The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to:

receive information on status of traffic movements and occurrences

confirm status of traffic movements

operate communication systems to provide advice to personnel

demonstrate procedures for controlling train movements

apply procedure to calculate efficient loads

maintain workplace records

prepare for and conduct handover

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

Transport system and associated information and communication systems and equipment

Relevant codes of practice and industry standards

Workplace information required to determine and monitor safe traffic movements on the cane transport network. This includes provision of a traffic schedule against which to assess, adjust and monitor work progress against schedule

Operating procedures related to work responsibilities

Housekeeping standards and procedures

Workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures

Method of assessment

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

receive information on status of all traffic movements and occurrences on the cane rail network

confirm status of traffic movements including location of all trains and maintenance crews

operate communication system to provide relevant, timely instructions and advice to all relevant personnel including factory, transportation personnel, farmers and harvester operators

demonstrate procedures for controlling train movements including issuing clearances, arranging and co-ordinating train crossings, arrivals and departures

apply procedure to calculate efficient loads within equipment capacities and rail system tolerances

use systems and tools such as mimic boards, control sheets and train graphs to monitor and maintain safe operations and schedules

maintain workplace records in a timely manner so they reflect up-to-date information including the use of mimic boards

prepare for and conduct handover including ensuring that all records are accurate and updated and that incoming traffic controllers are aware of traffic system status including hazards or incidents

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

relevant state OHS legislation, standards and industry codes of practice relating to work responsibilities

safe work procedures including awareness of health and safety hazards related to work responsibilities and associated control measures

factors that impact on the scheduling of traffic movements including an understanding of the relationship between these factors

procedures for co-ordinating locomotive and/or truck departures/arrivals and train crossings

procedures for recording information including operating procedures for using mimic boards and physical records such as control sheets

relevant personnel and factory departments to be notified of traffic movement instructions and advice including an understanding of the information relevant to each group/person

communication systems, protocols and standards when using 2-way radios and handheld transceivers

detailed information on maintaining mimic board information

awareness of conditions that are unusual or unplanned and related options for response including an understanding of implications of different options for maintaining safe and efficient traffic movement

factors that impact on efficient performance including:

labour

crib breaks

holding locos

waiting time (last bin)

fuel use

loads

scheduled cleaning and programmed maintenance

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Policies and procedures

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements.

Codes of Practice

Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice and sugar industry codes of practice related to cane railway and transport operations.

Workplace information

Workplace information can include:

master schedule

daily schedule

bin allotments

mill crushing rate

harvesting roster

train running slips

maintenance advice

Network systems

Network systems can include

block sections and check points

multiple trains in block

mimic board

train graphs

control sheets.

Traffic movement information

This is done at commencement of shift and may include use of verbal advice, log books, incident reports, mimic boards and related documentation.

Factors impacting on traffic scheduling

Factors can include:

mill status and current crush rate

next planned mill stop

timing of crib breaks

availability of empty bins, taking into account mixed bin fleet if appropriate

availability of full-yard space

availability of empty-yard space

contractor/harvester rates

siding status

track infrastructure condition

rolling stock condition

transport schedule amendments

Workplace information

Information provided includes

instructions

running information including schedule changes for pickups and deliveries

maintenance status including location of non-operational locomotives and damaged bins

other hazards and all other information affecting cane transportation operations

Teamwork

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment.

Communication methods

Communication methods include use of two-way radios used in accordance with workplace requirements and state authority protocols.