This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform to a given schedule rail traction switching operations in the electricity supply industry (ESI).

It includes operating circuit breaking and isolation devices associated with energy reticulation systems/networks and applying to rail systems in field situations. It also includes procedures for communicating with the switching control officer or electrical control officer, isolating electrical equipment and the line/network or worksite, proving the area is de-energised and earthed or rail-connected, issuing/accepting or holding of electrical permits and returning affected circuits to service.

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence/registration to practice in the workplace.

Other conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements which must be confirmed prior to commencing this unit.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for rail traction switching operations to a given schedule

1.1

Work schedules, construction plans, drawings, workplace procedures and material lists are received and confirmed

1.2

Job requirements and workplace procedures are identified and communicated with relevant personnel

1.3

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental and workplace procedures for rail traction switching operations to a given schedule are obtained and confirmed for the purposes of the work to be performed

1.4

Work is prioritised and sequenced for completion within acceptable timeframes following consultation with relevant personnel and in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5

Hazards are identified, WHS/OHS risks assessed and control measures identified in accordance with workplace procedures

1.6

Relevant work permits are obtained to access rail corridor and perform work in accordance with job requirements and/or workplace procedures

1.7

Plant, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for work is identified, obtained and confirmed in working order

1.8

Liaison and communication issues with authorised personnel, authorities, clients and land owners are resolved to perform work, as required

1.9

Modifications to the scheduled which may be required after assessing the worksite is communicated to appropriate personnel for formal approval

1.10

Worksite is prepared to minimise risk, damage to property, assets and individuals in accordance with track protection officer and/or network control officer and workplace procedures

1.11

Personnel participating in work are fully briefed and responsibilities confirmed in accordance with workplace procedures

1.12

Traffic management plan is identified and implemented in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Carry out rail traction switching operations to a given schedule

2.1

WHS/OHS, sustainable energy and environmental principles and practices are monitored and followed to reduce incidents in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2

Requirements for lifting and/or climbing and/or working at heights and the use of power tools/equipment are followed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3

Switching of rail traction operations are completed in agreed timeframes, to quality standards and with minimum waste in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Communications with switching control officer are established and maintained during isolation operation in accordance with workplace procedures

2.5

Electrical equipment, associated circuits, line/network or worksite is isolated and proven de-energised using appropriate testing devices and earthed or rail connected, where required, in accordance with requirements and workplace procedures

2.6

Solutions used to solve problems are applied in accordance with workplace procedures

2.7

Quality checks of work are undertaken in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Complete rail traction switching operations to a given schedule

3.1

Completed work is checked against work schedule, construction plans and drawings for compliance and anomalies are reported in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

WHS/OHS and environmental incidents are reported in accordance with workplace procedures, as required

3.3

Worksite is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

Tools, equipment and surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5

Relevant work permits are signed off, safety devices removed, and the system made ready to be re-energised and returned to service in accordance with workplace procedures

3.6

Work completion records, reports, as installed modified drawings, documentation and information are finalised, processed and relevant personnel and authorities notified

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Rail Traction