Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 Operate motive power unit  

1.1 Motive power unit is operated at low speed within the defined limits of operation

1.2 Motive power unit handling techniques are interpreted and applied to eliminate or minimise risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment and/or rolling stock

1.3 Acceleration and braking techniques are applied safely to take into account track, road and weather conditions within the defined limits of operation

1.4 Motive power unit is moved in a way that ensures all rolling stock is positioned safely in accordance with relevant codes of practice, yard or siding operating systems and related requirements

2 Work collaboratively with relevant personnel 

2.1 Safe operation of the motive power unit is maintained in collaboration with other relevant workplace personnel in accordance with operational requirements of the defined limits

3 Communicate with other personnel 

3.1 Constant communication is maintained with other relevant personnel when operating a motive power unit within the defined limits in accordance with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

3.2 Other relevant personnel are advised of any changed/degraded conditions and/or emergency situations that may arise when operating a motive power unit within defined limits

3.3 Directions provided by relevant personnel to the limited operation of the motive power unit are interpreted and applied to driving activities in accordance with workplace procedures and applicable regulatory requirements

4 Follow all applicable rail regulatory requirements 

4.1 Rail regulatory requirements applicable to operating a motive power unit within the defined limits of the track or road concerned are accessed, interpreted, clarified where necessary and applied

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge: 

• Local procedures and operating requirements

• Motive power unit controls, instruments and indicators and their purpose, location and use

• Personal protective equipment required when operating a motive power unit within the defined limits and procedures for its use

• Procedures for managing safety and hazardous situations that may arise when operating and monitoring a motive power unit within the defined limits

• Procedures for operating and monitoring a motive power unit within defined limits

• Procedures for operating and monitoring ancillary equipment on a motive power unit

• Procedures for operating electronic communications equipment within required protocol

• Procedures to be followed in an emergency when operating a motive power unit within the defined limits

• Relevant rail safety, OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

• Requirements for communicating and working collaboratively with other relevant personnel

• Speed and load limits for a motive power unit within the defined limits

Required skills: 

• Adapt to differences in motive power units and associated equipment and procedures

• Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist when operating and monitoring a motive power unit within the defined limits

• Communicate effectively with others when operating and monitoring a motive power unit within the defined limits

• Identify and assess motive power unit defects and deficiencies, and take appropriate action to report, isolate, repair or replace any identified defective equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

• Modify activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to operating and monitoring a motive power unit within the defined limits

• Select and use required personal protective clothing and equipment, conforming to industry and OH&S standards

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

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

• The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

• the required knowledge and skills
• relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Motive power units may include all motive power units in service within Australian rail systems and may include:

• diesel locomotives
• electric locomotives
• railcars

Defined limits may include:

• yards
• terminals
• private sidings

Motive power equipment may include:

• auxiliary systems
• automatic control systems
• braking systems
• drive systems
• instrumentation
• manual controls
• communication systems
• warning equipment
• power source
• vigilance systems
• traction systems
• head and marker lights

Relevant personnel may include:

• train crew
• train controllers and signallers
• rostering supervisors and staff
• depot coordinators
• yard masters, supervisors and other operational personnel
• service delivery supervisors
• station yard staff
• maintenance and cleaning personnel
• immediate internal or external customers

Action taken upon the identification of faults, defects or deficiencies may include:

• reporting the problem and carrying out repairs (depending on the level and extent of work required)
• isolating and tagging the faulty equipment and advising appropriate personnel of the fault and need for repair or replacement

Depending on the organisation, concerned organisational procedures may be known as:

• standard operating procedures
• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• workplace procedures
• established procedures

Safety and personal protective equipment may include:

• gloves
• sunscreen
• safety glasses
• insect repellent
• safety headwear and footwear
• two-way radios
• mobile phones
• hand lamps
• safety devices
• audible indicators
• high visibility clothing
• hearing protection

Information and documents may include:

• motive power unit operational records and user logbooks
• maintenance notices, records and requests
• preparation sheets certificates and service dockets
• emergency procedures manual

Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:

• legislated rail safety requirements including Acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
• relevant Australian Standards and related requirements
• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
• relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation