The unit involves the application of operational principles; regulations; and safeworking codes, protocols and procedures to the controlling of rail traffic movement as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail industry.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Monitor status of current train plan

1.1 Train movements and associated activities are analysed to establish current situation

1.2 Proposed train movements and associated activities are identified to establish status of train plan in accordance with organisational procedures and policies

1.3 Train notices are checked for accuracy and adjustments made as required

1.4 Operational management system information is reviewed against observed status, and inconsistencies are corrected

2 Implement the daily working timetable

2.1 Train movements are prioritised and coordinated in accordance with organisational policies and procedures to ensure optimum and consistent running to schedules

2.2 Relevant information is communicated to internal and external customers

2.3 Planned and where applicable unplanned train movements and train notices are implemented in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3 Control rail traffic movement

3.1 Train movements are coordinated with other relevant personnel in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.2 Where applicable, surveillance and alarm systems are monitored to identify emergency situations

3.3 Signalling systems are operated and monitored to ensure safe movement of rail traffic

4 Communicate with rail safety workers

4.1 Communication with relevant rail safety workers is undertaken to ensure that they are informed of train movements, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.2 Alternative methods of communication are identified and used in the case of normal communication system malfunction

5 Communicate with stakeholders and customers

5.1 Communication with relevant stakeholders and customers is undertaken to ensure that they are informed of train movements, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

6 Implement contingency plans

6.1 Contingency plan to suit unplanned track works, disruption, system failure or fault is identified and implemented in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

6.2 Resources to respond to the contingency are arranged in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures

6.3 Required communications are established

6.4 Train plan or schedule is reviewed and adjusted in accordance with organisational requirements

6.5 Communication with internal and external customers is established and maintained as required

6.6 Operational management systems are updated to reflect changes resulting from the contingency

7 Update rail traffic movement documentation

7.1 Rail traffic movement documentation is compiled and recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

7.2 Rail traffic movement documentation is handed over when relieved and/or at the completion of shift in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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

Required knowledge:

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

Organisational procedures for the control and coordination of train operations

Signalling and control systems and operations

Local area knowledge

Restrictions relating to loads and conditions

Communication systems

Surveillance and alarm systems

Problems that may occur when controlling and coordinating rail traffic and related action that should be taken

Relevant documentation requirements

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others

Read, interpret and follow instructions, procedures and information relating to the control and coordination of rail traffic

Complete documentation and enter data relating to the control and coordination of rail traffic

Operate communication systems to required protocol

Use appropriate numeric functions when implementing the daily working timetable

Report and rectify within limits of own role problems, faults and malfunctions identified when controlling rail traffic in accordance with organisational procedures

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

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

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

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 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/or equipment, and/or

applicable documentation, including workplace 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:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

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.

Control of rail traffic movements may require the use of:

automated signalling systems

manual signalling systems

centralised train control (CTC)

written authority systems

token systems

Associated activities are those that may affect the movement of trains and may include:

track maintenance

signal maintenance

defective electrical systems

diversion and/or alternative routing of trains

track inspection

Events triggering the need for implementing contingency plans may include:

breakdowns

hazardous materials spills

track damage

adverse environmental events

collisions

injuries and fatalities

fires

electrical system faults

derailments

Communication systems may include:

radios

telephones

fax machines

computers

electronic, including email, intranet and internet

Rail safety workers may include:

train crew

track workers

contractors

other network controllers

signallers

network access supervisors

safeworking inspectors

Stakeholders and customers may include:

regulators

third-party operators

contractors

emergency services

passengers

customer services

media unit

state government

Traffic movement documentation may include:

train timetables

track possessions and work notices

incident and/or unplanned event reports

train graphs and/or diagrams

train notices

special train notices

weekly notices

safeworking documentation

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

relevant state or territory codes of practice and safeworking system requirements

relevant state and territory legislation relating to:

environmental protection legislation

OH&S legislation

relevant Australian standards

relevant sections of Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code and regulations

This unit contains employability skills.