Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare for operation

1.1 Participate in shift handover process to identify status and occurrences affecting traffic control

1.2 Confirm status of traffic activities on the cane railway network and in the empty and full yards

1.3 Establish communication with drivers, crews and other relevant personnel

1.4 Housekeeping standards are maintained

2 Implement schedule

2.1 Train movement instructions are issued to maintain safe operations

2.2 The communication system is used to provide timely information to relevant personnel

3 Issue train clearances to maintain train separation

3.1 Clearance instructions are issued

3.2 Point-to-point clearances are issued

4 Maintain train separation

4.1 Access to the rail network is controlled, including access by drivers, navvies, contractors, harvesting crews and other third parties

4.2 Train passing is arranged and co-ordinated in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3 Transportation movements are managed using rail network procedures and systems

5 Maintain efficient running

5.1 Transport departures and arrivals are co-ordinated and adjusted

5.2 Train running times are monitored and opportunities to improve efficiency are identified and acted upon

5.3 Train loads are maximized within load limits

5.4 Train passing is managed to minimize delays and maintain safe operations

5.5 Overall operating efficiencies are monitored and optimised

6 Complete traffic control operations

6.1 Train movements and related workplace information is recorded according to workplace recording requirements

6.2 Recording systems and advice reflects accurate information at the time of handover

6.3 Handover is carried out according to workplace procedure

6.4 Traffic controllers are aware of system and related equipment status at completion of handover

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 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.

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.