This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist in testing heritage train braking systems, in accordance with organisational procedures and the requirements of relevant safeworking regulations and codes of practice.

It includes assisting with locomotive brake testing, train brake examination and releasing handbrake.

This unit is intended for people who will be assisting with testing brake systems on steam and/or heritage locomotives and trains under the direction of the driver.

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 

Assist with locomotive brake testing 

1.1

Under the direction of the driver, the application of the locomotive brake is observed to ensure it is within operational parameters

1.2

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, codes of practice, policies and procedures are identified and followed

1.3

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

1.4

Work area is made safe for testing by ensuring locomotive is isolated and secured in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5

Problems, faults or malfunctions are identified, responded to and/or reported in accordance with workplace procedures

2 

Assist with train brake examination 

2.1

Under the direction of the driver, train brake is applied in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2

Under the direction of the driver, train brake is released in accordance with organisational procedures

3 

Apply and release handbrake 

3.1

Under the direction of the driver, handbrake is applied in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2

Under the direction of the driver, handbrake is released in accordance with organisational procedures

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 and removing handbrakes and brakes on a heritage locomotive
• applying relevant safeworking system and workplace procedures
• assisting the driver with a heritage train brake test
• communicating effectively with the train driver
• identifying job hazards and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• interpreting and following operational instructions
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with organisational procedures
• working collaboratively with the driver when testing heritage locomotive and train braking systems.

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, relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines
• brake systems, their components and their operation
• procedures to test heritage train brake systems
• relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) operational procedures and regulations
• types of brake tests and their purpose
• when it is applicable to release train brake.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Practical assessment must occur in an appropriate range of situations in the rail corridor workplace.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, rail industry standards, codes of practice and operation manuals.