This unit involves applying routine operational principles and procedures when operating minor equipment on track as part of workplace activities across a variety of rail operational contexts.

Persons achieving competence in this unit will need to meet organisational requirements to operate each individual piece of equipment.

Operators may need to have fulfilled licence and/or certification requirements for the type of equipment being used.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Perform pre-operational equipment checks

1.1 Detailed pre-operational equipment checks are conducted according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

1.2 Log books are checked and completed in accordance with organisational requirements and manufacturer specifications

1.3 Problems with equipment are identified and rectified in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 Identified problems are reported and documented in accordance with organisational procedures

2 Obtain approval to place on track

2.1 Protection officer or person in charge of work (PICOW) is contacted to obtain approval to place minor equipment on track, and move to designated track at nominated location in accordance with organisational procedures

3 Prepare, operate and monitor minor equipment on track

3.1 Equipment is travelled to worksite or nominated signal/yard location

3.2 Equipment is prepared for work

3.3 Equipment is operated in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with the relevant codes of practice, safeworking systems, and manufacturer’s and organisational procedures

3.4 Equipment is operated to meet organisational standards and specifications

3.5 Warning systems are monitored and responded to appropriately during operation

4 Remove equipment from track

4.1 Approval is requested from the protection officer or PICOW to direct when and where to off track equipment

4.2 Equipment is propelled to nominated off-track location

4.3 Protection officer or PICOW is contacted and informed that all equipment is off-tracked

4.4 Equipment is left stored in appropriate manner and location to ensure its security and protection

5 Perform post- operational equipment procedures

5.1 Post-operational equipment checks are conducted according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures to identify defects and maintenance requirements

5.2 Identified problems are reported in accordance with organisational procedures

5.3 Post-operating service schedule is performed according to organisational procedures

6 Complete documentation

6.1 Log books are checked and completed accurately

6.2 Required documentation is completed in an accurate manner in accordance with organisational procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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

Required knowledge:

Relevant legislated rail safety requirements, including acts and regulations from each applicable state or territory

Relevant OH&S, equal employment opportunity and environmental procedures and regulations

Organisational procedures for the operation of minor track equipment

Problems that may occur when operating minor track equipment, and action that can be taken to report or resolve them

Hazards that may exist when operating minor track equipment, and ways of controlling the risks involved

Basic knowledge of track structure and geometry where applicable

Problems that can occur on minor track equipment and related action that should be taken

Organisational emergency procedures with regard to operating minor track equipment

Separation distances

Work on-track rules and regulations overview

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when operating light on-track equipment

Follow operational instructions

Complete documentation relating to work activities

Follow work instructions

Use appropriate numeric functions when operating light on-track equipment

Work collaboratively with others when operating light on-track equipment

Report and rectify within limits of own role identified problems, faults and malfunctions when operating minor track equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement prepared contingency plans for unexpected events when operating minor equipment on track

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate potential hazards during work activities

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

Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

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

Select and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) 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

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

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.

Minor track equipment may include:

dog pullers

spike drivers

ballast scarifiers

multi-spindle borers

small sleeper spacers

dog screw setters/drivers

power track jacks

various fastening applicators

joint lifters

rail-mounted compressor

Liaison may include:

protection officer

PICOW

fellow workers

Communication systems may include:

two-way radios

radio headsets

telephones, including mobile phones

agreed audible or hand signals

Depending on work context, safety and personal protective equipment may include:

high visibility clothing

hearing protection

gloves

sunscreen

safety glasses

insect repellent

safety headwear

safety footwear

portable radios and mobile phones

hand lamps

flags

safety devices

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

company procedures

enterprise procedures

workplace procedures

established procedures

Information and documents may include:

relevant legislated rail safety requirements, including acts and regulations from each applicable state or territory

operational instructions

organisational policies and procedures

relevant log and/or record book

maintenance notices, records and requests

local authority regulations and procedures

technical instructions

manufacturer’s or workplace equipment instructions and operation manuals

emergency procedure manuals

two-way radio and mobile telephone operation procedures

quality assurance (QA) plans, data and document control

legislation and industrial agreements, including workplace agreements and awards

This unit contains employability skills.