment must include exercises that demonstrate competent performance of the following:

safely accessing the rail corridor

recognising the danger zone

identifying position of safety and safe place

maintaining a situational awareness to identify potential risks

identifying unsafe situations in the rail system

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated in a suitable context

Resources for assessment include:

relevant exercises and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments, and/or

access to an appropriate relevant location in the rail corridor

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

applicable documentation, including procedures, regulations and codes of practice

Method of assessment

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 a rail corridor

RANGE STATEMENT

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

Rail corridor may include:

danger zone

main line

adjacent networks

adjacent lines

sidings and/or yards

platforms and/or buildings

structures

safe places

Access provider may also be known as:

network owner

Terminology may be as defined by:

national rail body

access provider

Situational awareness will be:

as defined within the workplace procedures and instructions

as defined in the risk assessment for situational awareness, including:

view and line of sight

direction of approaching trains

maximum speed of trains

safe places

changed local conditions

Communication may include:

give or receive verbal messages and information, including emergency messages and general safety messages

report unsafe situations

respond to emergencies

Communications equipment and systems may include:

hand signals

audible signals

Safety clothing and equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

protective footwear

hearing protection

eye protection

gloves

head protection

Information and documents may include:

workplace procedures, policies and work instructions

site safety plan

emergency plan

safety briefing

emergency contact details

access contact details

Unsafe situations may include:

risks to:

individual

public

rail traffic

physical assets of the network

This unit contains employability skills.