1 Take up lookout position

1.1 Danger zone is safely accessed in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2 Location of lookout position is confirmed in accordance with workplace procedures

1.3 Sighting distance of rail traffic is calculated in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 Unsafe and/or ineffective lookout positions are identified and reported in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5 Audible warning equipment is tested if utilised

1.6 Changed local conditions are identified

1.7 Effectiveness of lookout placement and method of communicating rail traffic movements is tested and confirmed

2 Conduct lookout duties

2.1 Vigilance is maintained at all times

2.2 Approach of rail traffic is communicated using agreed methodology in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3 Hand signals are used in accordance with workplace procedures to confirm safe conditions to rail traffic

3 Take action in unsafe situations or emergencies

3.1 Unsafe situations and/or emergencies are identified, and appropriate action is taken to minimise risk in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2 Emergencies and incidents are recorded and reported to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace procedures

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

Required knowledge:

Access Provider policies, procedures and protocols for identified unsafe situations or emergencies within workplace role

Access Provider rules, procedures and protocols

Access Provider rules and procedures for working around electrical infrastructure

Audible warning equipment and its use

Rail terminology as defined by the applicable Access Provider

Required skills:

Apply fatigue management skills as they relate to the work role

Communicate effectively with individuals and work groups

Follow workplace policies, procedures and protocols

Identify unsafe situations and emergencies

Use personal protective equipment conforming to Access Provider requirements

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 workplace rules and procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Compliance with worksite protection plan

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

identifying unsafe and ineffective lookout positions

taking up lookout position that enables effective communication of rail traffic movements

appropriate use of audible warning devices

appropriate use of hand signals to communicate with rail traffic crew

taking appropriate action in an unsafe situation and/or emergency

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 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 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.

Worksites may include:

rail corridor

danger zone:

running line

parallel networks (adjacent access providers, shared corridor)

adjacent lines

sidings/yards

platforms/buildings

structures

Terminology used will be:

as defined by the Access Provider

Work may occur:

under varied visibility conditions

Worksite protection plan will be:

as defined by workplace procedures

Safety assessment will be:

as defined within the workplace procedures

as defined in the safety assessment for work including:

view - line of sight

direction of approaching trains

speed of approaching trains

position of safety

changed local conditions

Communications may include:

receiving and passing on verbal messages/information

reporting unsafe situations and responding to emergencies

general safety and emergency messages

Communications equipment and systems may include:

hand signals

audible signals

Safety clothing and equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

protective footwear

hearing protection

Where applicable, worksite protection equipment may include:

warning devices, whistles and sirens

demarcation barriers

lights and flags

other devices

Information and documents may include:

workplace procedures, policies and work instructions

worksite safety plan

emergency plan

pre-work briefing and worksite protection plan

Unsafe situations may include:

risks to the individual

risks to other workers

risks to the public

risks to trains

risks to the physical assets of the network

Audible warning equipment may include:

horn

whistle