This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist with the preparation of a train prior to operation in accordance with organisational procedures, and the requirements of relevant safeworking rules and codes of practice.

It includes preparing for and implementing the prescribed pre-departure checks, completing required train documentation and confirming the train can proceed.

People achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements and to comply with relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines.

Work is performed in conjunction with a train driver. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures when preparing for train operations, as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENT S 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Prepare for pre-departure checks 

1.1

Required checks and relevant procedures and standards are identified

1.2

Purpose of the journey and activities to be undertaken are identified

1.3

Constraints and special instructions that may apply for the journey are identified

1.4

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and risk control measures are implemented

1.5

Documentation is read to identify and confirm consist, attach/detach information and characteristics of the train

2 

Implement pre-departure checks 

2.1

Train, or relevant portion of the train, is checked to ensure that rolling stock is coupled and sequenced correctly

2.2

Rolling stock is checked to ensure it is fit for operation in accordance with regulatory requirements and organisational procedures

2.3

Assistance is provided when train braking systems are tested to ensure they are operating effectively

2.4

Visual inspection is conducted to identify obvious faults or defects that would prevent safe transit

2.5

Action is taken within limits of own role to rectify faults and ensure minimum delay to planned running schedule

2.6

Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are followed to prevent injury and damage

3 

Confirm train can proceed 

3.1

Documentation is completed after checking rolling stock and train equipment in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2

Relevant personnel are promptly advised of the result of completed checks

3.3

Authority to proceed relevant to the operational situation is obtained and followed

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying relevant workplace procedures
• carrying out all pre-departure checks in accordance with workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others when preparing a train for operation
• identifying job hazards and taking required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• identifying typical faults and defects for the type of rolling stock being operated
• implementing contingency plans
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting and rectifying within limits of own role identified problems, faults and malfunctions, in accordance with workplace procedures
• testing braking systems in accordance with workplace procedures
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements and relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines
• contingency management processes
• emergency procedures
• pre-departure train testing procedures
• procedures for preparing a train for operation
• relevant methods to overcome identified faults and defects
• relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental procedures and regulations
• safeworking systems and requirements
• train characteristics and specifications
• train coupling equipment and methods
• train preparation documentation procedures.